Copyright & Creative Commons
Why copyright?
Let’s have a little discussion.
Definitions
Copyright
Anything created in any form (e.g. text, music, video, image) is automatically protected under copyright law—whether the creator wanted it protected or not! Copyright law restricts others’ abilities to use, display, or share that creation.
Public Domain
Something that has passed out of copyright protection. For example, Mozart’s symphonies, which are old enough to no longer be copyrighted (although a particular performance of them might be!).
Creative Commons
The alternative to blanket copyright protection. If a creator wants to give more freedom to how people use his/her material, they can license it as creative commons.
Resources
How do I cite other’s work?