Should one be concerned about 'intellectual property" when discussing ideas here?

Question

I realize alot of times that when I answer questions, my ideas and words could be used almost verbatim, especially in the philosophy/humanities section. I have no concern about that in the sciences, because none of my replies are original. ... I think that the issue of intellectual property should matter if one anticipates going into the field of thought, but then if one ends up a writer, it could ALL matter... What do you think about this issue of intellectual property and how to share info here? Sometimes I get discouraged when I think that possibly, the person on the other end just needs to write up a paper or didn't read the book but needs quick answers and they're not really confused and is eager to learn or is even interested...just needs to get the answer!

Answer 1

You know, it's really interesting that you ask this question, because I had a similar thought yesterday.

I've bumped into a number of questions in here where I've felt certain that they were being asked by students writing papers on certain subjects ... and they were basically using this place / forum to get their "knowledge" instead of doing the research on their own. And it makes sense, when you think about it: A student is given the project to research the clothing of a particular period, for instance ... by posting the question in here, it's possible that a whole slew of people will get busy researching the topic so that they can respond to the Asker. Convenient and quick for the student.

As for intellectual property ... well, I ***think*** when you freely post your thoughts in a public forum, you pretty much give up the right to sole ownership of those thoughts ... making it possible for someone else to use those thoughts in their best-seller, pulitzer prize winning novel. But as I emphasized, I only think that's the case ... perhaps a lawyer will run across your question and be able to answer it better than I did.

In any case, thanks for the question ... it's a good one.

Answer 2

I think the act of posting answers in a free, public website such as Yahoo! Answers would effect a waiver of one's intellectual property right. At any rate, Yahoo! Answers should be seen as a community where we Yahoo! users help each other out.

Should you feel not comfortable having students or researchers use and "abuse" your contributions, better restrict your participation to more practical questions and be more selective when it comes down to those academic type of questions.

I have contributed mostly in practical areas, e.g. Pets, Men's Health, Friends, Singles & Dating, Higher Education, Studying Abroad, etc. although I have answered a few questions relating to academic subjects, e.g. English, Labor Law, History, etc.

Answer 3

i am a writer myself and i try and be careful what i say because I don't want someone to steal my thoughts and then when i try and publish it's already been done! lol so i just try and keep what i am really working on vauge. and if someone asks me i just give a simple over view of what i am working on