Copyright Info – John W. Jolin

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.  I work with Mr. John Jolin who helps me to maintain the value and integrity of my registered copyrights.  When transgressions occur, we do contact infringers, because we have a business to run and these are the products of our business.  When communication lines are open, fair, amicable and compassionate compromises are reached.  Before that, we have no way of knowing the scope and damage of any particular infringement.

Basically:

• Reciting my work (with author attribution) at any public gathering is always permitted (and appreciated). It’s the printing, reproducing and/or distribution of my copyrighted works (and posting on the worldwide web) that require permission and/or a Limited License Agreement.
• No permission will be granted for Internet/Web posting of my work except in rare circumstances.  This is due to the fact that any interested party searching for a particular work should rightfully be brought to the creator of that work, who has invested years in building the brand and success of that work, not to someone else’s site who would, intentionally or not, 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 works.
• A link to any particular poem or story is requested 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.

Many don’t understand why I ask that they publish a link to a 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 17 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.

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.  It’s a matter of respect.  It’s a matter of law.

Those who really know me and/or read my inspirations understand that writing is my passion and 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 using my time to write and hopefully inspire 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 works, an 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…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