The discussion on copyright has prompted me to dust off two things at the bottom of my "to do" tray, which might be of interest to some:
Web sites can take advantage if the International Standard Serial Number ( ISSN ). An ISSB identifies one serial title and provides a fingerprint which allows it to be easily located ( and ordered if necessary ). They are used by publishers, book suppliers and libraries but many countries are revamping their services to specifically include web based publications. The ISSN Register is an international organisation, based in Paris, and administered in countries by national bodies, usually a "National Library" or equivalent. The downside to this registration is that you are required to deposit three copies of the publication with the issuer, National Library, British Museum, Library of Congress etc... In New Zealand legislation is presently chugging its way through the Parliament that will remove the necessity to "deposit" physical copies of web sites with the National Library and as soon as that becomes law I will probably register. I know that the EU is currently grappling with the same issue. A serial is "an ongoing publication issued in successive parts with the same title on each part or issue" and may be print or electronic publications. The service is free in most countries that I know of and would be an aid in any copyright infringement case where commercial damage was being pleaded. One other matter, sort of related, I have been grappling with is whether to register the web site as a newspaper [ this issue may be peculiar to New Zealand ]. The rationale for this approach relates to defamation law. I publish reviews on the web site and if an irate author, playwright, musician ( or politician god forbid ) wanted to sue me for defamation IF I am registered as a newspaper I have a statutory defence of "fair comment" which is not available to me as a private individual. There you are folks, a couple of thoughts I toss into the pool for consideration. Joseph: on the search engine question: "fair dealing" would probably protect search engines unless your meta tags forbad listings and of course if you have submitted the site to SE's then of course you have given consent. A much more intriguing question which has implications for everyone, yet to be settled, is the legality of linking but for SE's see above.......... Visiting Wellington? Visit http://www.WellingtonLive.co.nz --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.458 / Virus Database: 257 - Release Date: 24/02/03 ____ • The WDVL Discussion List from WDVL.COM • ____ To Join wdvltalk, Send An Email To: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Send Your Posts To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To change subscription settings to the wdvltalk digest version: http://wdvl.internet.com/WDVL/Forum/#sub ________________ http://www.wdvl.com _______________________ You are currently subscribed to wdvltalk as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
