can I put some of Cecil's archived Q&A on my own site?

About This Message Board
1

Hi,

I really enjoy the reading here. I would like to put some of it on my own site.

If I clearly represent where it came from, is that allowed?

Thanks,

2

From the bottom of the main StraightDope website:

So no, just putting stuff on your website, even if you clearly represent where it came from, would not be allowed. You’d need to get permission to do so.

3

Thanks. I was kind of hoping that I might get permission here.

I guess that would mean plagerism is definately out of the question! :eek: Just kidding.

I wonder if I should write to Cecil, the webmaster, or somebody else… any idea?

Thanks,

4

Were I you, I would email TubaDiva. She should be able to give you an authoratitive answer. (And by the way, this question is probably better suited to the forum she moderates, About this Message Board).

However, I suspect that the answer would be “no” because, after all, what’s in it for Cecil? In that case, as an alternative, what would you think about simply linking to the column, and adding a little commentary of your own (y’know, about how cool the answer is, and how you always wondered about that, and how nice people are on the Straight Dope Message Board, that sort of thing)?

Welcome to the Straight Dope, by the way!

5

I’ll move this to ATMB, although it’s not so much about the board as the Straight Dope website.

Contact an Admin about your question. They’ll let you know what the policy is.

-xash
General Questions Moderator

6

Actually, zut, the READER often does give such permissions, depending mainly on the website (like, if there’s money involved.) The READER gains the small additional publicity. If we ask the question “What’s in it for the READER?” too loud, we’re liable to find this whole Message Board disappearing.

In any case, greg, if you will email either TubaDiva or me, along with the URL of your website, we’ll pass it on to the proper authorities who can give or withhold consent.