Creative Commons Swag Flickr Photo Contest: I won! The power of the "by" license!

Winner #4 - Creative Commons Swag Contest

Over the past couple of weeks, I've been trying to clear myself of my copyright confusion by trying to learn about how I can become a more skillful user of the Creative Commons licensing.  Not only to increase the discoverability and encourage remixing of my content,  but also to use the work of others in my own creative mixes.  And do so legally and respectfully.  And, to set my own content free.

Being a visual learner, what better way is there to learn via pictures?  So, I entered the Creative Commons Swag flickr photo contest and have sent in a photo every week. (My all entries here). I got a lesson in why the "By" license is the most flexibilty via Mike Seyfang here, here, and here)

Here's what the judges at Creative Commons had to say:

I think her comment below her photograph “When they grow up, they will understand the power of the “By” license” coupled with the photograph itself communicates our mission more effectively than I would ever be able to with my own words. We are all impressed and inspired by Cambodia4kids.org (Beth’s) entry and thank her for participating and for sharing her photograph.

There are different flavors of Creative Commons licensing (see here) and prior to a few weeks ago I thought "Attribution - No Commercial Use."  But Mike Seyfang has pointed out to me that the license is  can make it difficult for folks to remix it or to be open source content.   That's why I've switched now to the Atribution or "by" license on my blog and switched as the default on flickr. I want to encourage remixes and discovering. Perhaps my children, digital natives, will understand the power of the "by" licensing and not fear the words copyright.

• So, have you thought about what creative commons license you use and why?
• What is your intent?  Remix, make money, keep you content protected or set it free?

The real prize for me is the opportunity to discuss the above question.  Oh yes, I get Larry Lessig's my answering machine, and if we win the grand prize this photo will appear on a creative commons post card that will be distributed internationally!

Comments

[mike seyfang]

What a powerful way to say what I was thinking - awesome! You have taken the CreativeCommonsDRM conversation to a whole new level. While I still have some questions whirling around my (extremely non legal) brain, I think this endorsement by the Creative Commons folk suggests we are somewhat on the right track.

Keep us posted on any feedback you get (especially negative stuff challenging the 'power of the by' view).

Well done and thanks for the Attribution.

Fang - Mike Seyfang

[Lori]

Great photo! That is the first time I've ever seen a CC license using the word 'remix'.

I like the idea of sharing content and giving people credit for their work.

[Nancy White]

Yay, Beth!

[Britt Bravo]

Yay! That is just the cutest pic.

[John Powers]

Thanks for always making me think and learn.

How the Internet changes things is something we're all trying to adjust to. I love to see your children and all of the cool things they do. But pictures of them on the Internet make me wonder. A local columnist has twin boys who are now teenagers. When I've read columns that mention them I've wondered what that does to their lives and how they think about it? The writer has been around for a while so the kids have moved from elementary school to high school. I'm sure there's dialog in the house about Dad's columns. And even with your kids I'm sure you talk about it.

Your kids ideas about creativity and how to share it will be different from ours. Talk about digital natives! Mostly I see the upsides: they'll know not to hide their lights under baskets.

[Amy Gahran]

Thanks for the nudge, Beth. I've been meaning to learn more about Creative Commons licensing, and you've inspired me to spend a little time on that.

Where would you recommend I start? Where are the best intros/overviews?

- Amy Gahran

[Amy Gahran]

Hey Beth -- as I continue to learn more about CC, this tasty little development cropped up, FYI:

http://www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=31&aid=115391

- Amy Gahran

[Rosie]

These comments have been invaluable to me as is this whole site. I thank you for your comment.