Does DMCA apply? guest blog post written, but credit witheld

[FranticFish]

Can anyone tell me if you can use the DMCA to get someone to remove content that they are using uncredited?

This isn't copied from my site but is a guest blog post; I have emails to prove that the content is mine.

The blog has published the content but is ignoring requests to add a link to it as a credit for the article.

Does anyone know if DMCA covers this? If they're not going to add the link I want the content off their site.

[Syzygy]

Can you just clarify the situation here?

* This other blog asked you to provide some unique content, which you written and supplied, but they will not provide a link-back as credit?

or

* This blog has taken one of your own blog posts, with your permission, but will not provide a link/credit?

Also, and this is the important part, during initial discussions was it mutually agreed that a link/credit should be given?

Syzygy

[FranticFish]

Thanks for your reply - I approached them asking if they would like a guest post.

I have to admit it didn't even occur to me that they wouldn't attribute the content; I don't care if the link is on my name, url - whatever - but I want people to be able to get from their site to mine after reading the article.

So from their point of view it perhaps wasn't clear at the start - although I find this hard to believe as they have anchor text links in all of their posts to their other site. This is a person who is aware of what links mean.

Furthermore I've since sent two emails that they have not replied to. I have not received a reply along the lines of "we never discussed that" - which I would expect if they really thought I wouldn't want a link - it appears instead that I'm being ignored.

I'm going to call them at their work next just to check they're not away.

[Syzygy]

Providing a link back to you would be courteous, but is not obligatory, and it certainly isn't 'illegal' in any sense of the word.

As I see it, you have three choices:

1. Continue politely to press for the link.

2. Ask for the blog post to be deleted, withdrawing your permission for them to use it (although they may choose not to comply, after all, you volunteered the work without stating that a link was part of the deal).

3. Put it down to experience and be more explicit next time you make such an offer to a site.

As you say, they may just be away and have not had the time to deal with your emails. Giving them a phone call and trying to work something out amicably is certainly a good idea. It could all be down to misunderstanding and until you know for sure what their position is it's difficult to decide exactly what line to take.

I hope it gets resolved to your satisfaction.

Syzygy

[FranticFish]

Well I called and we got it sorted over the phone. They even asked what I'd like in the link, which I was going to leave up to them!

They said it was on their 'to do' list anyway so I guess I was imagining the worst, but I won't take anything for granted from now on. Thanks for your advice.

[Syzygy]

Great - a happy ending! :-)