Note: I would re-word it, but it would be the same basic joke.
2007-10-16 14:04:39 · 6 answers · asked by dangoinvestor 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
It's not plagiarism if you give credit for it. Plagiarism is not illegal nor can you be sued for it. Most bloggers are plagiarists even if they don't realize it.
Most likely it is not a copyright violation either as it probably falls under the doctrine of fair use. Jokes are notoiously hard to copyright because the very nature of jokes is that they are made to be told and retold.
2007-10-19 16:19:35 · answer #1 · answered by Jeff G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is plagiarism, which is defined as taking someone else's idea and presenting it as your own, a better way would be to post, I found this funny "...." then source it with a link.
Beyond plagiarismit is also copyright infringement. The internet is NOT public domain, just like any other medium of communication, everything you do has copyright, even this answer and your question have copyright from the moment you write it. Copyright requires no registration to exist, registration provides easier solutions and remedies under the Copyright Act.
2007-10-16 15:48:22 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Not unless the joke is protected by a copyright.
But based on human experience, I don't know if there is a case against you if you do that. One, the laws with respect to online information are not too clearcut yet since the technology is relatively new.
Besides, when a person puts his idea on the net he assumes the risk of having his idea copied by millions of people. The fact that he proceeded to post it means he is willing to take that risk.
Another thing. I guess it would be stretching the logic too much to presume that a person would sue another who might be from another part of the world. It just wouldn't be worth it.
I would suggest that just to play it safe, why don't you quote your source?
2007-10-16 20:01:40 · answer #3 · answered by the asthmatic assassin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An unregistered joke with the Copyright Office when used by others cannot be a subject of plagiarism.
2007-10-16 14:16:00 · answer #4 · answered by FRAGINAL, JTM 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you don't copy it exactly as you've read it, then its not plagiarism.
However, if you're still apprehensive, then just mention your source (who wrote it, where and when you've read it).
2007-10-16 15:18:48 · answer #5 · answered by redskibaby 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it is public domain.
2007-10-16 15:07:24 · answer #6 · answered by bgee2001ca 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