Featured Copyright question about old poems etc.

Yes . And I'm not at all sure how publication on the internet can satisfy laws in all different Countries?! I wonder if the Country of origin has some bearing on it?

I'm inclined to just file the poems away for now. If I come across a descendent of the author then I'll contact them and ask permission.

 

Thanks, and this is why I'm thinking that seeking permission from a descendent would be the easiest course of action .

 

I like the idea of getting permission from the heirs; especially since it would be very unlikely that publication would bring in a lot of money; they might just be happy to see them published, or might sell you the rights, or a limited version of the rights, for a nominal sum.
(I once negotiated with Utah Phillips the right to record one of his songs; he said "Just send me something you think I might like;" I sent him a pack of vintage Tarot cards with amusing and pithy sayings on them. Seemed to me that he was a fan of pithy sayings, and might like that. He was very pleased, bless his heart.
In that case, he was not selling me the actual copyright, but a limited use of the copyright, i.e. the right to record and publish up to 500 copies of his song on CD.
Another similar example: I have done a standard agreement with the Alaska State Museum to publish a photo from their archives on the internet; the contract specified that use was limited to publication on a particular non-profit website.)

 

Sorry, only just seen your reply... it sounds like you've put in place some limited-use licenses, in quite creative ways I might add! Like you, I think that if the heirs actually knew about this written work I've found, they might just be happy to see it published in some way, but finding them is the trick! It could be there are no immediate heirs and others are too difficult to trace, arghh.. so at the moment, I have the writings filed away, in my 'rainy day folder'

 

Is this BATMAN while in the Southern Hemisphere?

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Brilliant!!! I actually feel like that sometimes, with my little brain turned around and upside down!

 

Thanks!
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How about on the Equator then?
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Even better! *gives my head a wobble*

 

HA!!!!
I often ask, when I see a sideways photo here or anywhere, if the item is on the Equator.
NO one has gotten that as yet!!!
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NOT counting when this system spins my photos you know.