Copyright Craziness

The most important thing I learned in the presentation is the distinction between copyright and plagiarism. I knew about each , but didn't actually understand the details involved and the difference between the two. It is rather simple though; plagiarism is ethical and involves citation, while copyright is legal and involves permission.

One of the big issues today with copyright is the mindset that if something is on the Internet, it is up for grabs. I can see how people would think this, since everyone can access things for free online, but, anything written after April of 1989 is legally protected no matter where it is published, even if it does not outright say "copyrighted." I certainly have thought this before and have wanted to use some material from the Internet. I understand the idea that it is on the Internet and should be expected to be used. But I see that it is wrong to just take it. I would not want people to take my work or even my ideas without my permission, even if it was within easy access on the Internet.