We Live in a Copyright Infringement World

My phone screams out the chorus of Motley Crue's "Home Sweet Home" around 5:30ish. "I'm on my  way. I'm on my way.  Home, sweet, home."   It's my husband on the other end letting me know one of two messages: "I'm on the way home." or "I have to go back on the street-mandatory overtime."  Short and simple 30 second conversation.

Yet when I hear the familiar "Call Me" by Blondie around 7:30ish, sometimes I just let it go to voice mail.  My best friend Lisa is on the other end, and we just love to gab away, easily for the next 30 minutes.  I can call her back if I can't chat at the moment.

I have designated Warren Zevon's "Werewolves of London" to indicate Mom is calling and "Sympathy for the Devil" by The Rolling Stones for Dad.  My generic ringtone is the phenomenal opening riff from "The Spirit of Radio" by Rush.  Want to text me?  The sound is The Jetson's doorbell.

As I browse through the yearbook, I spot a handful of stock images from the Internet.  However, about half of the images on the school's on-line news site was obtained through a mere Google copy and paste option.  

We live in a copyright infringement world.  I did not pay any royalties for my ringtones.  All I did was download the free app Zedge.  There is no credit given to the images that are in the yearbook or news site.  I use stock images frequently in my daily lessons.  I use Spotify on a regular basis to listen to music I do not own.  In fact,  I easily downloaded a song clip for the video I created for one of the modules.  (Pet rats rocking out to Iron Maiden while eating frozen peas; just too cute!)

After listening to Frank LoMonte's webinar on copyrighting laws, it dawned upon me that I was not going to get  sued for my ringtones or stock photo.  What it did teach me was trying to find an alternative.  Use an original photo whenever possible.  What I took away was a better sense of ethics or morals when using the internet for our student publications.  I never had a policy in place regarding the use of illegal photos, nor did I give credit properly.  It will be a challenge to break bad habits when we live in a downloading, copyright infringement society.

Until then, I would avoid werewolves and devils as you navigate your way through the Phoenix streets.

Photo courtesy of S. Fonzo

Respectfully Submitted,

Sharon Fonzo
Poston Butte HS
San Tan Valley, Arizona