Open Source Blogging: Feel Free to Steal My Content

Andrew Flusche Says:

January 7th, 2008, 20:49 pm

Ok, Leo. This is frickin’ awesome!!

I’m a student of copyright law, which I really enjoy studying. I’d love to have an intellectual property law practice, actually.

But as a creator myself, a lot of your points really hit home with me. Maybe this is why Creative Commons has taken root so well. Heck, I love that search feature on Flickr!

Now I’m inspired. I think I’ll change my blog’s copyright license a bit. I might not go quite as free reign as you, but I could surely do a Creative Commons “attribution required” licensed.

You rock!

Christian Holmes Says:

January 7th, 2008, 20:53 pm

You are truly a revolutionary and bright light in the age of blogging. I think this is the best move I’ve seen you make.

And just so you know, because of your views on copyright laws and your content, I am going to PURCHASE your eBook.

You more than deserve it.

Great job Leo at everything you’ve done.

Keep it up!

Mark Dykeman Says:

January 7th, 2008, 20:57 pm

Hello Leo, first time commenting here!

This is an interesting step that you’ve taken with your content. Some current wisdom suggests that this will make your writing even more popular than it is now.

Best of luck!

Putta Says:

January 7th, 2008, 21:01 pm

Wonderful!!! I am not a great fan of copyright laws either, especially the DCMA, which, in my opinion, sees more to big guys’ benefits and profit.

Thanks a lot!!! For me, richness comes in more forms than just having lots of money in bank accounts. You are RICH, man…. Your big heart that spread the spirit of sharing and giving….

pavs Says:

January 7th, 2008, 21:05 pm

Dude… That just Awesome!!

Christian Holmes Says:

January 7th, 2008, 21:07 pm

Another thought…any plans on open-sourcing your theme? :-D

Leo Says:

January 7th, 2008, 21:15 pm

Thanks for the wonderful feedback guys … this was a bit of a scary post to write, but I’m glad you liked the idea.

@Christian … first, thanks for buying the book! That’s really nice. Second, I didn’t create the theme and couldn’t possibly open source it … however, if the designer wanted to do it, I’d have no hesitation whatsoever!

Schwuk Says:

January 7th, 2008, 21:23 pm

Leo,

A cool move, but I’m curious: is there any particular reason why you chose Public Domain over one of the Creative Commons licenses?

Ryan Bestford Says:

January 7th, 2008, 21:38 pm

This is exactly why Zen Habits was my most read blog of 2007 and is likely to be my most read blog of 2008!

Definitely buy the ebook as it is brilliant. The love of my life is currently reading her way through it and has become irritatingly more effective at implementing it than me :)

Leo Says:

January 7th, 2008, 21:40 pm

@Schwuk: I actually haven’t given it enough thought, to be honest, but I think it’s just from my gut feeling that even CC licenses, to some extent, are controlling … and at their most fundamental level, they acknowledge the right of governments to control the distribution of ideas, while I don’t necessarily.

I think it’s dangerous to allow governments to control the flow of information (free speech). While I probably won’t be able to change that, I can at least act in accordance with my beliefs.

Sean Kelly Says:

January 7th, 2008, 21:45 pm

Leo,

This is just amazing of you. I think now some of your great work will spread to many more people, and thats a good thing when it comes to self-betterment. I plan on buying this ebook too, but I wish there was a printed version of your stuff. I’d absolutely love that.
Thanks!
~Sean

Brett Legree Says:

January 7th, 2008, 21:51 pm

Leo - well done, once again on the mark and ahead of the pack.

I have a gut feeling that this will pay off far beyond your wildest dreams…

Nathan Bowers Says:

January 7th, 2008, 21:54 pm

Excellent, I bet you’ll have great success with opening up your writing.

I understand the dream of seeing your work in print, but do you really need the validation of a major publisher? Why not publish through lulu.com?

These days anyone who feels they need a record label or book publisher is like a startup that could bootstrap but seeks venture funding “just because”.

37signals’ second book done with lulu and pdf outperformed their first book’s income (published the traditional way) by a factor of 20.

Leo Says:

January 7th, 2008, 22:00 pm

@Nathan: Good thoughts … I think at this point, the distribution and marketing advantage of publishing with a major publisher is too great to pass up. It might have worked for 37S, but I’m not so sure it would work for everybody. At this point. However, I think things are heading in that direction.

Greg @ Wise Bread Says:

January 7th, 2008, 22:00 pm

Wow, that’s quite a move Leo! I salute you.

In a couple of years, we might look back and see this post as the start of a new revolution. Much like how Stallman changed how we think of software.

dian Says:

January 7th, 2008, 22:12 pm

this is a bold move that u’ve make, i apreciate it a lot…

Kaose Says:

January 7th, 2008, 22:12 pm

I commend you, sir. Thank you for siding with the Open Source movement. I also release my content from copyrights at my blog (although I don’t make any money from my blog).
I’ll be sure to repost part of this article, with a link to your site, for those who want to read the rest. Also, you get the bookmark (something I RARELY do for blogs), stumbleupon thumbs up and review.
Also, just for your site, I will allow your adds through my Ad-Block filter, and click through a few of them (something I have NEVER done).
Once again, thank you. I can only hope more bloggers can follow your lead, and remember that money isn’t everything. In the blogging world, your visitors are.

Warren Says:

January 7th, 2008, 22:14 pm

What a great and bold move!

So many are fighting the inevitable copying of materials and you are embracing it full heartedly. I really respect that.

The benefits are great with easier exposure (assuming most will site you).

I don’t really know if you want people attributing your name to profane versions of your work though. Tread lightly, water can be deep and dangerous when it comes to that permission.

Charles Says:

January 7th, 2008, 22:21 pm

Great move, Leo. I read your blog fanatically, and I am extremely impressed by this.

I am curious though if you see a decrease in sales of your ebook, or an increase. It’d also be interesting to note whether or not you see more traffic to the site because of this.

Anyway, good luck, and as someone who appreciates the free flow of information, I offer kudos and gratitude.

Nathan Bowers Says:

January 7th, 2008, 22:22 pm

Leo, the cool thing is that self publishing is totally doable so you’ll have the option of walking away from a publisher if you can’t cut a good deal.

One thing to watch for is that publishers pay themselves first. Yes, they pay for editors, marketing, book tours, shelf placement and all that, but whose cut do you think that comes out of?

Be sure to talk to people who have experience with both publishing methods so you know what you’re in for.

dian Says:

January 7th, 2008, 22:22 pm

Oh yeah
i think this move is not an opensource move, but more of a WTFPL licensing on content :D just kid leo

grorgy Says:

January 7th, 2008, 22:27 pm

I think this is a great step Leo. It actually prompted me to go buy your book!

Best of luck

Mark Says:

January 7th, 2008, 22:27 pm

Brilliant, common-sense decision. One of my favorite websites, mises.org, has a ton of economics texts (one of my personal geekeries). I know that I’ve bought far more of the items they have the full text for than those they don’t share online.

I also think it will make a good challenge for you–creating works that are so unique, so timely, so powerful that one can’t help but know the source.

Mike Smith Says:

January 7th, 2008, 22:27 pm

Awesome. I love this blog, and I love the links you have on your tumblr page, and this just adds to why I love this blog. I’m thinking about creating a book at LuLu with your content so I can have it on my bookshelf. :) If I do, I’ll get a copy and get your mailing address from you and send you a copy of it.

Chris @ GearFire Says:

January 7th, 2008, 22:28 pm

This is the last article I read in my RSS reader and what a way to cap off the day.

It’s refreshing to see this in light of scary stories like this.

Tianhong Says:

January 7th, 2008, 22:36 pm

You’re awesome. Most of the time, I will credit people for the article I used. Well as much as I would like, is it possible to find a way that won’t affect your pagerank? I think it’d be a win win situation for all.

Frank Gilroy Says:

January 7th, 2008, 22:40 pm

Leo I just stood from my desk and bowed to my monitor. It’s people like you and gestures like this that give me hope that we’re not headed towards 1984.

Looking for my credit card to buy your eBook.

Akemi Says:

January 7th, 2008, 22:41 pm

I respect your approach. While I think the protection of intellectual property is important (I even wrote a post on it) and should be respected for those who choose that way, if you are okay to release your right, then so be it.

Akemi

Lance.Hill Says:

January 7th, 2008, 23:12 pm

Great move Leo.

I have enjoyed reading your content so much! More people need to embrace open source rather than clutching to every copyright they can get their hands on.

Tina Su - Think Simple Now Says:

January 7th, 2008, 23:15 pm

Wow Leo!

I was just reading about public domain work the other day with all its rules and how you can find out whether a book written before 1960s still has its copyrights and here you are openly giving it. It’s beautiful to watch.

I wish you tremendous success this year. Who knows what’ll happen. :)

Tina

tabatha Says:

January 7th, 2008, 23:19 pm

i was just thinking how i would like to copy some of this stuff into my opendiary so people could read it b/c most i don’t think the would click the link and come here and check your site out with out some samples but i didn’t do it b/c i didn’t want to steal your stuff, but this is awesome now its not stealing, i plan to give you full credit for anything i take thanks

Marc Says:

January 7th, 2008, 23:30 pm

Great idea Leo! I think your blog will become more read now than ever.

I hope there will be more people following your example by simply doing things for other people and not only looking at how what they do benefits them. We should be sharing more with each other and I am gradually seeing this happening, sometimes in the most subtle ways.

I can see that 2008 will be an awesome year for you and all of your readers. :)

Kate Olson Says:

January 7th, 2008, 23:41 pm

I was JUST going to post about this on my daily post tomorrow, but now I’ll discuss and link back to you or copy and credit (I do still believe wholeheartedly in credit!). Thanks for your profound thoughts, I love that you put it so eloquently.

Mrs. Micah Says:

January 7th, 2008, 23:54 pm

Interesting. I used Creative Commons “By” attribution for my site. I’d like people to link back to me or at least mention where it came from, but I think it practically releases content. Allows people to mess with it and all that.

I just got a copy of your eBook as a contest prize–so while I won’t be reprinting it, I’m glad that I won’t have to worry if I post a paragraph or two. Thanks.

Kelly Rigby Says:

January 8th, 2008, 0:01 am

Leo

You never cease to impress me. A bold and truly open hearted move. And I have no doubt that this will only grow your blog, your ‘brand’ (I hate using that word, but it seems appropriate here) and your future as a writer. What you give out, you get back and today you gave out sunshine.

Hugs to you.
Kelly

Eugene (Editor, Varsity Blah) Says:

January 8th, 2008, 0:08 am

This really is an impressive move, especially for someone so successful. My approach to blogging has been somewhat similar. The only reason I started is because I’m passionate about writing and want to get my content out to as many people as possible.

That’s what it’s all about. If I didn’t make a single cent or any recognition whatsoever, it wouldn’t matter. As long as my content is reaching people and making a difference, I’m happy. I’m so glad you feel the same way!

