Cecil’s column is at www.straightdope.com/classics/a5_022.html I’ve heard this silly story for years and even heard a pastor mention it in one of his sermons, which is one more reason why I don’t go to church anymore. And there were references to the Illuminati on the Disney cartoon TV series Gargoyles, believe it or not. (The Illuminati wanted the Gargoyles’ secret of immortality.)
I’m thinking of printing up a copy of this column and showing it to anyone who believes in the Illuminati. There’s nothing in doing that, is there?
Okay, all I meant was, “Will I violate any copyright laws if I do so? Is it okay with Cecil to copy one of his columns off the internet and show it to others?”
Seeing as how Cecil’s column is printed in free newspapers, I can’t see how it’s a problem.
As long as you aren’t charging people to read your copy. Showing or giving away is fine. Especially if it has Cecil’s name and URL on it. So they know who wrote it and where to find more of his gems.
Cecil’s works are definitely copyrighted. Just because there’s no charge to buy it, doesn’t mean he doesn’t own reproduction rights to it. The man gets paid by someone. The paper just doesn’t charge people to read it, but they most definitely are trying to make money. If not, there wouldn’t be any ads in the newspaper.
However, printing off the web to show someone an article isn’t violating the copyright, especially if you cite the source.
