On Borrowing Web Content
Now that everone realizes the importance of keyword rich content in reaching potential customers through search engines, the Web is bursting at the seams with SEO experts and others seeking free content via robots that scrape Web pages and by RSS feeds. The reuse of content is not wrong, in fact it is a major reason RSS was created. This post is simply a plea the Web community to make an effort at crediting the sources from which this information comes.
Borrowing high quality copy from Web sites is always risky even if the content was syndicated via RSS. Here’s how I suggest you approach borrowing content if you feel it is necessary.
- Contact the Webmaster of the site from which you want to borrow to ask for permission. If it is an RSS feed, you may believe you are above reproach to use it without asking, but cover yourself nonetheless.
- Always credit the source conspicuously.
- Always link to the source.
I want to say a word about borrowing concepts and design themes as well. I believe that borrowing is an inherent fact of life. If we see a concept or design motif that works well, we will likely use bits and pieces. At times it is hard to know where to draw the lines.
My reason for writing this post is not to belittle anyone else, but to call attention to the dilemma facing all designers and business people who want to create high quality products, services, and marketing materials. Let’s not give in to the urge to copy directly from one another, but struggle to maintain high standards and to create our own original work - even when it is difficult.
Related Links
- Recently, Step Inside Design included an interesting article about copyright issues that contains some very challenging guidelines. As I read it, I realized how little thought I give copyright issues in general. Shel Perkins raises a very timely and challenging standard. This is the level of professionalism to which I aspire.
- Copyrights, Trademarks & Search Engines
September 17th, 2005