Sapphire Says:

January 8th, 2008, 0:37 am

I was just “Stumbled” to your site. You’ve gained a new reader thanks, in part, to this post of yours. With luck, your exposure in the StumbleUpon network will expand you readership even further, and gain a few who will donate as well. This is what the internet should be about - sharing what we have, what we know, what we’re learning. The IQ quotient of our planet rises each time we do, and that can’t be a bad thing.

Well done, you.

(Now could you please add another way to donate aside from PayPal? LOL)

J.D. Says:

January 8th, 2008, 0:52 am

Rock on, Leo. This is an inspiring move. As you say, it’s also a scary one. I’m not ready to make this sort of leap myself, but I’ll be watching your own experiment closely. Maybe I can do it in the future.

Scott Cheatham Says:

January 8th, 2008, 1:19 am

Leo,

I’ve benefited from your work in my ministry so as I read this, I felt led to do what I had meant to do for several months and but the e-book….Both as a thank you and as a way of supporting your decision. I think this type of “Pyro” marketing will benefit you in ways that only will be seen in the passage of time….

Many thanks!
Scott

Miss Gisele from myBeautyMatch.com Says:

January 8th, 2008, 1:24 am

Leo,

I usually agree with pretty much everything your post, but my friend, as a blogger…I’ve got to tell you that I soooooooooooo don’t agree with this decision of letting go of your copyrights. This whole Zen Habit site is your brainchild and you cannot let people who are not as creative and caring as you take your content. I know you write that you’d like credit…but truly not everyone will be that generous.

Can I say anything to convince you to change your mind?

Gisele (concerned blogger and avid Zen Habit reader!)

David Echols Says:

January 8th, 2008, 1:35 am

Freedom is strangely inspiring isn’t it, Leo?

Ayomide Says:

January 8th, 2008, 1:36 am

Leo, I think you are madly brilliant, and I know you won’t mind me taking a page out of your book, and releasing my content to eh interwebs as well! (See all the puns I made there? Hilarious, right?)

In any case, I actually think releasing your content is going to cut down on plagarism. Being bad isn’t as exciting is you’re allowed to do it!

Leo Says:

January 8th, 2008, 1:49 am

Thanks for all the positive feedback, my friends!

@Miss Gisele: I appreciate your concern, but I really don’t mind if others take my content. What harm does it do to me? I lose nothing. And I have much to gain: if people like it and share it, it spreads my writing to new readers.

And the world could potentially gain even more: great writers and artists have for centuries used the works of others as the basis for new and often more brilliant creations. Consider the works of Walt Disney, who took the Brothers Grimm and applied his own genius to it (to use an example from Lessig’s book). The world would be a much worse place, imo, if the genius of the Grimms of the world were not available to the genius of the Disneys of the world. I’m giving my work to humanity, in hopes that it can be used in more creative ways than I can ever imagine.

And who knows? If my little experiment fails, at least it will be instructive to others. Without failures there can be no successes.

SK Says:

January 8th, 2008, 2:29 am

It is kind of ironic that you quote two people who are not the best ‘public domain’ license supporters - RMS and Lawrence Lessig. I do not want to drag you into a discussion on whether Creative Commons or GNU Free Documentation License is better that public domain but it would be interesting to know why you did not consider either of them.

SK Says:

January 8th, 2008, 2:35 am

Oops, forgot add: Congrats and all the best on this bold move.

Now, who would be the first to send the ZTD ebook for free to me, who is so much in debt to even consider sparing the measly $10 :(

Naa, just kidding, about the free book part!

Naomi Dunford Says:

January 8th, 2008, 3:34 am

@ SK - Since I just bought two copies of the book by accident, you’re welcome to one of mine. :)

Maria Palma Says:

January 8th, 2008, 3:43 am

Leo,

This is an issue that I have been thinking about for some time now. However, what I’ve come to realize is that nothing is really “yours” or “mine” to begin with. Everything comes from Source and we are just the mediums by which these messages and creations travel through.

That said, I do credit the sources by which I get my information and I thank you for sharing your messages. You have been richly rewarded and blessed.

All the best!

Delphine Says:

January 8th, 2008, 3:53 am

Leo,

I have been avidly following your posts since discovering your blog in December - Zen Habits is the only blog on my Google Reader that I always take time to slow down and read in its entirety. Thanks to you, I have managed to become an early riser, start exercising regularly, and get more done in the mornings. ZTD is unquestionably the best system of its kind I’ve tried!

I’ve always been intending - someday - to leave you a comment of thanks for all that your blog has given to me, but this post today has propelled me to finally do it. It’s an amazing thing you are doing and my respect for you has increased thousandfold. You are quite right that releasing copyright has little negative impact on authors - in fact, quite the opposite! It’s the lack of copyright and the widespread free availability of texts that has contributed to the enduring popularity of authors such as Shakespeare, Austen, Dickens, and numerous others. Not only does it make it easier for people to get the books and read them, it also makes it easier for, say, directors to make films of them, or other authors to incorporate those books into their fiction - examples include Jasper Fforde, most notably, and Tom Stoppard’s ‘Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead’. (I am a postgraduate student in English Literature at the moment and this topic, though not my specialty, is of particular interest to me!)

I am convinced you are doing an incredibly enlightened thing here, and I applaud you wholeheartedly. Keep up the brilliant work, Leo.

Kelly Says:

January 8th, 2008, 3:54 am

I was so inspired by your post that I bought your book (and I don’t intend on sharing it either). This is my favorite blog…I never miss a post. Thanks Leo!

Sara Says:

January 8th, 2008, 3:59 am

This is quite the bold move! I applaud you for it, and quite agree. Good luck and I hope no one takes unfair advantage of your generosity. Hopefully it mostly returns to you in positive ways. :)

Ivan - blatternet.ch Says:

January 8th, 2008, 4:02 am

Normally I don’t comment when I’m number >50, because everything is already said. But here I have to thank you, Leo, too! This is incredible and very generous!

amypalko Says:

January 8th, 2008, 4:10 am

Very smart move, Leo. I was lucky enough to see Lessig talk about copyright last October, and I found myself agreeing with much of what he said. You can see a similar talk to the one I saw here.
I do think we’re going to have to think outside the very constricting confines of copyright law, as, not only the technology demands it, but users of that technology also demand it.
Like I said, smart move!

Bamboo Forest Says:

January 8th, 2008, 4:17 am

Interesting move. One of the things I’d worry about, though this is completely in the realm of theory - is that people would begin to view your material with less awe. Only because now, in a sense, it’s not your sole property/commodity anymore, and this may devalue it in the publics eye’s. That is only speculation, I may be totally off point.

Marley Says:

January 8th, 2008, 4:41 am

Sigh….. and not a day goes by lately when the mighty Leo fails to up the stakes in living by his values in such a damn cool way as to make the rest of us mere mortals weep at the beauty of it all :-)

Seriously cool move dude - and one that I believe will reap many rewards for you (some of them may even be financial).

I think there’s an irony here. I’m pretty sure from the little I know of you from your writings that you are a really humble guy, just doing what he thinks is right. However by doing it so well you’re kinda inspiring hero worship from your readers…. {shakes his head and marvels at the oblique sense of humour of this wonderful world}

Leo Says:

January 8th, 2008, 5:03 am

Boy, I really didn’t think I’d get this overwhelming a response from you all, but it’s very gratifying. Thank you all.

@SK: I named RMS and Lessig as inspirations. I didn’t say I agree with them on everything. :) Also, email me about the ebook.

Why didn’t I consider CC or GPL instead of public domain? That’s probably a more involved question than I can get into here in the comments, but briefly: I don’t agree that the government has the right to control the free flow of ideas (freedom of speech) or license a monopoly on ideas or words. Both CC and GPL acknowledge the government’s right to do so. If we grant that right, we give the government too much power. Remember, the government is (in theory) supposed to serve us, the community, the people … and it only has as much power as we give it. I don’t cede power over my ideas to the government, but only to the community at large.

@Sara: Thanks for your kind words, but in clarification, it’s impossible for anyone to take advantage of me here, as I have freely given away my rights — they can seriously do whatever they like! Make a million dollars off my ideas! Give them to friends for free! Print them and share them with schoolchildren! I hope I’m given credit, but there’s no obligation to do so. Do what you like! Seriously.

@Marley: I would prefer not to have any hero worship. :) It’s dangerous … let’s celebrate humanity and ideas, not any one person! But thank you for the flattery.

@Bamboo Forest: The prospect of people viewing my work with less awe is not a negative in my eyes. I hope to inspire (at my best), and most of all, I hope the ideas are passed on or improved or built upon, but I don’t think awe is ever a desirable thing.

LM Says:

January 8th, 2008, 5:12 am

A man of my own heart. Kudos.

Peter Says:

January 8th, 2008, 5:57 am

Great move, Leo. Just a question - wouldn’t it be possible for someone to claim copyright of your work? That could be potential trouble(?) Just asking, not that I want to do it…

Leo Says:

January 8th, 2008, 6:09 am

@Peter: I don’t think so. You can’t claim copyright of something in the public domain … just like you can’t copyright Hamlet. However, you could copyright an interpretation of Hamlet or a derivative work, just as Disney did with his derivations of the Brothers Grimm. That would be just fine with me.

To claim a valid copyright, as I understand it, you have to be able to show that you created it first … something that would be hard to do, as I publish my stuff first, before anyone can copy it. And I have you all as witnesses. :)

Leke Says:

January 8th, 2008, 6:11 am

Just to clarify then, if we find for ZEN TO DONE on any of the torrent tracker sites - we are free to download it?

How about a donation system as well?

Keep us posted on any of the points (1 to 7) you mentioned.

Leo Says:

January 8th, 2008, 6:29 am

@Leke: Yep, it’s public domain.

If you like the ebook, I’d appreciate a payment or donation, but you’re under no obligation to do so. If you want to share it with others, you’re free to do so (and I actually encourage you to) … but I would also appreciate it if you tell your friends to purchase a copy if they like it.

I have faith in humanity. If people like my work, they’ll pay me. It worked well enough for Radiohead. I downloaded their album for $10. It was worth much more to me.

Arman Says:

January 8th, 2008, 6:31 am

Thanks for your wonderful blog Leo - I love and respect your posts. After reading your manifesto, thought to share my random thoughts. I am still thinking about your idea.

Everything has boundaries. Freedom means knowing these boundaries. You don’t put your hand into fire - it has a boundary. Slavery is manifestation of ignorance about boundaries. Your move was to lift off existing boundaries. It is as if fire is saying you can touch me. It will be interesting to know what will happen to touch fire without being hurt. This is awesome experiment. Experiment with fire. Dangerous, exciting, promising, unknown. I am very curious.

Your wish is the expression of love and overwhelming gratitude that you have as a result of your work. Love means freedom. Freedom means order and discipline. Hence, love is discipline. What discipline do you leave by opening the content? Maybe copy-righting sounds controlling and non-loving. But what about copy-discipline or copy-loving?

In essence, your blog is successful because it teaches discipline, hence love. Each and every numbered tip is a small discipline. Giving freedom to those tips is like saying to your (brain-) children to go and live on their own. Are they ready? Highly probable, considering their success so far. Will they need any help from you? They may. We all need help at some point. Can you help them?

