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|
 
 Everyone
is going to violate copyright law to some degree, you don't have to be
perfect. But you should be aware of what the actual copyright laws are,
and try to uphold them to the best of your ability.
Never
attempt to say that someone else's work is yours. If you can't make
your own work, that does NOT give you the right to take credit for someone
else's.
Just
becuase you give someone credit for something does NOT mean you have the
right to use it. You ONLY have the right to use something when the creator
gives you permission to do so. And only then and by his or her rules.
Be
creative. Try not to borrow too heavily from other work. We all "borrow",
but I think you know when your work is a blatant "take-off" of someone
else's. It's called plagarism. Having someone's work inspire a work of
your own is perfectly acceptable, that's how we often learn. But
try not to make it too excessive. Put yourself into your work.
Never
take OR modify someone else's work (be it drawings, text, html or
web designs). Modifying something does NOT make it your own. You
are violating copyrights and vandalizing someone's work.
Due
to some confusion:
The only exception to this would be modifications or use for parody, education or to illustrate a point. However use must be limited. This is covered under "fair use". If you are unsure on exactly what entails "fair use". Please see Myth #4 "Fair Use" on the 10 Big Myths of Copyright. Need an example of improper "modification"?*
*The three above images of "Demona" are from Disney's Gargoyles, an animated series. They are used without permission of the Walt Disney Company or Buena Vista Television. If you are curious, they are under fair use since they are being used to not only educate (about copyright law no less), but also used to illustrate a point in an article. |
