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Selling an ebook - using data from public forum

by Lucky Phil
11 replies
Hi guys,


I have built a website and intend to sell an ebook on this. Most of the content is my own, however I wish to include some content I took from a public forum.
Is there any issue in doing this? To ask permission would be practically impossible as some of the content is several years old and users who posted it do not exist now


Thanks
Phil
#data #ebook #forum #public #selling
  • Profile picture of the author awledd
    I also thought of doing the same. I found some threads in some forums that have real value. I want to compile them in ebook format and distribute for free as a bribe for opting in. I think it is fine.
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  • Profile picture of the author internetvalue21
    Originally Posted by Lucky Phil View Post

    Hi guys,


    I have built a website and intend to sell an ebook on this. Most of the content is my own, however I wish to include some content I took from a public forum.
    Is there any issue in doing this? To ask permission would be practically impossible as some of the content is several years old and users who posted it do not exist now


    Thanks
    Phil
    content distribution all over the net is free while you dont literally copy the content...just do some rewording work on it...and put put it with your own words...and there should not be any problem!! dont worry about it!! have a nice day...;-)
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  • Profile picture of the author Dan C. Rinnert
    If you cannot locate the users to get their permission, don't use the material.

    Also, "rewording" content is still copying their content. You'd basically be creating a derivative work that would still require you get permission from the original writer(s) of that content to use it.

    If you cannot obtain permission, why not provide a link to the forum thread(s) that you find relevant? Readers of your book can click and go there to read it themselves. You could include it in a "for more information" section or among the list of references and source material in the back of your book.
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    • Profile picture of the author discrat
      Originally Posted by Dan C. Rinnert View Post

      If you cannot locate the users to get their permission, don't use the material.

      Also, "rewording" content is still copying their content. You'd basically be creating a derivative work that would still require you get permission from the original writer(s) of that content to use it.

      If you cannot obtain permission, why not provide a link to the forum thread(s) that you find relevant? Readers of your book can click and go there to read it themselves. You could include it in a "for more information" section or among the list of references and source material in the back of your book.
      Yes, but reading the material ,letting it absorb in your Mind and then writing it in your own words is perfectly fine
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      • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
        Originally Posted by discrat View Post

        Yes, but reading the material ,letting it absorb in your Mind and then writing it in your own words is perfectly fine
        Which, I'd like to point out, is far different than simply going line by line and changing a word here and there until the content has been "rewritten".
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  • Profile picture of the author tdhorton
    Maybe just reference where you got the other info from? At least then you are covered against plagiarism
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    • Profile picture of the author salegurus
      Originally Posted by tdhorton View Post

      Maybe just reference where you got the other info from? At least then you are covered against plagiarism
      Unfortunately thats not how it works.... You can't steal content and then add a link to the original hoping that's going to cover your A$$...
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      • Profile picture of the author positivenegative
        It hardly screams you're knowledgeable in your niche, let alone an authority, if you have to resort to pilfering other folks content . . . whether you reword it or not. It's plagiarism, pure and simple, whatever way you dress it up.

        Would you like it if someone came along and neatly packaged up a chunk of YOUR content and sold it on?
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  • Profile picture of the author CPABeyondNetwork
    Just rewrite that content with your own words and you are good to go.


    Best regards,

    CPA Beyond
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  • Profile picture of the author Curtis2011
    Just paraphrase the content in a way that doesn't infringe copyright.
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      Yup, just file off the serial numbers, and it's no longer stolen...

      Oy vay!
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