I didn’t give permission for my statements to be used!
Question:
I noticed you posted something written by Terry on your website. This was shared publicly by Terry from a private group and was a casual conversation. I would appreciate it being taken down since it was shared publicly without permission by Terry and also done without my permission. If that won’t be done I’d ask at the very least that my name be taken out of the quotes.
Thanks in advance for your response.
Answer:
I've known Terry since the 1980s and have had his permission to post his articles for decades.
US Copyright laws allow for fair use of others' writings, so long as the quoted writings are not portrayed as your own, are given in part, and are being used for criticism (among other things). This includes private communications, such as letters or posts to private forums, so long as private information (address, phone number, Social Security number, etc.) is not disclosed. In the case of fair use, the permission of the original author is not required.
I teach computer ethics at times. You need to understand that anything you post on the Internet is not truly private. From what I understand, the group you posted in, while private in its membership does not ask its members to keep the things posted in the group private.
I'm sorry that you don't wish to acknowledge ownership of your own words. I mentioned your objection to Terry and he suggested replacing your name with "Orthodox Church member," which has been done.
Sources:
- Jane Friedman, "A Writer’s Guide to Fair Use and Permissions + Sample Permissions Letter", 18 July 2023.
- "Fair Use," Copyright Information, PenState, 2022.
- "IEEE Referencing: Unpublished material", Victoria University, 18 August 2023.
- "Fair use and fair dealing in social media", Legal Zoom, 11 May 2023.