André Says:

January 8th, 2008, 6:43 am

This is my first comment here!

It’s guys like you that lead this young generation to a nearly perfect civilization. Where culture is free and creators are respected, even without this never ending laws that incriminates all of our smallest steps towards our thirst for knowledge.
I hope were going this way, and it’s thanks to clear thinking people like you.
I hope nobody takes advantage of your move but your making people think otherwise.

Thank you Leo

Kenneth - Guy From Personal Development Blog Says:

January 8th, 2008, 7:10 am

In order to receive you must first give, I respect you Leo..

Steve Johnston Says:

January 8th, 2008, 7:23 am

There is an old saying that says that a free item has no value. In this case, the saying is completely wrong — unless, of course, you mean that it will become priceless.

The potential of this site has grown right before our eyes — who knows what this material will now achieve!

I respect what you have done completely and without any reservation. Well done.

Daniel Says:

January 8th, 2008, 7:24 am

Fantastic choice, Leo! I’m a brazilian reader of your blog and I feel deeply the need to eliminate copyright and other kinds of control mechanisms from our societies, in general.

And now I’m even more inclined to read and share your thoughts with friends. Stallman and Lessig are great minds, and you are someone who can make a big difference by adopting and promoting their ideas. And you did it! Thank you!

Jen, writer MembershipMillionaire Says:

January 8th, 2008, 7:39 am

It’s not like you’re releasing the copyright on all of the stuff you’ve done. Besides, seeing your work being used in other places or being quoted is one of the greatest forms of flattery, don’t you think? And who was this genius that said that it is important to detach ourselves from our work? I can’t really remember but I understand that being too attached can lead to stagnation. Bad news for bloggers. Or any artist, actually.

Leo Says:

January 8th, 2008, 7:50 am

@Jen: I wish I could release the copyright on everything I’ve written. All the rest has been written for other publications or blogs, and I don’t have the copyright on most of that stuff. Zen Habits and the Zen To Done ebook have been the first time I have complete control over my work, and it’s very liberating to be able to release it to the world.

I agree about detachment from our work, although that’s easier said than done of course. I, for one, put a lot of myself into my work, and it become a deeply personal thing. That said, it is an enlightening experience to at least attempt to detach yourself from something so personal.

Jeff Says:

January 8th, 2008, 7:52 am

A fascinating new development with your e-book! This shows that you’re clearly not one of those of types who is solely focused on making money.

Dominic Says:

January 8th, 2008, 8:22 am

Leo:
I suspect a lot of people are going to appreciate that you’ve done this. I hope it returns dividends that make it worthwhile for you.

Thanks.

Hannes Says:

January 8th, 2008, 8:36 am

Making it Public Domain instead of CC or GPL is fantastic as you allow true freedom(!) by that.

Thanks a lot, I won’t be stealing but it is always good to see openness succeed (which I am sure will happen here).

Wicker Says:

January 8th, 2008, 8:40 am

You’re an inspiration. Shedloads of good will come your way, I’m sure of it :D

Denise Says:

January 8th, 2008, 9:09 am

Leo, you’re the greatest!

Megan Says:

January 8th, 2008, 9:16 am

Fantastic, Leo! Aligning with the universal law of abundance (as opposed to lack, which copyright laws play into), the more you give, the more you get.

I still appreciate you letting me use portions of a post you did a couple months ago for a workshop I hosted. Everyone loved the information, and of course, your name & Web site were featured prominently. I hope some have since become subscribers.

Like many others have said, you’re a light in this world. Keep on!

Megan | It’s All About Joy!

Scott Young Says:

January 8th, 2008, 9:21 am

Fascinating idea Leo!

I think it’s important to make the distinction between going open source because you feel it will help spread your creative efforts and ultimately bring value back to yourself (or the world) and being morally obligated to do so. It’s the right of creators to decide how their works are distributed, so it needs to be a personal choice–not a duty.

I’ll have to see how this will affect your traffic and popularity. It could go up, as your content spreads. It could go down as your work becomes less centralized on ZenHabits.

Cheers,
-Scott

Lyman Reed Says:

January 8th, 2008, 9:29 am

Leo… wow!

I’m really impressed with this move. There isn’t much more that I can say that hasn’t already been said in the previous comments, but I wanted to congratulate you on taking such a bold step.

Aaron Griffin Says:

January 8th, 2008, 9:50 am

It’s probably more beneficial in the long run if, instead of “releasing copyright” you place all your future works under a CC license. Some countries don’t have the notion of “releasing copyright”. The whole PD thing isn’t universal.

deepali Says:

January 8th, 2008, 10:06 am

I once heard a quote attributed to Madonna - to paraphrase, if you tell everyone everything, you have no secrets for anyone to exploit. :)

Becs Says:

January 8th, 2008, 10:17 am

Awesome! Just another reason why I’m impressed with you and your blog. I want to go into intellectual property law on the side of people pulling for less restrictive copyrights, and seeing that there are people out there creating and willing to share their work makes me more confident about how important it is :D

Miss Gisele from myBeautyMatch.com Says:

January 8th, 2008, 11:20 am

Leo,

You will have to let us know how this works out for you.

Perhaps, I might reconsider my position!

Gisele

Terri Holley, The Health and Life Mixing Bowl Says:

January 8th, 2008, 11:24 am

Leo,

The underlying message in this post represents some of your best content. It relates to thinking abundantly and relinquishing ourselves from the scarcity mindset. I lovingly and freely shared my blog’s content and plan to keep doing so. Thanks for making the world a better place with this awesome act of kindness.

jag Says:

January 8th, 2008, 11:24 am

I think it is really cool what you are doing and I think, in the end, you’ll see great benefit from this.

However - even if you say you are waiving your copyright, I don’t think you have waived your copyright legally. Once you write it, you have a copyright in the eyes of the law regardless of what you say or do, correct?

In any case, I appreciate your blog and your forward thinking.

-J

Caron Says:

January 8th, 2008, 11:31 am

*thousands of people are reading my work (and learning about Zen Habits) who wouldn’t have otherwise*
Selfless & inspiring, Leo! :)

*… copyright laws … being applied these days by corporations, used to crack down on the little guys so they can continue their large profits.*
What’s next? Removing ads from the blog?? :P

Eduardo Pegurier Says:

January 8th, 2008, 11:32 am

Leo,

In practice you’re giving your book the same way as your blog. So, you should offer it as a free download in this space.

To me, if this blog also intends to help make money, you’re moving to a model where you either will be:
- sell lectures
- make money from advertisement

Considering everything that is free in the internet, looks like a good move that will get you a larger audience.

Good lucky and congrats

reinkefj Says:

January 8th, 2008, 11:50 am

While I applaud your strategy, may I point out one good use for copyrights?

Thanks for reading on. I have no illusions that my blog is anything more than my personal whine. That being said, I really don’t care when someone “adopts” my content in a good faith effort to point out my flaws, or even make fun of me. What really knots my shorts is when a splogger takes it for the purposes of ad revenue. You can tell the bogus sites. My content will be there with a load of stuff that has no relation to anything. For them I make a special exception to my “who cares” rule.

I assert my copyright with Google if Adsense is in use, Google if it’s sited on Blogger, Wordpress if it’s a free wordpress blog violating the TOS, or even the hosting company of the splog. Usually only takes two emails and I’m finished.

It may be hopeless, since these can be setup, faster than one can find and kill them. But, it’s like taking out the trash. And, it does get the knot out.

:-)

AnneTanne Says:

January 8th, 2008, 12:00 pm

I think this is a wonderfull decision.
People who would like to ’steal’ your content without your permission, they would do that anyway.
But many people, who want to spread the message without stealing, will now feel free to do it. And I’m sure the majority of them will give you the attribution you deserve.

(My blogcontent and my Flickr’ Pictures are all under a CC License, and sometimes I find some of it somewhere on the internet… and always I’m mentioned as the autor - There will always be exceptions, but I do believe people really want to be honest. And by a kind of ‘copyleft’ like I like to call it, it are the honest people who will feel more encouraged to share your content.)

Robert Monteux Says:

January 8th, 2008, 12:11 pm

Leo,
Reading your post first thing this morning raised goosebumps on my arms. What an incredible way to start the day with that kind of energy going out to the universe.

Also, I immediately went and bought the ebook.

Many thanks,
Robert

etavitom Says:

January 8th, 2008, 12:12 pm

very cool! your wisdom will hopefully be seen by many more people… best of luck, brad

Joshua Says:

January 8th, 2008, 12:30 pm

All your blog are belong to us :p Seriously though, classy move and way to move internet communications toward its logical progression

Jacque Harper Says:

January 8th, 2008, 13:32 pm

Although the comments are long, and this will very likely not be read by very many visitors, I must reply in the contrary:

You are ignorant.

“It’s never hurt Shakespeare. I doubt that it’s ever really hurt any artist (although I might just be ignorant here).”

First of all, the references to DaVinci and Shakespeare are fallacious. They lived in SUCH COMPLETELY different times that you simply cannot compare their circumstances to your own.

As for harm done to other artists - the best I can do is assume that by harm you are ignoring lost opportunity cost. Ask any experienced copyright attorney if they can’t give you dozens of examples of musicians who gave up the copyright to their works, only to have a record company make millions of dollars licensing those works.

(Don’t sidestep this by saying “if there were NO copyright, the record companies wouldn’t have made those millions:” those who control the means of production control the profits from those products. (e.g.: records).)

Were those artists “hurt?” No, if you mean their lives continued exactly as if they had never written those million-selling songs. But they didn’t thrive or succeed in the way you’d like to think they did.

Your argument that copyright has been used to abuse artists (”…in most cases the artist gets very little…”) is specious: aggressive business practices hurt artists. Copyright law protects those who hold copyrights.

There is one last idea for you and all other commenters to mull over. The writers of the U.S. Constitution actually established copyright for a reason: to allow those who create creative work to profit from it, in order to *encourage* the creation of such work. Think about how that works: because I can copyright and thereby exclusively profit from my work (for a period of time), it is more likely that I will be willing and economically able to create.

I stipulate that the abuse of copyright is now frequent, and the system needs correction. But to correct is very different from indiscriminately abandoning the system.

Having said all that, I wish you good luck. Certainly you’ve sold a few books today. But please don’t assume that all creative artists share your enthusiasm.

Jacque Harper

Julie Says:

January 8th, 2008, 14:00 pm

Fascinating.

As a content creator, I want to benefit from my work and be protected; and I am careful to quote sources. I do feel, however, that there is some cyber bullying associated the Intellectual Property law and copyright protection. Your decision is a great experiment and should further the discussion of IP in an electronic world.

Katie Says:

January 8th, 2008, 14:02 pm

Leo, I am currently broke but as soon as I get a little bit of extra cash I’m buying the e-book! Also my mother is getting a computer this week and I will recommend your site to her and anyone else I think will enjoy it! Don’t let some of these negative comments get to you for we create alot of our own fears. Its difficult for me to imagine that anyonoe who reads Zen Habits would rip you off. Aren’t we all here to better our selves?
Peace and Love to you. I wish you all the best.

