The legal myth that we’re busting In small business today relates to social media
and, I love this one because it happened to me. If you’ve followed me for a while, you will know that I’m always telling you don’t copy other people’s things. Don’t copy their images, don’t reuse them, don’t reuse part of their blog, be creative, use your own material. But, then the question comes up, what about on social media? What about re-tweeting and sharing on Facebook? Is that allowed, is that copying is that breaching copyright law?
The answer is, no it is not a breach, you’re on safe ground there. That’s what the person who created the post knew might happen and they intended for it to happen. So, if you see somebody’s post that’s amazing and you want to share it or re-tweet it, that is perfectly fine. You’re not breaking any laws, but here is where the myth comes in.
What happened to me was; I had answered a whole lot of questions, ironically on copyright, on social media. Somebody had been taking my post and not shared it, but copied the entire text of my post and then re-posted it. They said, a local IP lawyer says, and then they posted it. They did not have my permission to copy it, they did not have my permission to post it, they didn’t name me, and even if they had named me it was still copyright infringement.
That’s what you’re not allowed to do, you’re not allowed to take somebody’s material that they’ve created and then, repost it later. Even though she acknowledged that she wasn’t the author, the copyright exists automatically when you create a post more than just a few words. The myth is; that she thought she could then copy it and paste it into a new post but she couldn’t.
You need to share it, don’t copy and paste it. That’s my tip for today, the myth that I’m busting is that you can’t go and copy other people’s things. After this experience I never did a big long post in answer to somebody’s social media question. Yes, a short few lines I would do, but now if somebody asks a question I refer them back to my website.
For many questions I will either have a video or a blog that already answers them. If I don’t, I create a new one. I put them onto my website and then when they ask that particular question, I give them the beginning of the answer and say if you’d like to read more check out my website. The psychology behind that is A: now they’re looking at my website so they know who I am, and B: people on social media are a little more light fingered with the content.
They’re much less likely to copy something off your website, so that’s my second tip for the day. It’s been amazing busting legal myths to protect your business so that you can lead the lifestyle you want. If you want more tips on busting legal myths go to my website ‘legallioness.com’, my name is Cathryn Warburton and I am the Legal Lioness.
