Happy Mother’s Day to Every Mom!!!

I’ve posted below my views about copyright and my efforts to defend my reputation and my legal right to protect what is mine, my intellectual property.  But, the bottom line is that I wrote something special, something unique, something that has touched so many people in a positive way.  I used my, what many have called, gift, to write something from my heart to ultimately leave as an important part of my legacy. Why, then, should someone else be entitled to use this special creation to further his/her own agenda?  What gives Ms. April Brown (or anyone) the right to affect the legacy I wish to leave with the world as Linda Ellis’ contribution, not April Brown’s or anyone else’s?  Isn’t that what’s fair?  Thank you for your time.

Copyrights and Permissions

Many people ask every day if they may republish my work on their web sites, in their newsletters, in their books, in programs, etc.

There are various answers to these questions, depending upon the publication details, etc.  Please read below and/or email Mr. John Jolin, Copyright Coordinator, with questions or inquiries at:  licensing@lindaellis.netBasically:

• Reciting my work (with author attribution) at any public gathering is always permitted (and appreciated). It’s the printing, reproducing and/or distributing of my copyrighted work that requires permission and/or a Limited License Agreement.
• No permission will be granted for Internet/Web posting of my work except in rare circumstances and only with my knowledge and permission.  This is due to the fact that any interested party searching for a particular work should rightfully be brought to the author, who has invested years in building the brand and success of that work, not to someone else’s company who would basically be capitalizing upon the popularity and success (and years of sweat and tears) built by the author and copyright owner.  This is why we have copyright and this is why authors file for protection of their work.
• A link to any particular poem or story is required in lieu of publication of the text of my work(s) on any web site.  If you want to share it, please post a LINK.
• A signed Limited License Agreement is required for any reprinting of my work(s).  (Example:  Funeral brochures, non-profit agency newsletters, etc.)
• A nominal administrative fee is requested by my company to produce, edit and follow up on these Limited License Agreements.  Please contact Mr. John Jolin for more information on licensing.
• These Limited License Agreements DO NOT include permission to post the publication, including the text, on any Internet Web Site.

Many don’t understand why I ask that they publish a link to the specific story or poem they’ve enjoyed, instead of the text.  I could write pages and pages about the danger of copyrighted work becoming public domain, copyright law, statutory damages, etc.   I could share stories from the past 15 years to help explain the reasoning, rationale and absolute necessity for the copyright standards and procedures I’ve implemented.  Unfortunately, I have been forced to employ staff and hire attorneys to help protect my work and we have standards, policies and procedures implemented, which we follow in order to enforce my rights as the sole author and copyright owner of my writings…my products…my livelihood.  It takes money to maintain a copyright enforcement program and it is unfair that I, alone should have to bear the burden of that cost due to actions that occurred through no fault of my own.

I’ve actually been accused of sharing my work just to get others to steal it so that I may obtain damages.  That’s illogical.  That is like saying a store owner places his products upon shelves to entice shoplifters!

Suffice to say, it’s only fair that my work remain my work and that I, as the sole copyright owner, have the legal right to decide where, with whom and by what means…my work(s) are shared, published and distributed.

Sure, there are those who believe I’m only in this for the mighty buck. But those who really know me and/or read my writings know the truth and understand that my writing is my passion, but also my livelihood. I have, and will continue to, defend my copyright rights, vehemently. Please understand that these works are not only my heart and soul, they are my products. We all have the right to earn a living using whatever our talents and skills may be. I’m humbled and proud that my works have inspired so many and I have been blessed to be able to make a living doing what I love.  The fact is, only by making a living writing, am I able to continue utilizing my time writing, and hopefully inspiring others.

In closing, though a particular work may inspire you, think before you copy and paste. Not only is this an unethical action, it also perpetuates the illegal distribution of copyrighted work. This is why we have posted a “Send to Friend” or “[+] Share/Bookmark link” on most of the work, with plans to include this easy, legal way of sharing A LINK to the inspirations, stories and poems we have posted.

In a line from my most popular poem:

“If we treat each other with respect…and more often wear a smile…remembering that this special “dash”…might only last a little while.”

That’s exactly what this is, a matter of respect…a respect for another’s property.  Registered, copyrighted works are considered legal property in the eyes of the law, not only in the eyes of their creator.  I thank you in advance for your respect.

Thank you.
- Linda Ellis