PamN Says:

January 8th, 2008, 14:26 pm

I found you through “Stumble” and this is the first post of yours I read - my lucky day! You are going straight to the top of my blog list.

sunsail Says:

January 8th, 2008, 14:31 pm

@Terri Holley: You so succinctly wrote what I was struggling to put into words. You’re in on the secret too, huh? ;)

Awesome move, Leo. I have a feeling you won’t regret it.

kher Cheng Guan Says:

January 8th, 2008, 14:47 pm

leo, i would have done the same if i have the same amount of readers and subscribers. i’m sure your blog will leap even further in terms of popularity and readership.

Snigel Says:

January 8th, 2008, 14:50 pm

For publishing, have you considered Lulu? It is a non-risk possibility if you want to print something without things getting too complicated. I have seen a lot of material from Lulu and although the quality could have been better, I definitely think it is worth it. You could use it just to get a printed copy for yourself if nothing else.

As for the release of copyright, kudos to you. We need more people to balance the corporations you mention. Hopefully, you will also earn enough goodwill to counter any of the disadvantages you might suffer.

AgentSully Says:

January 8th, 2008, 15:04 pm

What a trailblazing thing to do! It fits in with the minimalist lifestyle you love, i.e. one less thing to control and worry about. I wish you all the best. Your good karma will definitely return to you.

Jon Says:

January 8th, 2008, 15:21 pm

I completely agree with the copyright issues and admire you for this move. Good Karma is far more superior than any kind of license will ever be.

Tudor Mateescu Says:

January 8th, 2008, 15:45 pm

Leo this is what I’ve said in my blog license too (1 year ago) but it’s in romanian. Let the ideas spread.

Florian Steglich Says:

January 8th, 2008, 16:26 pm

Leo,

great move! I am one of the writers of the german productivity blog imgriff.com, and just having read your post this morning we decided to translate your ebook into german - for those who understand german: http://imgriff.com/2008/01/08/demnaechst-in-diesem-blog-zen-to-done-auf-deutsch/.

I loved how Radiohead did a similar thing, and so do I appreciate your decision. As a support and to thank you we thought of donating 200 dollars to you. Let’s say this here in your comments to show these content models can work.
Thanks a lot!
Florian

Joe Says:

January 8th, 2008, 16:40 pm

It’s kind of really cool.

And it’s also kind of really crazy.

And I’m not sure which side of the fence I’m on yet!

rewitch Says:

January 8th, 2008, 16:45 pm

Great idea! I’m a librarian and believe all information/knowledge should be freely available.

There is a big divide between the information rich and the information poor around the world and anything that can be done to close that gap is a good thing.

Only one thought on copyright Shakespeare and Da Vinci are dead and so are perhaps less interested in income generation :)

One Eyed View Says:

January 8th, 2008, 16:47 pm

You are truly an inspiration Leo.! The more you put “out there”, the more “will come to you.”

Leena Says:

January 8th, 2008, 17:01 pm

Hi Leo,

You inspire me with what you write here.
I am a believer in the prosperity model (there is enough for everyone) and this is such a generous perspective to work from-thank you.

I am new to the blogging world and was wondering about these issues. No need, I love what you wrote here, and am sure you won’t mind if I adopt your manifesto on sharing content :)

Keep up the awesome work.

BooksInMyPhone Says:

January 8th, 2008, 18:09 pm

We are always looking for quality contemporary content. If you wanted we could package up your book to be readable on cell phones. People could carry their Zen habits with them.

Lorraine Says:

January 8th, 2008, 18:20 pm

Yours is a noble gesture, Leo, in keeping with your selfless spirit. I feel sure you’ll receive in return many times over.

Attachment is attachment–whether we hoard money, collect possessions or grasp tight our creations.

“For it comes to the same thing,” wrote St. John of the Cross,”whether a bird is held by a slender cord or by a stout one, since, even if it be slender, the bird will be held as though it were stout, for so long as it breaks it not and flies away.”

“…It is sad to see certain souls in this plight…though they need do no more than make one good flight and thus snap the cord of desire right off.”

Here’s to your good flight!

I know I’ll enjoy your e-book–just purchased–and I thank you for your marvelous efforts and insights.

Adam Snider Says:

January 8th, 2008, 18:21 pm

Very cool move, Leo. I’m not sure if I’d be willing to do the same, but it’s a great move, and I’m sure you’ll receive all kinds of good karma from people who appreciate what you’re doing here.

G Says:

January 8th, 2008, 18:35 pm

Hi Leo!

I’m extremely excited about what you’ve just written here :)
Being a student and coming from a developing country I can tell you that foreign books are extremely expensive over here (due to low life standards), and very hard to find since noone ships here, and so people are forced find means to get the info the need or want. I don’t exactly approve of it but it has turned me into a “copyleft” person :) I do appreciate this move and I still trust people, so I think you’ll benefit a lot more from this than anyone else. Now, I’m even more determined to buy your book as soon as I figure out how :P (refers to me not buying a single thing online till now :P)

thanx,
G.

Carol Says:

January 8th, 2008, 20:02 pm

Wonderful, Inspiring, Gracious and SO Zen.

eva Says:

January 8th, 2008, 20:07 pm

such overwhelming response!

@everyone: wow…thank you for all of your love and support.

@husband: amazing…i am proud!

Lexi Says:

January 9th, 2008, 1:33 am

wow, i’m not sure i agree with you but THANK YOU! that’s very generous of you!

Lexi Says:

January 9th, 2008, 1:37 am

ah what the heck, i’ve gone and bought your book too!

Ignacio Silva Says:

January 9th, 2008, 9:57 am

A very interesting move Leo!
Risky, reckless if you want…

I’m sure that your readers, including me, will spread your thoughts and ideas in a respectful way and who know… something cool may appear ;-)
No doubt about it.

Have a great 2008!

Cosette Rae, NCTMB Says:

January 9th, 2008, 11:15 am

Givers gain! A zen move on your part. Love it!

Chris Says:

January 9th, 2008, 11:35 am

I’ve been following this blog for months now. I just wanted to say ‘Happy new year’ and keep up the good work. The more time passes, the more I like the new design of your blog.

Caitlin Says:

January 9th, 2008, 13:46 pm

What an interesting idea! I think it’s a lovely thing, and I hope it goes really well for you!

Aaron Says:

January 9th, 2008, 14:10 pm

Leo, you are my hero!
This step was verry brave and I also purchased your book to support you.

Dot Says:

January 9th, 2008, 14:45 pm

Once again you’ve behaved in a way that’s above the norm and set an example for the rest of us. However, I wonder whether you would have taken this step if your blog and book were the sole sources of support for your family.

I know of a case where a web artist, call her X, had her entire collection of work (which was available free for download) was downloaded by someone else in another country, let’s call her Y. Y then offered all of the work at Y’s website as Y’s original work. Y received a lot of compliments on the work, and X was freaked out by this.

It turned out that X was using the free work as advertising in order to build up her paid work, so it is possible that Y’s actions might have damaged X’s income. Also, X was always a bit crazed about copyrights, but in the end she couldn’t afford the lawyers to enforce them. She ended up having a bit of a breakdown and closing down her website for good.

Some might say that it was X’s fanaticism about copyright that made the problem so bad, but theft is theft. It’s true that people could steal her work, but not her talent, as with Da Vinci and others. However, when it’s your livelihood, it does have a lot more impact on your life.

Thorsten von Plotho-Kettner Says:

January 9th, 2008, 15:01 pm

Thanks for all, Leo.

Great move….. like a perfect stone-garden.

Aaron Stroud Says:

January 9th, 2008, 15:32 pm

Jonathan over at PlagiarismToday just posted an interesting analysis of Leo’s gift to the community.

John Hewitt Says:

January 9th, 2008, 17:00 pm

Leo,

I was wondering about your graphics. I’m not sure how you acquire them, but if they are created by other people, you may need to clarify THEIR rights.

Scott Carpenter Says:

January 9th, 2008, 18:54 pm

Excellent post! As far as I know, I’ve never been to zenhabits before, but someone who knows my interests sent me a link to this article.

It’s great to hear that you’ve so enthusiastically taken up the cause of free culture.

You might be interested in the community at http://questioncopyright.org, which is working to reform copyright law. I’ve already suggested to reprint or link to this article there.

Thank you for sharing!

d4rko Says:

January 9th, 2008, 18:59 pm

Hi Leo,

just want to let you know that I am really glad I found your website a cuple of weeks ago. It has been so useful that, when you added this post, I felt the need to thank you. I bought your ebook.

Thanks again!

Kathy Sena Says:

January 9th, 2008, 20:29 pm

How generous of you, Leo. And what a bold experiment! I hope you’ll report back to us in a few months and let us know what has transpired.

And I have to say, I bought your e-book and it is worth every penny.

Cheers!

Kathy

Andrés Says:

January 9th, 2008, 21:15 pm

Leo, I actually want to steal your theme. How can I do it? I like it a lot, although I don’t know if I’ll use it.

Rolf F. Katzenberger Says:

January 10th, 2008, 1:07 am

Just came back yesterday night from a long vacation and thought nothing important had happened meanwhile - I was mistaken!

Such a great move!

*big bow*
Rolf

E.J. Says:

January 11th, 2008, 0:27 am

I enjoy all your different topics.. wow…

Maybe you can check out mine that I started!

Darryl Heron Says:

January 11th, 2008, 2:42 am

I wrote about your post in a piece at my site. I was wondering does this new public domain policy also apply to pieces that you have written for other sites, where you have done a guest post?

Darryl Heron
http://systems-overload.blogspot.com/

Darryl Heron Says:

January 11th, 2008, 2:43 am

I foget to mention that I dugg this post of yours!

Darryl Heron
http://systems-overload.blogspot.com/

ae Says:

January 11th, 2008, 5:50 am

For those interested in the creative effects of giving, I recommend Lewis Hyde’s The Gift: How the Creative Spirit Transforms the World. It’s quite a scholarly work.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gift-Creative-Spirit-Transforms-World/dp/1841958336

earl Says:

January 11th, 2008, 13:53 pm

Hi Leo

I contacted you few moths ago with a proposal to translate your blog into my language ( as it will definitely reach much more readers, that otherwise would not have the chance to read you and benefit from your tips ). Now I am wondering what to do. And I am wondering actually because I do not know if you would approve this or not. I know that your work is public domain now, but I am not the kind of a person that would do such thing without a permission. If I do it, I will definately state clear who is the author of the articles and where could the readers find them and read them in an original version.I would also like to share my revenue with you.

Jared Spurbeck Says:

January 12th, 2008, 13:26 pm

I think it’s great that you’re deciding to share! I know copyright law is often interpreted in a way that ignores the Fair Use clause, and deprives people of their freedoms at the expense of the corporations.

