Can I use content from the posts people make on forums for my articles?

Just wanted to know whether or not it's okay to use content from posts made in forums? For example, if I belong to a horse forum and someone posts the steps they use to wash a horse, can I take that content and use it in an article?

 

If you didn't write it, you need permission to use it.

 

Thanks for your reply. Just wasn't sure about public forums but I guess if you follow that rule, it makes sense.

 

That is correct, but needs a little more clarification. There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking a concept or example that some gave, and then REWRTIING it.

I would be careful in taking exact wording, and the crediting the poster.

Personally, I have had even pieces from here appear on blogs. I do not mind, but others might have feel that was invading their right. So mjewel stating "If you didn't write it, you need permission to use it." is giving very proper advice.

When someone inspires an idea, go with it, but in your own wording. Punch the topic into Google if wanted, and get additional ideas you may have not thought of.

-------------------good luck---------

 

Thanks dyadvisor! That makes sense too. I don't think I'd ever copy word-for-word without quoting and getting permission. Learned that long time ago when writing papers/essays back in the high school days.

 

Also check the forum's terms of service to see who actually owns the posts. Some forums allow the poster to retain copyright and other forums claim the copyrights in exchange for providing the forum.

I agree with mjewel. Taking someone else's step by step instructions without permission and simply republishing or rewriting them is a no-no. A better approach would be to use forum posts as a starting point...along the lines of, "There was this great forum discussion the other day where people mentioned what they do to protect their horse's eyes when bathing their animals...the general consensus was that the best technique involves...did you know that horses can get terrible eye infections..." where you use a piece of the conversation as a launching point and add new ideas or information of your own.

 

That is excellent advice. Inspiration comes from everywhere whether it be forum posts that get you thinking about a good article idea or it be a title you see on a website that sounds like a great domain name. However like said before use it for your own idea building, never just copy and past. Besides its better to be original and unique anyway

 

If it isn't copywritten, legally, technically speaking, you can do it.

Is it the right thing to do? *shrugs shoulders* It's up to that person whether they think so or not. Hell, many don't care. It would irk me a little bit, but, this is the Internet. Sometimes ya just gotta say fuck it.

Just ask them. Or, give them credit. Show the link to that particular page that has the post. If they have other good posts, ask them to write up a series of pieces for you.

 

When you write something, it automatically has copyright protection. Giving credit does not grant permission to take something that isn't yours.

 

Technically, not everything. If I had a blog, on say, copyright, I could take what you just wrote on this board and put it in there.

Just ask the copyright office.

And, who can tell who wrote ANY piece first? Just like pictures, that poster may have gotten it somewhere else. And so on and so on....

On something like this, if it isn't copywritten, recorded, that is, one can do it.

But, to be a nice person, it is always best anyway to just ask the one who posted it.

It's also a good way to get even more good content.


Now, from what I wrote above, it would be laughable, at best, if I were to say, "You can't have these words. They are mine!"

 

Wrong. There is no need to register a copyright - it is automatic upon creation. There are many ways to prove who took a picture first, or where content first appeared (exif data, archives, etc). Registering a work does give you added protection, but it still doesn't prove you are the owner of the content. Rights do NOT automatically belong to the first person to register something. The law is simple - if you didn't create it, or obtain the rights, it isn't yours - period. Who cares if someone else took an image that you subsequently took - it is still theft.

 

Yes, we know it is automatic. But that also is laughable, at best. Because who knows who wrote that piece first.

You may have written a piece in your blog. I come along, take it, and put it in my blog. Now, who is to say who wrote it first? Sorry, "archives" and other minor things that I can do also, won't work.

To be fully protected, it has to be registered. And even then, it could be copied from somebody who DIDN'T register it first.

You think that Alexander Graham Bell was the first to invent the phone? Nope. He was just credited it for it because he got to the Patent office first. Now, just about everyone thinks he was the first to invent the blower.

Yes, there are SOME ways to prove who owns the original written piece and or picture, obviously, but just about all don't. THAT'S the point.

By the way, don't ever use my words. It is copywritten. ~

 

So you're point is - that it is ok to steal something because the chance of getting caught are slim. Nice. btw, the correct term is copyrighted, not copywritten.

 

I told him, several times, that it is best to contact the person who wrote it. ... That it would be "nice."

Pay attention.



BTW, the term doesn't matter, either way. And if you have to fall back on that, please, give it a rest. Let's keep this thread civil, and, on FACTS.

And my words from posts 8, 10 , 12 and 14 are mine! ... Nobody takes them!

lol Sorry, couldn't resist.

slowrider, if you want to take that post, go ahead. But, do the right thing.

"Barney Miller" is on. See ya.

 

LOL! I promise not to take anyone's words from this thread. hee hee

 

MJewel's advice is sound, Slowrider.

One thing worth considering is that most forums make you agree to T&Cs when you sign up. They may make you agree that anything you upload to their forum belongs to them, they may make you agree to give them a 'license' to freely use anything you post, that kind of thing.

So basically, look at the Terms for the particular forum. There may be a catch all that gives you rights to reuse (although it really isn't common). Many forums/public arenas leave the copyright with the poster, and that is why, of course, things like Yahoo Answers gets scraped so much (the copyright belongs to the contributors, and no one really expects to be chased for repeating a 3 sentences 'answer'). Not sure whether that is still the case, but it used to be, explaining why tools such as caffeinated content etc loved it so much. As Mjewel says, a low chance of 'getting caught' doesn't make it right.

 

You could but it's a waste of time. Google checks for duplicate content and will penalize your websites position in the serps if they catch you using duplicate content.

 

While this is essentially true, it depends on a lot of factors. How much of the content is unique?(over 70% then it will not get penalized) In which way was it used. When referring to the source, chances are good Google will again not penalize.

If you blatantly copy and paste, you are sure to get penalized(And possibly blacklisted).

 

IF you want to Quote someone's post on forums you can copy it by writing the source and link to that post.
If you want to write a big article with some people's opinions from forums, you should rewrite them.

 

ask permission first, then do not copy as is, i suggest you re-write it and add your own ideas or get other ideas to make it yours.