1. The general rule is that all original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression are given automatic copyright. This means that a work doesn't necessarily need to be registered or display a copyright notice to be protected. The Web is considered a tangible medium.

2. Copyrights include the protection of graphics, text, HTML code, Adobe PDF files, electronic or hardcopy documents, software or multimedia presentations from another Web site or printed material.

3. If you are in doubt, assume that all works are copyrighted and seek permission to publish.

Exceptions to the rule
Some works, by law, are not copyrightable:

• Federal government works
• Lists of facts and discoveries
• Works released into the public domain

Graphic images and photograph credits
Graphics on the Web are not in the public domain — they belong to the designer or company that created them — this includes clip art. Use your own graphics or purchase commercial media.

All photos require captions. The minimum requirement of a caption is that it must include a photographer credit in this format: "Photo by Photographer's name"

Permissions
Many organizations provide permissions statements explaining exactly how and when copyrighted content can be used. The permissions page of The New York Times is a good example.

If you don't have clear permission to use content, a simple email to a publishers asking for permission is usually enough. Publishers will almost invariably write back granting permission. They will ask, however, either as a stipulation or as a courtesy, that you acknowledge them in the work. When you ask permission to use content tell the publisher (1) who you represent (2) exactly what content you want to use (3) how you plan to use the content. Here's an example permission request:

Dear sir,

I'm with [Your Organization Here]. I'd like permission to reprint a passage from a speech you gave in Indianapolis at the national Evangelism and Witness conference, March 4, 2004. The paragraph will be published on our Web site and referenced in an article (see attached) by Charles Wiley. Here is the passage we'd like to publish on our site:

"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat."

Of course, you will be acknowledged as the author. Thank you for your consideration in the matter. I look forward to hearing from you.