On the other hand, I do think it wouldn’t be right to take your work and republish it without attributing it to you, or to change it and attribute the changes to you. Those acts are simply dishonest.

Are you sure that it’s best to waive such legal protection? _Can_ you waive such protection — as in, would you still be able to sue someone on these grounds even after saying you release your work to the public domain? I wonder …

Iris M. Gross Says:

January 12th, 2008, 15:04 pm

Leo,

I’ve been reading your blog for a few weeks now, and this is the first time I’ve been inspired to respond.

I love what you’re doing! People are so caught up in needing to be able to sue somebody, it’s shameful and mercenary. Your actions are truly a breath of fresh air!

I feel copyright law makes people lazy. It makes the original creator rest on their laurels, and it gives descendents of the creator the message that you should not earn your own living. In fact, I’ve always felt that copyright of artistic work should be released after the creator dies, if not sooner. It’s gotten so bad that if I wanted to send this blog page to Kinko’s to print out because I don’t want to clutter up my space with a printer, they won’t do it because they won’t print “copyrighted” pages. I don’t think they even know what the word means!

If you’ve written something that people feel so touched and inspired by that they want to share it, then that is the ultimate goal of a writer and the real prize, not the monetary gain from it. You sound as if to be a natural born teacher, Leo, with a message to deliver, and I hope the lessons you’ve given away with your e-book reach the four corners of the Earth!

You can’t really control if someone wants to abuse the message. At the very least, a quote of yours may end up a Jeopardy question. But I feel that getting credit, while quite the boost to the ego, is not the prize, is not important, as long as people took what you have written to heart.

My late aunt, who died two years ago, grew beautiful flowers in her garden. One day, I asked her, Auntie, you could make a lot of money selling these flowers - if only you knew how much these flowers sell for in the stores! Why do you give your flowers away? She just shrugged and said, “I give them away because people enjoy them. You have to share what you have, because this is how you get your blessings.” My auntie was not even a middle-class woman, literally died with nothing, but she was rich in spirit.

I think that you, too, Leo, are a very rich man. Bless you and thank you for setting an example, even if it’s only doing what feels right for you. If I ever write and publish an ebook, I will follow your lead - after I’ve sold a few first! :)

Just think, now your e-book is right up there with The Bible!

My kindest regards,

Iris

Iris M. Gross Says:

January 12th, 2008, 15:08 pm

Oh yes, and I just used PayPal to buy your book!

jana Says:

January 13th, 2008, 0:08 am

very interesting and groundbreaking, keep up the great work.

not yours Says:

January 16th, 2008, 14:33 pm

I would appreciate it if you give credit to others for any work of theirs that you use, and ideally, link back to the original.

Porter Says:

January 22nd, 2008, 18:03 pm

Bravo! Especially on the Song of Myself reference. Good to see that others like to contain multitudes.

Michelle Says:

January 23rd, 2008, 17:42 pm

Fantastic! I love your writing and we have added your parenting articles to our site - with refernece back to you - of course!!

Thanks so much!

april Says:

January 24th, 2008, 14:51 pm

Wow if only artist would have theses words! as an artist myself I don’t put those nasty ugly watermarks on my images!
why — it takes from the art i created!!!
this truely shows your charactor! and may you always stay blessed!
Leo your site is wonderful! and all the people you have helped and how much you want to share that with everyone shows me your passion!!!
Thanks for sharing your passion with the world!!!

John Ingle Says:

January 25th, 2008, 9:35 am

I am truly amazed. I’ve been reading Zen Habits for a while now and find some of your ideas invaluable. As a free software and free culture advocate myself, I greatly admire a move like this. This is actually the first time that I’ve ever posted a comment on your blog and I do it now because I feel you deserve honest and sincere congratulations for this.

Thank you, from a fan who has benefited greatly and may now spread that benefit to everyone he knows (even if they don’t have a computer!).

Sara Says:

January 25th, 2008, 14:19 pm

Hi Leo! I know I already commented on this, but I just wanted to let you know that I’m using your uncopyright to share some of your great tips with my dormatory floor. I’m a resident assistant at my university, and every month we have to change up the bulletin boards. For next month? I’m going to use some of your articles for a bulletin board for being romantic/going on dates on the cheap for Valentine’s Day. I’m definitely crediting you but I never would have gotten the idea without your uncopyright! Thanks! In future months, maybe around finals time, I’ll include a board with some of your tips on motivation, procrastination, and the like.

I’m totally crediting you anyway, by the way, haha. Love this site..

@balootisme Says:

January 27th, 2008, 2:59 am

thanks for the content (im not copying yet) ;)

Barbara Says:

January 31st, 2008, 10:59 am

This is practicing what you preach - real teachers don’t worry about protecting everything because someone else will steal it if they don’t - real teachers know there’s more where that came from and probably even better stuff! Thank you for sharing your gift and for taking the pressure and fear out of others being able to use it at will. It’s all Universal Knowledge if we just tap into it and you can’t copyright that, can you? Hats off to you and may you continue to be Blessed with much Happiness, Inspiration, Health, and Prosperity!

FreePeter Says:

February 4th, 2008, 2:57 am

Actually, I guess CCPL is a better way, You can use CC to change your copyright terms from “All Rights Reserved” to “Some Rights Reserved.”, it means that others can copy or distrubute your work, but they should attribute the work. Because I like ZenHabit very much, and I can’t imagine all the wonderful articles are distributed in without the attribution

Here’s its website
http://creativecommons.org/

&, You can find a license here
http://creativecommons.org/about/licenses/meet-the-licenses

Frank Says:

February 5th, 2008, 5:55 am

Great seed, man!
But watch your back-
sanctuarys like you sometimes get shot…

Anonymous Says:

February 7th, 2008, 3:11 am

I write a lot of self-belief and introspective articles in my blog. I believe you’re right in your logic.

I’m going to open-source as much stuff as possible (ie. content, but I’ll try to talk with the maker of my theme, etc). Right now.

Thank you for being an inspiration, Leo. I hope you reach your goals in no time flat!

-Anon

Hans Says:

February 10th, 2008, 6:31 am

I couldn’t agree more, and have released my blog under a creative commons - attribution licence, which appears the best way according to some of the above comments.

The open-source ideology for software, knowledge, ideas and science to be in the public domain should be the default approach. If you feel so, join http://change.org/changes/view/2160 and take the pledge to release your blog or website under creative commons.

Meanwhile, I’ll take up the invitation on this blog and will steal this article to make a similar announcement.

Irene Says:

February 17th, 2008, 8:30 am

Thank you very much for such an interesting blog! There are many people who can’t read your articles in English, so I’m using your non-copyright permission to translate the articles into Russian. Readers do enjoy it — especially the one about early rising. :)

Tibi Puiu Says:

February 17th, 2008, 13:42 pm

Man, this is a both bold and crazy move. I like it ! :D

Limited Edition iPhone Says:

February 18th, 2008, 9:54 am

Keep up the good work! I really like your site!

chapinero Says:

February 19th, 2008, 23:15 pm

Gracias :)

ezuk Says:

February 20th, 2008, 7:33 am

This is simply incredible, Leo. I just stumbled upon the Zen To Done book and was a bit sad that I can’t afford it at the moment (yes… can’t afford $10 on an ebook right now — I’m not American).

And this post really, really made me happy. Thank you so much for sharing — I hope it does work out for you financially.

Thank you!

asgorden Says:

February 25th, 2008, 10:20 am

Order natural health care products, herbal, vitamin and nutritional
supplements for a longer healthier life http://fqhoodia.info

Rajesh Says:

February 25th, 2008, 15:38 pm

Well the content you provided is really good. I will keep a summary of your posts in one of my blogs- http://me-outsourced.blogspot.com

and link full story to you. And like to appreciate your idea of uncopyright.

Thanks for the great content.
Rajesh

planktons Says:

February 27th, 2008, 17:56 pm

wow. impressive. i liked all the things you wrote.

Bitten Says:

March 1st, 2008, 12:27 pm

What about guest posts in zenhabits? Are they owned by you or by their writers’?

Leo Says:

March 3rd, 2008, 20:37 pm

@Bitten: My understanding is that guest posts are owned by me. I could be wrong, as I’m no expert. To be safe, if you’re going to use any of my content, use ones that aren’t guest posts.

Dan Says:

March 4th, 2008, 0:50 am

“Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.”
-Buddha

I think both the smallest personal battles and most horrifying global battles are ultimately resolved through giving. The more people live with the graciousness, thoughtfulness, and sincerity that you display in this post, the more we’ll thrive as individuals and as a global community.

If my experience from reading your work is a judge, then you will probably light a few candles sharing your work so openly and fully.

Wade M Says:

March 4th, 2008, 10:13 am

“I don’t agree that the government has the right to control the free flow of ideas (freedom of speech) or license a monopoly on ideas or words. Both CC and GPL acknowledge the government’s right to do so.”

Hi Leo,

Great to see you moving to a non-copyright setup. I don’t understand how you see CC as acknowledging government’s right to limit the flow of ideas or words. CC was setup to remove government from the picture totally, it’s a personal relationship between content author and whoever wishes to use your work. Please explain how free use/remix by anyone, with attribution, which is what a CC license grants, places a government right on the flow of ideas or the development of a monopoly. Using Government’s control with CC and GPL comes off sounding as a bit crazy, but I know you’ve done your reading on the concepts. It’s just very strange your seeing something millions of others using these licenses functionally through the world have missed.

I also find it very funny that in point #6 you hope someone gives you credit, yet don’t use a CC license that states that as it’s only control(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/). You also place yourself in a pretty weird spot, where your work can be claimed under copyright by anyone else. Not that I’d imagine it happening, but you leave yourself open for that. I understand your desire to share your content, and make it free. What I don’t understand is why you ‘hope’ for attribution.

Other than making a statement, I can’t see any positive reasons for going Public Domain over CC. I can, however, see potential negatives (that I hope never come to bear) by going Public Domain over CC.

Kind Regards,

Wade
http://wadem.id.au

First Ourselves/Karly Pitman Says:

March 6th, 2008, 23:37 pm

I think your message is excellent; your ideas, sound. It fits right in with this article in Wired magazine that says free is the future of business, a compelling argument:

http://www.wired.com/techbiz/it/magazine/16-03/ff_free?currentPage=all

I think your decision serves the highest good of all—both yours, as well as your readers. Bravo.

Best,
Karly Pitman

Chris Austria Says:

March 9th, 2008, 1:41 am

I am glad I was able to read this…You are well on your way to becoming a true Zen Master. You should consider teaching. I am sure you will be good at it…

Evan Asano Says:

March 12th, 2008, 2:02 am

Kudos to you! That’s a great philosophy and I’m sure that equal good will come back around to you. You arguments for doing it are the exact arguments that cause a lot of corporations to lose when they consider copyright (e.g. everything having to do with on-line music and youtube.com). Most likely, you’ll get good publicity for your decision and hopefully gather more readers to your sight. I’m a big fan of the site, keep up blogging!

Evan

| ang peregrino | Says:

March 12th, 2008, 4:56 am

I salute you!

