DISQUS

I think the most disturbing aspect is that website owners who have a "Share this on Facebook" link are also affected by this. The way I read the terms any content on another website with this type of a link is automatically licensed to Facebook.

Paul, what are your thoughts on the use of Creative Commons licenses for things like software code, and open hardware? Typically licenses like the GPL have been applied to these. Is there any particular reason that the CC license has been applied mostly to things like music and writing?

Hi Paul,



I thought you might be interested to take a look at my post about a the 7 best ways to stop load shedding. It is a message that I want to get out to everyone, care to post about it on your blog(s)? http://blog.engineersimplicity.com/2008/02/7-be...



Thanks :)

One of the terms of use items that jumped out at me when I first signed up for Facebook is that they own all content which you upload to the site. I suspect a lot of people wouldn't be very happy with that if they were aware. My solution is just to not upload anything that I may want ownership to.

I'm not really sure what YouTubes revenue model is, but how about this - Viacom could ask that their advertising be allowed to show when one of their videos is being watched.

Paul, are you currently using Basecamp? Happy with the service?

Hi Paul,

Thanks so much for the feature, it is really appreciated. I've put a brief post up thanking you, http://blog.engineersimplicity.com/2007/03/feat...

@Dave, wow, thanks Dave - the comment is much appreciated.

Okay, summary of what I said in lost post,

1) Key lies in the difference between knowledge and skill
2) Internet has commodotised knowledge
3) Requires skill to "separate the wheat from the chaffe"
4) Skill requires time to learn

So, I can download a contract, but not necessarily know if that is suitable for my business - skill is in interpretation and application (and customization).

Even though all the knowledge that I learnt in 6 years of engineering studies is available on the web, my skill has been imparted through lecturers, practical training, work experience, projects etc.

I think you have a really good understanding of the issues at hand to find the right balance. I really like the way you are sharing knowledge and insight through your blog - it keeps you at the fore of my mind when someone asks about lawyers (and I mention you when I get the chance!)

You might find that at the end of the day you will do less work, but it will most likely be more interesting and higher paying.

ARG!! Just lost the long and well thought out post I made...not too sure why :( Will try again, but it is never the same

Just to add to what has already been said...

I think one of the keys to understanding the issue is to separate knowledge and skill. In my mind the internet is the great knowledge leveller - as Dave said it is all out there if you're prepared to search hard enough. We could probably say that the internet has commoditised knowledge.

What the internet can't deliver is skill, and that is where the key lies. Again to quote Dave, "separating the wheat from the chaffe" is the hard part. You could probably go and download just about all the knowledge that I picked up studying 6 years of engineering, but the skills imparted via lecturers, practical training, self-learning, project work etc. etc. can't be downloaded (unless you go all Matrix-ey or something).

So I could go and download a contract, but not be sure whether that is suitable for my business - who am I going to ask? The person who is handing out free knowledge in an interesting and insightful way.

You know that I've contacted you about certain things (for which you've referred me to the relevant expert) - that has all come about through contact with you on the internet through your blog and forums.

I like your blog and think you've got a good understanding of where the balance lies in all of this.

You might find that you'll end up doing less work, but I'm sure that it will be more interesting and higher paying - giving you more time to blog and play with the puppies ;)