In my blogging efforts (going back now some 20 years) I cite hundreds of others' (predominantly) print works, excerpted from books, periodicals, and myriad news sources. I continue to do so often at considerable length. Some might find this practice an "abuse" of the Fair Use provision of US Copyright Law.
I obviously do not. Here's specifically why.
- I have never engaged in such conduct for any sort of personal or business entity financial benefit (in fact I've now been retired and "unemployed" since May 2013);
- I am consistently scrupulous to cite (and link where possible) the author(s)/copyright holders with the intent of potentially adding to their remunerative potential—not afflicting it;
- I don't solicit "pre-pub review gslleys." I buy my books at retail and subscribe to numerous reputable periodicals wherein I become aware of many of the works I choose to examine;
- The core of my motive is to share with and expose my readers to the precise works of others whose efforts I respect and value. I have opinions just like any person, and, while I never shrink from expressing them, I simply find it a compelling priority to enable readers to decide relative merits of observations and arguments made by authors themselves [1];
[1] Relatedly, it is an entrenched book review norm wherein reviewers mostly just paraphrase the authors' works with minimal verbatim quotes, jumping right into their own evaluations, typically using a "Praise-Criticism-Praise Sandwich." I am not much of a fan of that practice;
- Notwithstanding the relative word/paragraph "length" of my cites, they remain a small fraction of the typical Amazon "download a free sample" freebie, which frequently run to well in excess of an hour (or more) of reading. Also, I ought note that Amazon in particular will put you in "Park" should you go too far. It's happened to me perhaps 2-3 times across the past 15 years;
- Again, "motive." It is solely about helping the pro bono spread worthy information, regarding which there is never a shortage. Full Stop.
- I am hardly clueless when it comes to copyright protections, being a claimant myself: songwriter, photographer, non-fiction prose writer.
Nonetheless, if my citation practice gives any holder legit heartburn, I will promptly take down anything an aggrieved copyright claimant demands (such has yet to happen).
In good faith.