Brave and bold move, but I think in the end, you’re really just practicing what you “preach”.

Thanks!

Tahsina Says:

March 25th, 2008, 22:44 pm

Ok Mr. Uncopyright. How am I supposed to put citation for this info. I was going to use some info for school.

Susanna Lepianka Says:

March 26th, 2008, 7:09 am

Just discovered your site via David Bohl’s.
The first time I came across someone who didn’t copyright his work was the late Ken Keyes Jr.

It seems that sharing of stuff, whatever it is, is what makes the world go round and that’s great. I was with someone last week who thanked me for a recipe for a delicious soup I had given her, I took it from a book I had purchased a few years ago which, to my knowledge, is no longer in print and the author had taken it from a well known vegetarian restaurant called ‘Cranks’. I wonder where they got it from!

Sarah Says:

March 28th, 2008, 11:42 am

Leo,
I discovered your site by chance in regard to life inspiration.
You are a true Buddha!
You give without taking, you will be blessed with wonderful things in life! I want to buy your book but how do I get it (I am in Australia).

Leo F. Swiontek Says:

March 31st, 2008, 3:18 am

Fantastic choice, Leo! I’m a brazilian reader of your blog and I feel deeply the need to eliminate copyright and other kinds of control mechanisms from our societies, in general.

And now I’m even more inclined to read and share your thoughts with friends. Stallman and Lessig are great minds, and you are someone who can make a big difference by adopting and promoting their ideas. And you did it! Thank you!

Eric Wendelin Says:

April 3rd, 2008, 20:39 pm

I completely support this kind of openness. People would “steal” your content no matter what you do but this is a good approach showing that you are thinking of things bigger than yourself and your blog. Well done!

Joe Shen Says:

April 8th, 2008, 4:18 am

Hello Leo, i’ve copying your site for a while:), and now i’m planning to translate most of your blog entires into Chinese, i hope it will be alright for you.

Arkadej Udompanyavit Says:

April 11th, 2008, 15:27 pm

Hi Leo,

I have been teaching some productivity courses in Thailand I would like to Translate your book into Thai and give you credit for such an awesome simplificaiton of GTD. I thought of similar concepts and might add on off of your stuff but i feel that the concept is so down to earth that people can use it.

Thanks a ton for sharing.

I am gonna support your other ebooks as well buddy.

Seamus Says:

April 14th, 2008, 2:55 am

Dude. I’m just impressed at all these comments. That is some serious commentage right there. Kudos.

xand Says:

April 15th, 2008, 12:52 pm

I don’t know how to say this - but I really admire your values.

my deepest and sincerest appreciation to that!

Leo Says:

April 15th, 2008, 22:54 pm

Thanks guys!

@Arkadej: translating ZTD into Thai would be so cool! Let me know when you’re done.

Ken Says:

April 16th, 2008, 14:01 pm

I think you’re crazy!!!!!

but in a good way. of course, the karmic reward of your openness, kindness and love of humanity will go a long way. probably why your posts have SOOOOOOOO MANNNNNY comments! :D

André Araújo Says:

May 3rd, 2008, 11:18 am

Leo,

I have been an avid reader of your blog for around one year now, and have purchased the ZTD e-book. As someone who has recently started treatment on ADHD, personal produtivity, quality of life, peace of mind have always been a top priority never achieved, not even close.

I work in the IT/Innovation Industry in Brazil, and the craziness of this market is something that I am struggling to stand it.

Some weeks ago I have started a portuguese blog that focuses in ADHD, personal productivity and quality of life.

I have just started a brazilian portuguese translation of your ZTD e-book, and will be submitting for your appreciation as soon as it is in shape.

Best regards

Andre Araujo

TinyPliny Says:

May 5th, 2008, 21:36 pm

Hi Leo,

Thank you for your very creative blogging and for sharing it with all of us. Fueled on by the lives and stories of some of my fellow-bloggers at estrip.org, I just started a 72 day experiment to bring some of your Zen into my life. Needless to say, the rich content on your blog helps me everyday!

Cheers,
TinyPliny
Buffalo, NY

Bert Boan Says:

May 6th, 2008, 17:20 pm

Leo,
Thank you for the permission to use your words, you’re an inspiration.

This template / theme is incredible as well. I can’t find any attribution to a designer. Is it a modified WP template or bespoke design?

bert

Raj Says:

May 8th, 2008, 9:16 am

hey Leo,

You inspired me very much with this post…. I really appreciate your values… I will also follow you.. Open Source Blogging - really sounds good to me..

Regards

Leo Says:

May 8th, 2008, 16:57 pm

Thanks guys!

@Bert: The theme is custom designed for me by a friend who asked that he not be credited as he’s not taking on any design work. I totally love it but don’t have the rights to give it to anyone else. :)

Bert Boan Says:

May 8th, 2008, 19:43 pm

Thanks Leo, just to be clear I wasn’t asking for it, just who did it. It is very simply beautiful. Pass that along and I’m very jealous.

I may just have to reverse engineer something like it :)

Myke Says:

May 11th, 2008, 22:27 pm

Great stuff!

It is plainly honest and simply generous.
More power to you and your blog!

Sean Says:

May 25th, 2008, 11:14 am

The title of this page is “uncopyright”. You might find it more attractive to use “copyleft” which is the word used by copyleft advocates such as Stallman :)

Ryan Says:

May 26th, 2008, 7:22 am

sweeet!

suki Says:

June 25th, 2008, 3:10 am

that’s just super. :) keep writing!

fedmich Says:

June 25th, 2008, 10:40 am

Wow, that was so inspiring. A bit long but its really worth reading :)
Thanks and keep on writing, you’re doing a great job

chris Says:

June 25th, 2008, 11:47 am

OMG, I’m totally on the wrong track with my copyright policy of:

“All your rights are belong to us.”

tyna Says:

June 26th, 2008, 0:31 am

I appreciate your stand on sharing information freely,everybody’s focus have shifted from sharing information to making money online. I am glad that there is still someone who sees the need to write for human beings and not search engines.You have always been a source inspiration for me.Just to let you that i am one of your greatest fan.

chakresh Says:

June 26th, 2008, 15:03 pm

hi leo,
I am a regular reader of your blog for last two years and first time when I read your uncopyright, I decided that whenever I will start my blog, I will use uncopyright.
So here it is, I am using uncopyright now on my blog. It is a blog about Indian politics and economy. I have made some changes in your above page and rest is copied shamelessly to uphold uncopyright from this page. Though I have given a link to this page :)
http://promiseofreason.com/open-source-blogging-feel-free-to-steal-my-content

chakresh Says:

June 27th, 2008, 0:08 am

I have released a badge for Uncopyright as well. Please check out and suggest anything for its betterment
http://promiseofreason.com/open-source-blogging-feel-free-to-steal-my-content
see at the bottom of this page.

DugMugg Says:

July 2nd, 2008, 21:27 pm

Leo,
You have also inspired me to release all the copyrights on my blog. I’m new to the blogging scene, and I’m still learning all the tricks of the trade. Your blog is an incredible source of insight and inspiration. Thanks for all the outstanding work you do here at Zen Habits.

By the way, I give you credit for the inspiration for my Uncopyright article which you can read it here: http://dugmugg.wordpress.com/uncopyright/

Pat Says:

July 5th, 2008, 16:10 pm

Most ideas in the world are “stolen” anyways.
It’s not like Ericsson (now SonyEriccon) owns the rights making all the mobile phones in the world eventough they made the very first one.

You inspire, like many other great people out there.

To your success buddy, you’re the man :o)

///Pat

Lalaine Says:

July 9th, 2008, 0:12 am

Sir,

After reading this, I understood clearly why you are successful in what you do.

Ryan Says:

July 10th, 2008, 13:13 pm

So, I’m curious to see how it has gone so far? Maybe you’ve already written about this? Have you found page rank to plummet or are people “stealing” it and making billions?

Leo Says:

July 11th, 2008, 21:48 pm

Hi Ryan … great question.

So far I have had nothing but positive results from my open-source blogging experiment. People have responded positively, others actually bought my book as a thank you, and I haven’t had people blatantly copying my site (at least, no more than before).

I have had a couple people who wanted to publish my ZTD book in print form, and asked to make a deal with me. I told them they don’t need to make a deal with me — just go ahead and publish, as I gave up the copyright. They plan to do so. I asked them to donate some of the proceeds to charity as a thank you, if they like (although there is no obligation to do so).

In terms of PageRank and traffic, I have seen no drop. Actually, my traffic has gone up since this post, and my PageRank is mostly the same — maybe higher for some pages.

So, yes, this has been a great experiment, and I’m very happy with it.

Ryan Says:

July 11th, 2008, 23:21 pm

That’s good to hear. Especially about the page rank thing. I don’t know how google does it, but I would imagine duplicate information might not be such a bad thing even though it may make things harder to find.

Mike (aka Goose) Says:

July 17th, 2008, 12:06 pm

Leo,

Sorry to hear about your aunt. I love your daily emails and the time you spend to lay this stuff out in an easy to read format. I just wish I could incorporate everything you say immediately (not incrementally like yesterday’s email!).

I really like the idea of releasing the copywright. I’m a musician and I think the idea of keeping good ideas close to my chest basically defeats the purpose of why I write songs. They’re meant to be shared, just like life. I’m hoping, as I’m sure you are, that the universe will find a way to take care of me (with me doing the footwork, of course) while I give away what the universe has freely given to me (in ability, etc.).

Anyway, I love you’re site and the information you’ve collected here. Thank you!

Mike

Kham Tran Says:

July 22nd, 2008, 23:55 pm

A very interesting concept you’re trying there. I’d be interested to see how it works out in the long run.

And love the site design.

Kyle Tarraguña Says:

July 23rd, 2008, 17:58 pm

Absolutely Brilliant!! I am trying to do something similar with my Tarraguña Open Source Media company http://www.tarraguna.com. I am only just starting to develop it and with your website you are becoming a great inspiration.
Thanks.

~Kat~ Says:

July 23rd, 2008, 19:16 pm

All I can say is WOW! I love your site, and I love your writing. And I would love to share it with my readers! If I make a million dollars I will be more than happy to share!
Thanks again.

United Voices Says:

July 30th, 2008, 11:44 am

I’d been following zenhabits for quite some time now. But today is the first time i’ve checked this page of urs. Quite impressive.

I’ll tell u this, if i ever use ur content and publish it anywhere, i’ll make sure that i give due credentials to you and ur site as well.

Thanks a lot. Bravo Zenhabits.

Vera Says:

July 30th, 2008, 19:02 pm

Bravo

moserw Says:

August 2nd, 2008, 20:53 pm

Awesome and totally agree with you. Now if we could get the music and movie corporations to do the same… Anyways what you are doing is much appreciated!!!

Alex Costa - minimizeme.tv Says:

August 15th, 2008, 14:00 pm

Congratulations for being open minded. I definitely think that attitude will just bring good vibes for you.

