The Internet is still going through a “wild west” phase when it comes to the reproduction of copyrighted material. Smaller-scale automotive websites can vary from strict to reckless. Indie Auto has adopted a relatively conservative approach with regards to images as well as written content.
How Indie Auto draws upon the work of others
Images are drawn from other sources under two conditions:
- The image has “news” value, e.g., providing evidence that a Truth About Cars article was erroneous by showing a photo from it.
- Auto industry brochures, ads or commercials may be used as part of historical research.
The sources of all images are cited at the bottom of an article. In addition, you can go directly to the source if you click on the image. For further discussion about photos go here.
Written content is reproduced according to journalistic and scholarly best practices. That includes:
- Putting quote marks around all material which is directly taken from another author.
- Being careful to not draw a disproportionate amount of content from another author’s article or book.
- Using a scholarly citation method and a link to the reproduced material when available. For example, books are typically linked to a web-based supplier.
- Listing frequently-cited sources in Readings or Links.
As discussed in the Introduction, the most important goal of most postings is to increase the analytical depth of the conversation. This is not a recipe for maximizing page hits. However, Indie Auto’s reason for being is not to commodify automotive topics but to function as a not-for-profit source of research and education.
Hey, buddy, can I borrow your material?
You are encouraged to use the ideas presented here in your own work as long as you properly attribute them. Written material and images may not be reproduced without written permission from Indie Auto. Links to this site are always appreciated.
Opinions expressed by the Indie Auto editor and commentators are strictly their own and may not represent those organizations they are affiliated with, their funding sources or distant relatives. Isn’t free speech cool?
You may also wish to check out our privacy policy. Questions or comments? Go here.