Quotes & Copyright

Do I have to include the source?

[tonygore]

Question regarding quotes and copyright?

If I am writing an article on Mr Widget, and I learn that Mr Widet told my local newspaper that he likes 'Widget Beer' can I include this in my Article on my website without including the source (i.e. my local paper).

Or does this mean that because Mr Widget spoke to my local newspaper, they have copyright of his conversation and therefore I have to include them as the source.

Please help?

[buckworks]

Mention your source. It's not necessarily a matter of law, but it IS a matter of professional courtesy, and it will make the article both more interesting and more credible for your readers.

[bobothecat]

If you use the exact same content that the Newspaper used, then yes... I would seriously condiser including the source, AND secure permission to re-print/post. A good example of media copyright can be found at:

[apdigitalnews.com...]

Even though it may be considered news... it will likely be protected by copyright law.

[bird]

Copyright doesn't protect the information as such, but only the expression (the phrasing used to report that information).

So no, if you just mention the facts in your own words, you have no legal obligations to anyone (other than not to badmouth Mr. Widget). On the other hand, it's definitively good style to acqnowledge your sources, and it will usually give your text more credibility.

[Stefan]

Footnotes, man. Credit all sources. It's not only the proper thing to do, it gives you more credibility.

[faltered]

From a journalism standpoint, you need to identify the source of all information that isn't considered "common knowledge."

For example, if Mr. Widget only mentioned to the one paper that he liked blue beer, then you should mention that as your source. However, if he told all newspapers, perhaps was in a commercial, was on the internet, saying that he liked blue beer, then that could be considered common knowledge.

It's still best practice to identify the source the first time you mention it in your article.