On 7/12/07, Erik Moeller <erik(a)wikimedia.org> wrote:
As co-author of the Foundation's licensing policy,
it was my intention
to ensure that WMF projects have the freedom and flexibility to draft
a fair use policy or similar "exemption doctrine policy" in line with
established practices and beliefs of a given community. For example, I
have no problem with fair use pictures being used to identify
contemporary works where a free content image is not available. But I
think the decision needs to be made by the community as a whole.
If no consensus can be found, rather than asking the WMF Board to make
a final decision, how about organizing a community poll on the
different options?
I guarantee you that no consensus will evolve. There has been
massive contention on virtually every aspect of fair use issues
on en.wikipedia. In no way can the enormity of the debates
be overstated.
If you expect en.wikipedia to come into compliance with the
resolution on licensing policy, more will be needed.
I fully recognize that the role of the foundation is not to get to
the level of granularity of individual projects. Nevertheless, I am
asking for help. We need clearer direction, with a considerably
clearer bright line on what is and what is not acceptable use.
-Durin