[sf-lug] Obama's change.gov now using Creative Commons

[Asheesh Laroia]

On Fri, 12 Dec 2008, Larry Cafiero wrote:

> Christian --
>
> As an attorney -- and not one of us mere mortals -- you may have more 
> insight on this than anyone. But I thought I heard/read/dreamed 
> somewhere that all government documents (except those which are, for 
> whatever reason, considered restricted due to "National Security" or 
> whatever) are in the public domain.
>
> So doesn't that make the CC license somewhat moot, even as it relates to 
> the content under the President-elect's site?

We (since I work for CC, I can say that!) wrote a little bit about this at 
http://creativecommons.org/weblog/entry/11081 .  I'll quote Eric Steuer, 
our Creative Director (whose primary tasks include outreach to artists and 
art organizations) below:

"Update: Several people have pointed out that “works created by an agency 
of the United States government are public domain at the moment of 
creation” (see Wikipedia for more on this). Change.gov is not currently 
the project of a government agency, but a 501(c)(4) that has been set up 
to manage the Obama-Biden transition. Also, the public is being invited to 
contribute their own comments and works to the site, and it is important 
to have a clear marking of the permissions that other people have to this 
material."

Rick gave a good quick background on what Creative Commons licenses were 
created for a separate email.  I'm always happy to answer questions. (-:

-- Asheesh.

-- 
Alimony and bribes will engage a large share of your wealth.