Gloria Says:

August 20th, 2008, 2:06 am

I’m definitely in the minority here and I can understand the giving/sharing, but Leo, would you feel the same if this was your livelihood? Would you write for free and give it away if it meant your family starved? I’m a writer (26 books) and writing is how I earn my living. Without copyright, anyone could steal my words and profit from them–and they have; my books have been ripped off and offered as free downloads, none of which I was paid my rightful royalties on.

It seems to me that most of the people who have commended you on your decision to release copyright on the content of your blog and ebook are faithful readers and bloggers. If they wrote professionally, for a living, I wonder if they’d feel the same way?

If my work wasn’t protected by copyright, and I didn’t receive royalties from my publishers–if they felt the same way you do and gave my writing away for free in the spirit of sharing, and anyone could use my words in any way they wished without any remuneration or attribution to me, then I’d have to look for a new job; I wouldn’t be a writer anymore. And there would be no more words to write because they wouldn’t have any value.

If uncopyright was global, how many writers would keep on writing? How many books do you think would be published? Books that enlighten, educate, empower, and entertain? None. How many writers would take the time, the caring, the love they put into their words if no one respected–and paid for–the time, energy, and effort that went into writing them? None. There would be no more books.

Giving away your blog posts and your ebook is quite different than writing professionally for a living.

Gloria Says:

August 20th, 2008, 2:13 am

Just wanted to respond to this:

Leo Says:
March 3rd, 2008, 20:37 pm

@Bitten: My understanding is that guest posts are owned by me. I could be wrong, as I’m no expert. To be safe, if you’re going to use any of my content, use ones that aren’t guest posts.

The guest posts are owned by the people who wrote them. Unless they have transferred their copyright to you, their words belong to them.

Leo Says:

August 20th, 2008, 4:05 am

@Gloria: you bring up some good points that I’d like to respond to, so here’s a point-by-point:

1. “Leo, would you feel the same if this was your livelihood? Would you write for free and give it away if it meant your family starved?”

This blog and the ebooks I’m giving away ARE my livelihood. I’m a full-time professional blogger, and if people don’t read this blog or buy the ebooks, my family will starve. Well, not actually starve, as I’d probably get another job.

I am espousing open-source blogging not as a hobby, but as a new way of working, a new business model. I think it can work, and so far it has been.

2. “I’m a writer (26 books) and writing is how I earn my living. Without copyright, anyone could steal my words and profit from them–and they have.”

As a professional writer myself, I know the most important thing about making money as a writer, and it has worked for me here at Zen Habits — people have to find out about you and read you and want to read more. All successful writers, in books, magazines and blogs, have followed this formula.

Open-source blogging (and it can be used for books as well) is a way to get people to *want* to spread your work to others … if they like it, they’ll pass it on … and if those people like it, they’ll pass it on. In this way, people will find out about you and read you and … if you’re good … want to read more. That’s a success in my mind, even if you earned no money from those transactions.

3. “It seems to me that most of the people who have commended you on your decision to release copyright on the content of your blog and ebook are faithful readers and bloggers. If they wrote professionally, for a living, I wonder if they’d feel the same way?”

I know some of them are professional bloggers. Most aren’t — many are just readers — but even there, you can see that readers appreciate this business model. And that’s *important*. If readers are grateful because you’re giving them valuable information, they will pass your work on, and your value will only increase as a writer.

4. “If my work wasn’t protected by copyright, and I didn’t receive royalties from my publishers–if they felt the same way you do and gave my writing away for free in the spirit of sharing, and anyone could use my words in any way they wished without any remuneration or attribution to me, then I’d have to look for a new job; I wouldn’t be a writer anymore. And there would be no more words to write because they wouldn’t have any value.”

That’s simply not true. This is the old way of thinking. Copyright doesn’t really protect artists — it protects publishers. In many cases, it hurts artists, because their work isn’t being spread as widely as it could be.

Look at the music industry. It’s being shaken apart by file sharing — and it’s fighting this tooth and nail. Instead, it should embrace this new technology, and find a new business model.

Blogs are a good example — I make money even if people copy my stuff and pass it on for free. I don’t get paid royalties, but I still make enough to live on, and feed a family of 8.

5. “If uncopyright was global, how many writers would keep on writing? How many books do you think would be published? Books that enlighten, educate, empower, and entertain? None.”

I believe that even more writers would flourish. Maybe there wouldn’t be super-rich writers such as JK Rowling or Stephen King, but there would be more writers, creative writers, who love writing and want to be widely read. They would profit, with a new business model, but perhaps wouldn’t become as rich.

Think about this: copyright laws were only really born in the 1700s, and only really widespread in the 1800s. Before that, there were *centuries* worth of writers, from the Greeks to Shakespeare to the Romans to the French and Spanish and everyone in between. They still produced great works without copyright.

Copyright is a function of publishers not wanting to lose money, wanting to control information. But information can no longer be controlled, as you’ve seen yourself with your works. Information is impossible to control, and so with the new technology available we need to embrace this change and find new ways to flourish and create and make a living. I have. So can you.

Leo Says:

August 20th, 2008, 4:18 am

@Gloria: Looking back at my response, I realise that I spoke in generalities. Let me use some examples to illustrate:

1. In the first scenario, a new writer publishes a book under copyright. The book is marketed as usual for a first-time author who isn’t well known, which is to say very little. The author tries to get some radio and print interviews to spread the word about his new book, but very little attention is paid to him. As a result, almost no one knows who he is or anything about his book. A few copies are sold, but it’s a failure. The writer tries to publish a second book, but it’s difficult because no one knows who he is and his first book was a flop.

The writer has failed in this case.

2. In the second scenario, the same writer publishes his book, but releases copyright (good luck finding a publisher who will allow this) … and releases it as a free download online, in addition to being available in print in bookstores.

A blogger like myself and a few other big bloggers get a hold of a copy of the book, and love it. They love that it’s a free download, and offer it on their site. Maybe, just maybe, they even sell copies without paying the author.

But guess what? The book spreads because people are passing it on for free, and they really like it. A million people download it for free and email it to others. The book spreads like wildfire, with very little marketing from the author or publisher.

And now that the author is well known, he’s featured in newspapers and magazines and TV. And now he’s on Amazon’s bestseller list, and his print book is selling out. He’s making hundreds of thousands.

And then he gets a second book deal, on the success of his first, and does the exact same thing — and this time, because he’s well known, it spreads even faster, and he ends up making even more money through print sales.

Of course, the first scenario was a worst-case scenario for copyright, and the second was a best-case for uncopyright. So it’s not a fair illustration. But it just shows the concepts I’m trying to illustrate — you can do a lot to spread your writing for free, without copyright, if your work is really well done and people *want* to spread it. And if that happens, you’ll end up making money in the long run.

Gloria Says:

August 20th, 2008, 11:31 am

Leo,

I like that we disagree and that we both follow what we believe to be right for us. It makes for an interesting discussion. In response to what you’ve said:

1. “This blog and the ebooks I’m giving away ARE my livelihood. I’m a full-time professional blogger, and if people don’t read this blog or buy the ebooks, my family will starve. Well, not actually starve, as I’d probably get another job.

I am espousing open-source blogging not as a hobby, but as a new way of working, a new business model. I think it can work, and so far it has been.”

I’m rather new to blogging so I’m assuming you make your money from ad revenue and not from your writing. Allowing people to use your words that you’ve posted on your blog is quite different from earning royalties on a book. I think in the blogosphere, copyright is a lot looser because of the easy availability of copying and pasting. It’s a widespread problem on the web. But it’s very disrespectful to rip off someone else’s work and claim it as your own, which is what often occurs when stealing from blogs. The authors aren’t given credit, and it just shows that the people ripping off your stuff don’t have the intelligence to write their own. A few days ago, I blogged about this on my Writer’s Workshop blog.

2. “As a professional writer myself, I know the most important thing about making money as a writer, and it has worked for me here at Zen Habits — people have to find out about you and read you and want to read more. All successful writers, in books, magazines and blogs, have followed this formula.

Open-source blogging (and it can be used for books as well) is a way to get people to *want* to spread your work to others … if they like it, they’ll pass it on … and if those people like it, they’ll pass it on. In this way, people will find out about you and read you and … if you’re good … want to read more. That’s a success in my mind, even if you earned no money from those transactions.

I agree with you here. Word-of-mouth is a powerful tool for gaining readers and spreading your writing. If they like what you’ve written, they’ll want to buy your books. When you give, people respond to that in a positive way and you do gain a lot of visibility. I’ve made a lot of my content available for people to read for free. On my websites, there are complete chapter excerpts as well as an overview and TOC for each book. I also have a catalog with full chapter excerpts available as a free download.

3. “I know some of them are professional bloggers. Most aren’t — many are just readers — but even there, you can see that readers appreciate this business model. And that’s *important*. If readers are grateful because you’re giving them valuable information, they will pass your work on, and your value will only increase as a writer”.

I blog as well, sharing information and knowledge for free. This is just good marketing and promotion. Plus, I like sharing what I know. And since I’ve been blogging (6 weeks now) my book sales have increased tremendously. I think writers are smart to share their work, but giving it away for free is something totally different. If you like what someone has written, then you mention it and refer people to their sites. I’ve done this a number of times. In fact, I’ve even posted twice about two posts on your blog and linked back to you so people could read your full post. And no, I didn’t use any of your words. I’d like to see more of this in the blogosphere–people sharing other people’s work but with proper attribution and a link. And no, I’m not trying to use this comment to bring traffic to my sites and blogs, although that would be nice. (If you’d like, I can email you the urls so you can go and see for yourself.) I’m just saying that I think this is a much better business model and shows respect for the person who wrote the post or book.

4. That’s simply not true. This is the old way of thinking. Copyright doesn’t really protect artists — it protects publishers. In many cases, it hurts artists, because their work isn’t being spread as widely as it could be.

Look at the music industry. It’s being shaken apart by file sharing — and it’s fighting this tooth and nail. Instead, it should embrace this new technology, and find a new business model.

Blogs are a good example — I make money even if people copy my stuff and pass it on for free. I don’t get paid royalties, but I still make enough to live on, and feed a family of 8.”

OMG. To copy your words, ‘that’s simply not true.’ Copyright does protect writers. Publishers benefit from the author’s writing, but the author benefits as well, being paid an advance and when the advance earns out, the author is paid royalties. Publishers, if they’re good, and not all publishers are created equal, do have excellent distribution and can spread your work far and wide. My first book, written 20 years ago, has sold more than a quarter of a million copies and been translated into 14 languages–all of which I was paid for and still earn royalties on. If I’d given this book away for free, I might have gained a few thousand readers, but not enjoyed the success and monetary rewards of my work.

Re the music industry. When people can download your music for free, you don’t earn any money on what you created. You say the music industry should come up with a new business model. What would you suggest that would enable them to offer the music for free and still pay the artists?

You say you get paid when people steal your stuff, but you’re not being paid from your writing–you’re being paid from ad revenue. It’s quite different when you’re paid solely for your writing; there’s no ad revenue income to be derived from books.

