Forum:Proposing a Files and Images Policy

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Forums: Index → Community discussions → Proposing a Files and Images Policy | Post

I happened upon this staff blog on Community Central, discussing the use of Fair Use as it relates to uploading copyrighted works (mainly images) to wikis. In reading this article I realized that our wiki has very little, if anything, as far as formal standards regarding what is acceptable to upload here, and any action we may take in situations where uploads violate copyright. This blog post wasn't when I first realized this, but it is now spurring me to start this discussion.

To put a point on it, I think we need a formal policy regarding uploaded content. This would apply primarily to images, but would also apply to other files uploaded to the wiki, as well as (to a limited extent) text and words copied from other sources. As the bread and butter of this policy would cover files, that's where I'd like to focus. I personally think we need to take a moderate approach to this situation, wherein we attempt to keep our files copyright-compliant while still being reasonable with the users who upload them. Copyright is a complex idea that many users, even experienced ones, may not fully comprehend, so I think any policy we write should include thorough explanations of these concepts.

So, the policy I'm thinking of would consist of:

  • Explanations of different terminology in copyright law (e.g. copyright, fair use, license, public domain) and how they affect files uploaded to the wiki.
  • Demonstration of what kinds of content are copyrighted vs non-copyrighted
  • Procedures for addressing files that do not contain proper copyright information.
  • Procedures for addressing files that may not be proper to upload under fair use doctrine.
  • Procedures for addressing repeated violation of policy

I want to re-emphasize regarding this last point; I do not think this should be a matter where a user is treated as a rule breaker because they, for example, forget to provide license information for an image they upload. The key word is repeated, as in they are informed of what copyright is and why we have rules for it (assuming this is created) and are given opportunities to address their deficiencies, and yet they still continue to upload non-eligible content or fail to provide proper license information. I know there might be some apprehension about this as, again, this is a complex matter but ultimately I think any rules we adopt have to be able to be enforced if needed.

So ultimately, I'm looking for a few things. Firstly, do you think it's a good idea to create a policy for this (I certainly hope that you do think so). Secondly, what should this policy say or contain regarding these matters. And finally, how should we address users that break the policy, once it's passed.

I look forward to this discussion. -- LiR speak ~ read 01:19, November 29, 2012 (UTC)

Discussion

Hmm I recall I proposed a policy like this... 15 months ago that still only has one or two comments :s Nevertheless, I love the idea of something to govern the file namespace - a lot of people on IRC have heard me ramble on about how bad the current situation with our image system. I'm wholeheartedly in support of this, and I think from a quick read through what you suggested is good in terms of a policy.

In regards to what you said about violation of policy, I think we should only make it repeated and unaware violations. I would hesitate to block someone on it, and would only do so once they've been given a reminder and maybe a formal warning. I don't want us to get something like YouTube, essentially "you upload copyrighted stuff, we remove it and we are allowed to shut down your account even if it is first offence".

Wall of text end ―ฬђ talk 05:55, November 29, 2012 (UTC)

Agreed on the 'repeated and unaware' portion... I think maybe the protocol we'd adopt would be:
  • First occasion - Admin/other user adds the necessary information to the image (if they can), leave a message on the offending user's talk page linking them to this policy and explaining the situation.
  • Second occasion - Admin/other user adds the necessary information, leave a more firmly-worded reminder to read over this policy and to follow it.
  • third occasion - Admin deletes the offending image(s), leaves a warning on the user's page with a link to this policy.
  • fourth, etc... blocks and standard operating procedure.
How's that look? -- LiR speak ~ read 06:14, November 29, 2012 (UTC)
(adding more) ... this just occurred to me. Instead of blocking on the fourth and subsequent violations, we could place them under Editing Restriction, prohibiting them from uploading new images or files for a period of time. That way they can continue to edit the wiki, just not upload new files. Granted, by this point if they don't understand the messages and warnings we might just be better off going to escalating blocks like normal. -- LiR speak ~ read 06:16, November 29, 2012 (UTC)
I still don't really understand how Fair Use works or even what it is, and AFAIK, the only copyright violation problem we've ever had is this, though I'm not sure if there's even more. So I don't know if we need to make a strict policy for the file and image copyright. :/ We may be able to implement this, but making it strict, I don't know. Nikel Talk – Vote! 13:13, November 29, 2012 (UTC)
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