The article entitled "Cooks Source" concerns Cook's Magazine's unauthorized use of an article posted by web-author and blogger Monica Gaudio. Ms. Gaudio asked the editor, Judith Griggs for an apology and a $130 donation to the Columbia School of Journalism. Unfortunately what Monica received instead was a nasty reply from the editor.
Legally, Cook's Magazine did have the right to utilize Monica's article because she had not placed a copy right registration on her piece. Morally, Cook's Magazine erred in the use of the article without the permission of the author.
When the legislative bodies rule that a law is legal is does not mean that it is morally correct. A great example of the legal versus moral value issue that divides many people in our country is abortion. Some religions believe that it morally wrong to perform this act, however the law allows this procedure.
Great comment in your last paragraph. Huge issue. Just because it is law doesn't mean it is morally right. Big controversy...
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ReplyDeleteI appreciate your nod to abortion as a HUGE example of where US citizens are divided on what is moral, but not on what is legal.
ReplyDeleteInteresting perspective. I assert that once something is posted, it still is owned by the author whether it has a copyright or not.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Todd. I think that once an idea is expressed and there is a clear link that you are responsible for those ideas they are yours forever. Even content in the public domain is still the products of Homer, Sophocles, Shakespeare, etc. No one else can take credit for them, which is where Cooks went wrong.
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