I was approached by a Lunar Mission Supporter who had a great idea to work on a website widget with him. This private exchange has prompted me to start an open discussion about contributor rights with the aim of developing a policy that ensures content created by volunteers is appropriately acknowledged and credited.

Here are some initial areas that could make up a "Lunar Mission One Contributor Agreement", along with some personal thoughts. I view the agreement as an important tool in safeguarding the interests of volunteer contributors. The statement should in my view be developed with the LM1 community in partnership with the LM1 team.

1. Content Rights - the Contributor License Agreement should include a statement that the contribution is original and does not contain content owned by a third party, or that it is under existing copyright.

2. Asserting Copyright - a statement about ownership and how originators of content (code, images, text and other media) assert their copyright of material created at no cost for Lunar Mission One. A non-exclusive copyright agreement to publish would seem appropriate, that is the Copyright Owner (the contributor) retains all other rights in the copyright work, including and without limitation: the right to copy, distribute, publish, display or modify the copyright work, and to transfer, assign or grant a license of any such rights.

3. Content Use - an explicit statement about how content from contributors may be used by LM1.

4. Content Appropriateness - a statement about when LM1 are within their rights to immediately edit or remove content, for example, when it is offensive or presents something factually incorrect.

5. The Right of Contributors to Amend content after the publication date - my personal view is that contributors should be given the right to submit amendments to their contributions to the site editors after the date of publication so that improved versions of content may be published. Some thought needs to be given to this area as some organizations (especially those associated with the commercial or publishing world) are particularly sensitive and have strict procedures about whether published content can be edited after the initial publishing date.

In my view, as long as the spirit of the amended content does not contradict the original, and editorial notes or a history of changes is provided (especially about any changes of opinion), I see no good reason why originators should not have the right to request an update or amendment to their contribution. The act of improving content has been part of the creative process for very many years across all media. More recently, the control of content has passed to editors who are more wary about this approach because of sensitivity to legal and corporate/organizational issues. It will therefore be especially valuable to hear different points of view on this issue.

6. Attribution and Credit - my view is that all voluntary contributors should be acknowledged in an accessible area on the main LM1 site. This should name the contributor, describe their contribution, and a link should be available to their associated content. Ideally, I would like to see a distinct area on the site that acknowledges each contributor who would have their own profile page with links to their contributions.

7. Withdrawal of Content - originators of contributions should maintain the right of how their content is used, and if they are not happy with it at a later date, may ask for it to be withdrawn from an LM1 publication (which may be a commitment of withdrawal for the next edition if a print publication). This is essentially an issue about content ownership. Your views?

8. Terms of Use - a clear statement should be written that expresses how contributor content will be used, and whether there are any restrictions on that use. LM1 content may for example be quoted or used elsewhere for promotional purposes. Some contributors may not however wish their content to tacitly support products or services outside of the LM1 site, while others may be comfortable with their content being used in any way by LM1.

9. Organization Contributor License Agreement - employment contracts often state that copyright material generated during the course of an individual’s employment belongs to their employer. It is therefore possible (depending on the employment contract), that an OCLA may be required to release the contributor's content.

Perhaps you have some additional ideas about areas not mentioned above, or perhaps you have some views on those things I've already covered. I look forward to the continuing conversation!

Mike

An interesting consideration and a well thought out starting point. I suspect that every contributor case will be different in practice, given the background of individuals and the medium of their particular contribution. It makes sense for there to be a 'creative attribution and content rights protection' scaffold in any case (for both 'material' or 'immaterial' products).

I doubt that LMOne will be inclined to deliberately mislead or upset anyone who wilfully contributes their free time to the greater good, but such a framework would set clear the formalities, so that both sides are aware of their rights pertaining to freely given goods and services.

Thanks Mike,

As anyone can edit their own posts as a forum contributor then a formal agreement would not seem to be required. If LM1 wanted to use any content or work created by a contributor then we would contact them individually to discuss an agreement.

Rhydian, LM1

I need to think about that. Thanks for your opinions

watford-escort-girls.com