Another Publisher Challenges Legality of Links

NewtonsLaw writes: "It seems that the legality of hypertext linkiing has once a gain been called into question according to this story running on Wired.com. As the former online publisher of 7am.com, I was once threatened by the Nando Times in a similar manner when I was linking to their stories. Local TV broadcaster TVNZ also made all sorts of noise about the illegality of linking to their content back in 1966 but have since come to their senses. Over the years I've had similar bitchy complaints from a number of online publishers who simply haven't worked out that links from other sites are something to be encouraged because the drive traffic and boost search-engine ratings. A great resource for those interested in the history, opinions and law on the matter of the legality of linking is the Link Controversy page created and maintained by Stefan Bechtold. Most publishers eventually realize that trying to block linking through the courts is a really dumb thing to do -- but there's always someone who simply doesn't get it."

Comments

Re:but

[aozilla]

But what if I'm at a party, and some hottie asks for my web page address? Now I could make up a username and password for em, but what if ey gets home before I do, therefore before I set up the account? I shouldn't have to go through all that trouble just to stop people from trespassing on my private property.

Will someone think of the children?

[HuvahCraftah]

"linkiing"
"has once a gain"
"back in 1966"

Could we PLEASE have someone actually read these over twice before they're put on the main page???

Re:Stealing Content and Representing it as Your Ow

[herbierobinson]

If you had read the artical, you would have noted that US courts have held that linking to an image and presenting it as your own IS copyright theft. [As opposed to just pointing to another web page.]

If you file with the copyright office in advance, you can collect punative damages that amount to big bucks. Even if you don't, you can collect fair market value from everybody who copies. Just send out some bills...