2009 NTC Preview: Brian Rowe on Fair Use and User Generated Content
When someone posts a positive comment on your blog, can you use it in your fundraising materials? Can you edit the videos your supporters created for your video contest into something entirely new? How much of the New York Times technology blog can you quote on your own site?
The world of technology is changing so quickly, the laws that govern intellectual property can barely keep up. There's more content than ever before -- and more confusion about how we can use it.
Brian Rowe has put together a great panel at the 2009 NTC, "Fair Use, User Generated Content, Terms of Service and the DMCA Safe Harbor Act". I'll be the first to admit that intellectual property law sounds like it could replace the Tylenol PM in my travel bag. But the bottom line is, if you're working in social media, you can't afford to miss this session.
I talked to Brian about the kinds of practical, hands-on info folks will get out of the session:
For the record, I actually find this stuff fascinating. Brian spent last summer working with Creative Commons, who do some fantastic work on the issue. We use Creative Commons to license all of our reports, etc.
Brian also recommends that you check out the Internet Archive while you're in San Francisco. I know what you're thinking: There's a real place to go see the old virtual world? Yes, there is. And it's situated in the Presidio, one of the prettiest places in the city.
