Terrific event. These ladies know their stuff. I thought the piece I brought was pretty much perfect but, when Annika got done with it, it was totally transformed. If they're willing to do this again, I'll be there. My one criticism is that they shouldn't be giving themselves away for free! This type of valuable, concrete, one-on-one service should definitely have a charge.

What does "simple thumbs up system" mean? Will that allow for greater feedback, which is what Carol is requesting?

Besides, is more necessarily better? If fear of being dinged is helping to weed out poor articles, isn't that a good thing? Good writers know who they are and aren't going to be influenced by ratings one way or the other. Changing the system may increase the volume of articles but not necessarily the volume of articles worth reading, while it would increase the time readers need to spend sorting wheat from chaff.

Just a thought.

Grrrr, just developed a conflict and client matter needs to take priority. Hope you offer this again.

Hey Suzette! Fancy seeing you here. Long time since the old days at the Ruins. Hope all's good. Legend Heart unplugged, eh?! Too bad I have a conflict (tennis, of course) but I'll keep an eye out for your next performance. Hi to Reno and Bob.

Hey, biznikers, get to this gig if you can. This girl and her bandmates can rock!

Reba,

If the "images" you're posting are the companies' logos, then copyright fair use, even if it applies, won't shield you entirely. That's because logos are protected as trademarks, in addition to any copyright protection.

Trademark law has its own version of "fair use" but it's very different from copyright fair use. Under trademark law, you're allowed to use others' trademarks to accurately identify their products (it's a necessary rule to protect free speech), but that generally extends only to their WORD marks. As a general rule, you're not permitted to use their logos because that is more than is necessary to make whatever point it is you're trying to make.

As another copyright attorney, I can echo the prior comments that this is an excellent article, John. I thought so when I read it the other day in the KCBA Bar Bulletin and I'm glad you decided to post it here as well. Way too many small businesses have been getting into copyright trouble without the slightest idea that they're doing anything wrong. Welcome to the local IP bar and I hope we get a chance to meet soon!