4 hours ago
- Creative Commons (CC) licenses provide standardized, plain-language permissions for using copyrighted works, reducing the need for expensive legal contracts.
- Copyright has limitations and exceptions like fair use, first sale, and de minimis use, which allow certain uses without permission from rightsholders.
- The author argues that seeking permission for uses already covered by CC licenses or copyright exceptions wastes time and reinforces a culture of timidity.
- Many trivial or non-commercial uses of copyrighted works are unlikely to be discovered or litigated, so asking permission is often unnecessary and counterproductive.
- The author's contracts with publishers prevent him from granting permission for certain uses, even if he personally approves, highlighting the complexity of copyright permissions.
- The blog post includes personal updates, links to articles, and an extensive list of upcoming and recent appearances, books, and colophon details.