Quoting from Scripts

[*Starstuff*]

Hello everyone,

I have a blog and since I got my first script books I have been thinking about writing about them a little more ... some details, to give others an idea who are not familiar with them, and to share some of the fun I have reading them.

Now, is it allowed to quote from the books? Not paragraphs, but maybe one or two sentences from the introduction, for example? As long as I mark them as a quote and point to the source?

Or may I paraphrase a paragraph when I write about it (always clearly pointing out it is all JMS' stuff).

Just wanted to ask before I draft some articles.

Cheers and have a nice weekend,

*Starstuff*

[frulad]

Sounds like Fair Use to me, as you are reviewing the material in question.

[*Starstuff*]

I just read up the term on Wikipedia. My, that is an extensive topic! I will need to look into it in more detail when I have the time; on the first glance it seems to be very complex.

It's amazing how difficult it can be today to express an opinion or to write about something with all those laws (which in addition differ from country to country). But I can understand it; it's for the creator's sake.

Should have studied law, not sociology/psych/comm. My classes don't seem to be of any use

[Jan]

Starstuff, I think the key is to just use common sense and empathy. Don't let this sort of thing suck the fun out of your blog for you.

Use what you need to illustrate your point and maybe pique your reader's interest in picking up the book in question. When deciding whether to quote or paraphrase, ask yourself how you'd feel if it were your material. While JMS is known for protecting his copyrights, I don't think he's got a whole posse waiting to pounce if it's obvious that the poster means well.

Jan

[*Starstuff*]

@ Jan: Thanks for the input. I can totally understand the point, since some years ago I had a website set up for my college stuff and suddenly was confronted with a lecture in class (by a fellow student) who had copied down my notes and even my power point presentations and used them there, right in front of me.
You can guess what I said when the professor asked for our opinions at the end of the lecture.

I actually have some nice ideas and I think by putting in some work I can write what I want without doing anything inappropriate. I just wish I had JMS' talent for writing, it would make things so much easier. So I have to put in a lot more effort and time

Take care everyone and enjoy the Superbowl tonight.

Starstuff

[Joe Nazzaro]

I think Jan said it best when she suggested using common sense. What I have always found best is when there is any doubt, just explain the passage in question in your own words and use quoted material when it is absolutely necessary to illustrate your point. The problem is that nowadays, particularly in the age of online reporting, it's much easier to cut and paste, which is basically just laziness on the part of the writer. Explaining the context in your own words shows a much greater understanding of the material than simply reprinting it.

[babylonlurker]

I think Jan said it best when she suggested using common sense. <snip> Explaining the context in your own words shows a much greater understanding of the material than simply reprinting it.

Well said Jan and Joe nothing to add from here.

[*Starstuff*]

Thanks to all of you for your input, I greatly appreciate it.