Not correct at all. Unless specifically stated by the author in the publication that the information is under General Public License or that any ownership is waived, the items posted on a public forum maintain the same rights of ownership as any other form of written publication. Whatever you post is the property of YOU to do with as you see fit. Any usage by outside parties requires the written consent of the author.Not really too sure here, but my understanding is that anything posted on a public forum becomes part of the public domain and, as such, can be reproduced in any form with proper accreditation.
Even under General Public License information does not become "public domain" in the sense that anyone can reprint it in order to make a profit.
Public domain comprises the body of knowledge and innovation (especially creative works such as writing, art, music, and inventions) in relation to which no person or other legal entity can establish or maintain proprietary interests within a particular legal jurisdiction. This body of information and creativity is considered to be part of a common cultural and intellectual heritage, which, in general, anyone may use or exploit, whether for commercial or non-commercial purposes. About 15 percent of all books are in the public domain, including 10 percent of all books that are still in print.
Edited by CaptainSlug, 02 October 2007 - 01:16 PM.