Claudia Holland, George Mason University's Copyright Officer, spoke to students of Comm 361: Online Journalism.
Ms. Holland's presented information via a slide show to show students how intricate the laws were concerning copyright. Many students seemed to be surprised at just how many things were copyrighted and how easily it was to steal something in today's modern world. For example, a student could upload a poem on to the internet and someone could steal it. The discrepancy lies in the matter of what is free on the internet and when someone needs to copyright it.
The University's policy of copying was brought up and again appeared to be much more detailed than students expected. A copy of the University policy can be found online.
One student pondered, "What about Modern Art? Andy Warhol used Campbell soup as part of his art." Holland responded, "Warhol said he was making something new. That is the argument concerning modern Mashups today. Where is the line between art and copyrighting?"
The topic of music seemed to stir many of the sleepy-eyed students. Steve Klein, professor of Online Journalism, picked up on sudden tension in the room and proposed, by a show of hands, who had downloaded music legally, illegally, and still download illegally. Holland appeared to be surprised and miffed at the amount of the students who download illegally, while the students merely stifled laughs and shared knowing eye glances across the room. Holland was quick to mention the University's policy of file sharing but did not appear to convince many students in the room.
To contact George Mason University concerning their policies on copyright please email copyright@gmu.edu or access their website.
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