[Wikipedia-l] Fair use (Alex, Brion et Tarquin)

[Erik Moeller]

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