Online content is never safe!

The video posted on 5/1/2008 on Chris Pirillo’s website (Chris.pirillo.com) was featured today, and he did not receive credit for the video. This makes me question a few things… 1. Just because it’s the internet, we don’t need to ask permission to use other people’s work now? Legally no, a person’s work is a person’s work. Why would one assume that you can just chop it down and edit it to your heart’s content without asking the author for permission first? In the case with Mr. Pirillo’s video, the producer of the video removed Mr. Pirillo’s sponsors and chat box he has running at his website (live.pirillo.com) I would call an outrage and wrong for what was done. Mr. Pirillo wrote this about the video….

“While I think it’s great that they used and edited my work, I’m very upset that they did not give me credit. It’s quite well done, so on the one hand I’m proud to have been a part of what they’ve come up with. But of course… the other hand is my disappointment in not being asked to use my content, or even so much as giving me credit for my original work. As traditional journalists, they should have given credit where credit is due. “

Secondly, the video is well done. But when you run a business out of your home and rely on sponsors, they won’t be too pleased to see the videos or webcast in this case without their logos for marketing purposes. Mr. Pirillo continued in his article….

“I’m not asking that they take the video down, since it was so well done. But I do think I should get proper credit. If you’re going to use something that another person has produced… give them credit for the work. Ask them if it’s ok to use! Most of the time, I will give you permission, and ask for a copy of what you put together. Is it really the truth, and the right way of doing things by leaving out where you got the information you used?”

And I will have to agree with him. Give credit where credit is due. The internet may be a good place. But it also has it’s up’s and down’s. So be careful when you publish those video’s… You never know who is going to steal your work without permission.

-David Mihalcin Jr.

http://davemihalcin.blogspot.com