Difference between revisions of "RaysBB:Non-free use rationale guideline"

Latest revision as of 19:26, 25 May 2011

When non-free media are used on RaysBB, a justification for their usage, called a non-free use rationale (or use rationale or fair use rationale), must be presented in the image description page, explaining how the image is used in a way consistent with RaysBB's non-free content criteria. This justification will help other users determine if the claim of fair use could apply to a wide variety of uses or a narrow range of uses. It will also help determine if the given claim of fair use is appropriate for RaysBB in the first place.

If you are using non-free images or other media, you must include a fair use rationale. A separate, specific rationale must be provided each time the image is used in an article. The name of the article the image is used in must be included in the rationale.

Note: Non-free images that do not include both a copyright tag and a use rationale may be deleted.

Necessary components

A well-written use rationale must explain how the use of these media meets the fair use rationale and should state:

• What proportion of the copyrighted work is used and to what degree does it compete with the copyright holder's usage? For example, if the image is a photograph or logo, the entire work is likely being used.
• If applicable, has the resolution been reduced from the original?
• What purpose does the image serve in the article? If applicable:
  • Is the image a logo, photograph, or box art for the main subject of the article?
  • Is the image being used as the primary means of visual identification of the subject or topic? (e.g., a corporate logo or the box art of a DVD)
  • Does it illustrate the topic of the article? (e.g., a screen shot from a movie)
  • Is it used for commentary on a particular topic? How?
• To what degree is the image replaceable by a free content image?
  • If the image is a screenshot of a movie that is used for an article about the movie, or a corporate logo, there is obviously no such thing as a "free" version of it - all of the resources in the world could not produce one. If, on the other hand, the image is a photograph, the image is more easily replaced, even if RaysBB contributors may lack the resources to create a replacement.
• Any other information necessary to assist others in determining whether the use of this image qualifies for fair use.

Template

The template {{Non-free use rationale}} facilitates creating a use rationale with the necessary components.

{{Non-free use rationale
| Description       = 
| Source            = 
| Article           = 
| Portion           = 
| Low_resolution    = 
| Purpose           = 
| Replaceability    = 
| other_information = 
}}

other_information is optional and can be left out.

Deletion

• Fair use images that contain no use rationale whatsoever should be deleted after notification to the editor who uploaded the image is given.
• Fair use images that fail any part of fair-use rationale may be deleted.

Please consider, as an alternative to deletion, fixing the description page, if possible.

Examples

Before you write a rationale, ask yourself:

• Is it impossible for this image to be replaced by a free alternative?
• Can I provide the complete source of this image?
• Can I provide the complete copyright status of this image?
• Does the image meet all of the criteria for its type of image?

If the answer to any of these questions is no, the image may be deleted.

Writing a fair-use rationale

A good fair-use rationale will provide:

• a description of the file
• the source and copyright information of the file
• the purpose of the image (identification only, or is it used for critical commentary?)
• how (if applicable) the resolution has been reduced
• why you feel the image is not replaceable with a free alternative