[freeciv-data] Re: General graphics for Freeciv-feedback request

["T.J.T van Kooten" <thomas@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I'm asking this to find out what is the best way to release 
them and prevent future problems: 

(A) straight into public domain; + freely available for use; - PD 
is a 'weak' system which offers no protection if another 
copyright owner comes up with 'identical' image  
 
or

(B) GPL  (which requires copyright as base); - not as 'free' as 
PD; + available under an open license which essentially 
offers free usel;  + GPL offers copyright protection 

If (B) is the case I need to be entitled to copyright to release it 
under GPL



>I would be inclined to believe that simply scanning and
> doing touchup does not constitute an original work. The
> question is: do you believe that you _need_ to be entitled to > the copyright?
>
>-mike

That boils down to what constitutes original work.

From what I've read a music sheet of classical song is a 
prime example of this. The song (and composition order of 
the musical notes) itself are public domain but the layout of 
the sheets, printed notes etc...are copyright of the publisher. 
E.a it would be illegal to make photocopies from sheets in a 
music book, If I put those notes in a music sheet editor 
program -and printed it out-  I would have created a 'new' 
work and have the freedom to do what I want with it.


P.S
(curious copyright trivia I bumped into)
Apparently the "happy birthday song" is still copyrighted until 
2006! :-)

More images coming this weekend.

Thomas