The advent of the read/write web (or Web 2.0 as it’s also called), has created an insatiable need for content. With web sites easy to create with blogs, podcasting and vodcasting cheap and simple to set up, photo sharing and other social networking sites based on sharing resources — the need to protect artists and end users has created a demand for more freedom and more protection.
Creative commons aims to provide both by allowing artists to share their work under conditions of their choosing. These include one or a combination of:
Attribution – whereby you can use a work but must attribute it to the creator.
Non-commercial – you can copy, distribute, display, and perform a work — and create derivative works based upon it provided you aren’t using it for a commerical purpose.
No derivatives – you can use the work in its original form only.
Share alike – you can create a derivative from the work only providing you let others create a derivative of the work you produce.
Please note that these apply to audio, video, images, text and educational materials. Software has its own set of rules, but it’s typically a lot clearer to figure you whether you are using software legally or not.
The
Creative Commons web site includes more in-depth information on the licensing available plus a search of Google, Yahoo!, Flickr and bliptv for resources you can use in your classroom, presentations, reports, podcasts, video productions, etc.
In Australia, artists retain copyright by default – whether or not a copyright statement is present.
For more information on copyright for Australians, here are two more sites worth checking out:
Copyright Agency Limited (CAL) is a not for profit organisation that acts as a non exclusive agent for creatives to educational institutions, governments and businesses.
Copyright Kitchen is a resource created by the
Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework) for vocational and technical education professionals.
October 2nd, 2006 | 
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