Image Acquired from http://www.businesswings.co.uk
Before addressing the importance of observing Copyright and Fair Use, I feel that it's important to define the terms correctly. I have to admit, before this topic was recently presented to me, I did not understand much of it. Some aspects are still confusing and unclear but, certainly worth taking a closer look at. I have also included a video clip at the end of this page that may help you to understand these concepts more fully.
According to Bing.com, copyright is defined as, "creative artist's control of original work: the legal right of creative artists or publishers to control the use and reproduction of their original works."
Fair use, according to law.yourdictionary.com, in relation to copyright laws, is defined as, "the doctrine that one may use a small portion of a copyrighted work without the author’s permission, in scholarly works, reviews, or other contexts where the use is considered reasonable and limited."
Now that the two terms have been clearly defined, are they relevant to us as educators? And more importantly, how imperative is it to adhere to these laws if we are Christian educators? Why is it important to observe copyright law? Why is it important to exercise fair use properly? After all, abiding by them completely and exclusively is very difficult and can be very frustrating as well. To understand, let alone follow, the letter of the law when it comes to copyrighting, is a daunting task.
Many people, Christian educators among them, question the importance of following copyright law and fair use. Their thinking is that the owner of the copyrighted work is making enough money from their work, so why does it matter? Other educators may presume that no other teacher or school has been sued for what they want to do, so why worry about it. And countless other teachers think that copyright law is ridiculous because they are just using the information or images to put together interesting lessons for their students.
Copyright law was written and implemented for a reason. From my understanding, the purpose of copyright law is not so much to protect the interests of the authors/creators as it is to promote learning and creativity. By adhering to copyright law we promote creativity, and provide people with the incentive to create, whether it be music, written work, or art. Additionally, by following copyright law, we are supporting capitalism in that those who have created a particular work are able to make money from it, whereas, otherwise it might not be possible. Even though it is not the main reason for the law, another important factor in following copyright law is that we are supporting the creator and giving them credit for what they have created, and preventing others from taking what was produced by someone else and getting credit for it.
Aside from the legal consequences, a couple of things to bear in mind when considering the potential use of copyrighted material, are the viewpoints of both the owner and the user of the copyrighted material. From the perspective of the owner, ask yourself what kind of respect and adherence of copyright law would you want others to follow? Additionally, from the frame of reference of the user, ask yourself what kind of consideration and compliance you should follow if you are going to use another person's copyrighted material. Also ask yourself how it would affect you if someone stole your original work without your permission to make money. When you approach the situation in this manner you show that you are putting into practice Matthew 7:12, which says, "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you . . . ", and that you are taking into account the ethics of trust (in anyone who may be given the chance to use your material) and respect (for the rights of others).
According to the Bible, in Romans 14:12, we are told, "So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God." This verse tells me that if I knowingly choose to infringe on a copyright law, I am held accountable before God, irregardless of whether or not anyone else is aware that I have done so. I am also told in 2 Corinthians 8:21, "For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man." Not only should I do what is right in the eyes of God, but also my fellow man. In closing, Ephesians 4:25, states, " . . . put off falsehood . . . " We are to be straight and honest with others and do what is right. That is my bottom line. What is yours?
No comments:
Post a Comment