Jimmy-
Brion Vibber wrote:
> And remember, folks, *no picture* is much better than a picture we can't
> redistribute. If you didn't make it with your own hands or scan it from
> a piece of paper older than 1924, and it doesn't have a "public
domain"
> or "GNU Free Documentation License" note on it, think twice.
I agree completely with this sentiment. I think we
should not be
pushing any boundaries with respect to fair use, because of the
redistribution issue.
The image use policy is fairly clear on which fair use is allowed and
generally discourages it. Bringing the fair use issue up again and again
on the mailing list and writing long winded messages why we shouldn't do
it only will generate fear, uncertainty and doubt about fair use in
general, and potentially triggers unproductive flamewars.
As a strong proponent of fair use rights, and as a believer in the
necessity of fair use on Wikipedia in certain cases (you won't get Don
Rumsfeld and Saddam Hussein to pose for another handshake), I do not think
this is the right approach. Instead, we should correct mistakes where they
occur and educate users about the limits.
The next time someone brings up fair use, please just point them to the
relevant pages on Wikipedia. These are [[Wikipedia:Copyrights]], [[fair
use]], [[copyright]], [[Wikipedia:Image use policy]].
Regards,
Erik