Hi Gayle,

I have read the recent topical and extremely relevant discussions on
copyright with interest: I think the point you are making here takes raises
whether MUSEUM L is a reference source or a online debating forum: I am sure
the answer is "both"....

On all the listservs I belong to (quite a number) "what goes around comes
around" and I actually find that extremely healthy, not frustrating at all.
Whilst I agree that this can be frustrating for "older members" who are
thinking "Oh no, not this again", for newcomers like me, it is useful to see
current issues being discussed at any time, no doubt with new
perspectives/expertise from more recent members that may not have
participated in earlier debates. Especially as a UK member, what may seem
obvious to you guys, may not be obvious to me at all and that's a valuable
perspective.

I agree it makes sense to use the 'accumlated wisdom' contained in the
archives but at the same time I see this as a vibrant "lets talk about it
now" listserv where you can ask a quick question and get quick responses: I
frankly don't always have the time to spend doing a detailed seach
especially when this pre-assumes you know exactly where to look/what to look
for/correct terminology etc.

I was also interested in your comment that:  "copyright issues stay
relatively stagnant". In the USA this may be the case, but in the UK it
could not be more different: interpretation of copyright, especially for
museums, is a minefield and under constant discussion and review. One only
has to read the newspapers to see the number of copyright disputes at any
one time on 2D and 3D art, the performing arts, etc. I would therefore
prefer to use the term "debating" than "arguing" in the discussions here and
also recommend a degree of patience: on any topic discussed there will be
those who know a lot about it and those who know little: one of the benefits
of discussion it that it brings everyone up the same level on the 'playing
field'.

I like you idea about FAQ's, but that sounds like a full time job to me!

Best Wishes,

Jerry


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Gayle" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, January 04, 2008 3:36 PM
Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Fair use and copyright question


> There are two topics that persistently revolve around
> this list.  One has to do with software choices, and
> the other has to do with copyright.  Both have been
> extensively discussed on list, and there is a wealth
> of information available in the archives (the link to
> the archives can be found by following the FAQ at the
> bottom of every post).
>
> While software is frequently changed, revised,
> updated, copyright issues stay relatively stagnant.
> Enhancements in copyright law, except, perhaps, as
> they apply to internet applications, are much slower
> to change.
>
> Before posting on either topic, my suggestion is that
> those who have concerns first check the archives and
> read what has already been posted and/or resolved.
>
> It just blows my mind that people who have been on the
> list for a long period of time are arguing with others
> about what constitutes the correct application of
> copyright when the matter has been so fervently
> discussed--sometimes heatedly.
>
> Of course you can talk about anything you want, but
> why reinvent the wheel when the pattern, history, and
> many ready-to-use models are at your finger tips if
> only you search.  You could wind up typing less, but
> you may need to read a little more before posting any
> follow-ups for unresolved issues.
>
> I just wish someone would create a FAQ for frequently
> asked questions for this list that either consolidates
> the answers or gives the message numbers, dates,
> and/or names of posters for folks to use as search
> clues.
>
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=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).