On 2006-09-17, Alfred M. Szmidt <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Well, a photo isn't a "fact", while a dictionary is a list of facts > (definitins). And you cannot copyright a fact (or has this been > changed recently?), like the fact that "hello is a common greeting > used in the English language".
Sure, that's a fact. But how I _write down_ the fact can be a creative expression. Do I say "hello is a common greeting" or do I add its etymology, a comparison with other languages, an explanation of when "hello" is more appropriate than "good day", "hi" and other greetings? Merriam-Webster for example defines "hello" as "an expression or gesture of greeting -- used interjectionally in greeting, in answering the telephone, or to express surprise" http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/hello Dictionary.com has no less than 6 definitions, like " 1. (used to express a greeting, answer a telephone, or attract attention.) 2. (an exclamation of surprise, wonder, elation, etc.) 3. (used derisively to question the comprehension, intelligence, or common sense of the person being addressed): You're gonna go out with him? Hello!" http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=hello&x=0&y=0 Other dictionaries have yet other definitions. The mere fact that everyone gives the definition in other words already shows there's creativity and originality involved in the choice of words. So M-W has a copyright on its definition, Dictionary.com similarly has one on the definitions it provides, and so on. Still, everyone is free to write their own definitions of course. Merijn -- Remove +nospam to reply _______________________________________________ gnu-misc-discuss mailing list [email protected] http://lists.gnu.org/mailman/listinfo/gnu-misc-discuss
