I think the difference in those cases would be between "rewriting" and "adaptations" of an idea. Remember... the idea itself can't be copyrighted, which is why you'll always find stories with the same themes and similar plotlines... it's all in how it's written. So something completely unique writing-wise wouldn't be at issue copyright-wise with another piece, just because of a similar theme.
Can anybody explain what is a license file? And how it is written? If some body can provide a sample, that would be great. Thanks a lot for every body who chipped in with their valuable suggestions.
I didn't make up the 100% statement, the U.S. Copyright Office did. To piggyback Jenn's post...Reading something, taking the main idea, and writing your own piece of work based on that idea isn't a copyright violation as what you write on that idea comes from your own thoughts, not the other person's paper. Reading something and then rewording to create a "new" work is entirely different. When rewriting is simply rewording, that's when it has the potential to be a copyright violation (when permission hasn't been given).
This trips up so many people. Usually the rewriter simply rewords everything from ONE document. Getting an idea is something totally different. In fact, if you take any good journalism classes in college, they'll tell you that looking at other publications is a good way to get IDEAS (notice I said ideas). And that's why READING is so important. As to copyright of PLR stuff, all this talk is pointless. Read the license and do what it says--period. It's not rocket science.
Below is the example of PLR article license, usually (and mostly) you are allowed to edit the articles, and just like everyone said here you must rewrite them before putting on your site to avoid duplicate content penalty from SE.