5. “I believe that even more writers would flourish. Maybe there wouldn’t be super-rich writers such as JK Rowling or Stephen King, but there would be more writers, creative writers, who love writing and want to be widely read. They would profit, with a new business model, but perhaps wouldn’t become as rich.

Think about this: copyright laws were only really born in the 1700s, and only really widespread in the 1800s. Before that, there were *centuries* worth of writers, from the Greeks to Shakespeare to the Romans to the French and Spanish and everyone in between. They still produced great works without copyright.

Copyright is a function of publishers not wanting to lose money, wanting to control information. But information can no longer be controlled, as you’ve seen yourself with your works. Information is impossible to control, and so with the new technology available we need to embrace this change and find new ways to flourish and create and make a living. I have. So can you.”

Again, I ask you: How can writers flourish if they aren’t getting paid. And what would you propose for a new business model for writers? The only writers who write for free are usually first-time authors who are so hungry to get published that they don’t care if they’re not paid for their writing. Their pay is seeing their words in print. (I know I’m making generalities here.) This pales quickly when their writing is exploited and other people make money off of their writing and they’re penniless. They don’t write the second book for free, that’s for sure.

Before copyright laws, yes, there were writers and they produced great works. I don’t know if they were paid for them. Do you know if they were paid for their work?

You say that copyright is a function of publishers not wanting to lose money and to control information. I totally disagree here. Copyright protects the writer’s words. The function of publishers is to spread that information. You say we need to embrace this change and find new ways to flourish as writers. What would you suggest? I don’t mean to be disrespectful, but you blog and earn your income from ad revenue. I write books and earn my income from royalties. So what can I embrace that will feed my family and keep a roof over my head?

And now, on to your next response:

1.”In the first scenario, a new writer publishes a book under copyright. The book is marketed as usual for a first-time author who isn’t well known, which is to say very little. The author tries to get some radio and print interviews to spread the word about his new book, but very little attention is paid to him. As a result, almost no one knows who he is or anything about his book. A few copies are sold, but it’s a failure. The writer tries to publish a second book, but it’s difficult because no one knows who he is and his first book was a flop.

The writer has failed in this case.”

I agree with almost everything except your last sentence. The writer hasn’t failed. Some books sell well, others bomb. It’s difficult, but not impossible, to get a second book published if sales were dismal on the first book. The publishing industry is sales-driven, as are all businesses that must earn money to stay in business. And the publishing industry is at greater risk because every book they bring out can either fly or flop. Yet they take on thousands and thousands of new books each year, because they know the value of writers and they respect writers.

2. “In the second scenario, the same writer publishes his book, but releases copyright (good luck finding a publisher who will allow this) … and releases it as a free download online, in addition to being available in print in bookstores.

A blogger like myself and a few other big bloggers get a hold of a copy of the book, and love it. They love that it’s a free download, and offer it on their site. Maybe, just maybe, they even sell copies without paying the author.

But guess what? The book spreads because people are passing it on for free, and they really like it. A million people download it for free and email it to others. The book spreads like wildfire, with very little marketing from the author or publisher.

And now that the author is well known, he’s featured in newspapers and magazines and TV. And now he’s on Amazon’s bestseller list, and his print book is selling out. He’s making hundreds of thousands.

And then he gets a second book deal, on the success of his first, and does the exact same thing — and this time, because he’s well known, it spreads even faster, and he ends up making even more money through print sales.

Of course, the first scenario was a worst-case scenario for copyright, and the second was a best-case for uncopyright. So it’s not a fair illustration. But it just shows the concepts I’m trying to illustrate — you can do a lot to spread your writing for free, without copyright, if your work is really well done and people *want* to spread it. And if that happens, you’ll end up making money in the long run.”

This is a matter of marketing and some writers have done very well by giving away their book for free, but it’s done for promotion–to spread the word through bloggers as you say. And it does get a lot of attention because people love freebies and the writer has his/her name out there and has developed an audience and a following, people who want to read the author’s second book. But how do you track the millions of readers who’ve downloaded the book for free. How do you present these *sales* figures to publishers to interest them in publishing a second book?

You say that with a free book and a print book, the print book sells like crazy. Very, very doubtful and not a true scenario in the publishing industry. If people can get something for free, why on earth would they buy it? And, most importantly, how can the author be on the bestseller list at Amazon if he/she hasn’t made any sales? You have to sell books to get on a bestseller list. Free downloads don’t count. Think you might be a little head-in-the-clouds on this one. I’ve been in the publishing industry for 26 years and I’ve never seen this happen.

You say that because of this the author is well-known. He’s featured in newspapers and magazines and TV. I’ve yet to hear of any author achieving this by giving his/her book away for free. This happens when a print book that people buy has sold a ton of copies. The only way the *free* author would get this kind of recognition is if the media were to poke fun at him or her.

You say he then gets a second book contract because his first book *sold* so well. A publisher is going to run like hell from this kind of author because they’ll know that the author will turn around and give the book away again and they won’t make any money on it. This author has totally screwed him/herself out of ever being taken seriously as a writer.

Your last paragraph, while having some points I agree with, is a huge generality and I fail to see where it backs up your concept of uncopyright. I agree that writers can do a lot to share their writing for free and have covered this in previous paragraphs. You say that when other people spread your work, you’ll end up making money in the long run. Well, if they spread it without attribution to you and a link to your blog, then who will ever know the source and come and read your blog and click on the ads to earn you revenue? With copyright, your words belong to you and you deserve proper attribution. While this isn’t always the case in the blogosphere, if people genuinely like and respect your work, they’ll give credit where credit is due.

So, I like copyright. You don’t. We’re both right because we’re following what we believe and know to be true for ourselves.

Leo Says:

August 20th, 2008, 16:32 pm

@Gloria: Just one thing to respond to: I am a professional writer. I have been for many years. It’s just that my way of making money off writing uses a different business model than yours.

For many years, I wrote for newspapers and magazines — as a professional writer. Those publications make their money off ads, but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t making money off my writing — it’s just that people paid for it differently.

Same thing with blogging. My profession is writing. I don’t sell ads (at least, not usually). I write. And I get paid for it, again mostly through ads (although my ebook sales are almost as much as my ads — so even in the traditional sense, I make my money through my writing).

pBeseda Says:

August 20th, 2008, 23:10 pm

Leo, I’ve followed Zen Habits for a long time. I’ve recently been inspired to follow suite with the ‘uncopyright’ idea.

As a amateur hobbyist photographer I’ve released the copyright on all my photos. I shoot for my university newspaper and yearbook; they reimburse me for the photos that they use, the rest, is for fun and for the benefit of the community(friends, family, and colleagues). Thanks for the inspiration.

Loki Says:

August 21st, 2008, 1:29 am

My own site content on HumidCity.com has been released under Creative Commons share alike since right after Hurricane Katrina. I’ve never generated a penny off the site.

However- In the three years since the storm I have reached the point where I blog for a living and pay my bills at it. Why? Because I released my content and the right people found it.

Behind you 100%!

Pat Says:

August 22nd, 2008, 14:38 pm

Hey Gloria,

thanks for your insights and everything but please try not to write another book while posting. It is just to boring reading a post that takes 10 minutes or more to read.

Keep up the good work however. I’m sure you are a some what decent bookwriter and a great speller and so fort, but rember, we can all learn a lot from Leo here (who is a master blogger in my opinion) by all being greatly humble.

Have a terrific weekend,

Pat

Gloria Says:

August 22nd, 2008, 17:23 pm

Hi Pat,

Thanks for your comments on what I posted. It’s nice that you think so highly of Leo, but you don’t need to bow down and humble yourself in order to learn. He’s not a guru or a god. He’s a person, same as you and me. So please don’t give your power away.

Leo Says:

August 22nd, 2008, 21:55 pm

@Gloria: I don’t think Pat was saying you need to bow down to me, but rather that with humility — admitting you don’t know everything and that others might have something to teach you — you can learn a lot.

I myself find that when I make myself more humble, I learn much more. I am no god, of course, and it’s true I’m a regular person, learning just like everyone else. Sometimes I share what I learn and hope it benefits others, but I don’t claim to know everything.

Along those lines, I admit that my open-source blogging experiment is just an experiment, and I don’t know if it’s a better model than your copyright model. I think it is, but I’d be happy to learn from your experience.

Let’s try this experiment: you can continue with your copyrighted writing, and I’ll try to release copyright as much as possible on mine, and we’ll see what the results are. Debating all of this here doesn’t actually prove anything — only time will tell. I think it’ll be interesting!

hamdan Says:

August 23rd, 2008, 2:52 am

Thank you for the inspirations.
This is what I need, I’ll translate and use it for my blog. :)

Gloria Says:

August 23rd, 2008, 8:56 am

Leo,

You suggested an experiment that I continue with copyright and you continue with uncopyright and we’ll see what happens. You’re comparing apples to oranges. You’re a blogger; I’m a book author–two totally different worlds. You earn your income from ad revenue, self-published ebooks, and from asking for donations; I earn my income from book royalties. You can afford to give away your writing for free because it doesn’t take food out of your mouth. So there is no “experiment.”

Here’s a thought you might not have considered when you released copyright on your blog and ebooks: You’ve said you want to get a book published. If you plan to use any content from your blog, you won’t be able to because you’ve released copyright. Publishers don’t publish what is already in the public domain.

Pat Says:

August 23rd, 2008, 10:15 am

You made your point Gloria, please don’t try taking this any farther.
You want to sell your stuff, Leo’s way is to give his away to the world for free. We all know the diffrence now OK?

If you don’t like the way its presented one is always free to leave. Or is it free links/traffic back to your own tiny blog you are beating for? (by putting a link back to your blog every time when posting, I think we all know by now who Gloria is)

Cheers,

Pat

Ps. I bow down by respect upon meeting any woman or man that I think deserve it, alright. Besserwisser’s I feel very little for though. By the way, Leo is free to publish his book in a printed version anytime, if he wants.

Gloria Says:

August 23rd, 2008, 19:58 pm

Hi Pat,

I was just sharing my thoughts, which everyone is free to do on a blog. Maybe you’re upset because I have a different opinion than you. You seem to think that I posted here to get a free link and traffic. I posted here because I had a comment and then the conversation continued. No one has to click. It’s a choice. Just for the record, I have more than one “tiny” blog, as you put it. I have 6 blogs and 11 websites.

You mentioned that Leo is free to “publish his book in a printed version…” Anyone can self-publish a book. It’s a different thing entirely to have a publisher publish your book.

Blessings.

Leo Says:

August 23rd, 2008, 22:01 pm

@Gloria: As announced earlier this year, I have a book deal and the book will be coming out by the end of the year. It’s not a republishing of my blog posts — I wouldn’t do that in any case — although it is related content.

That we are using two different models is exactly the point of the experiment. It’s apples and oranges, sure, but that’s what the experiment will show — which works better, the apples or the oranges, in drawing readership and earning money as a writer.

You think copyrighted books based solely on royalties is the better model. I think giving away the content without copyright, and making money through ads and selling ebooks and print books, is a better model. When I sell my ebooks, btw, it’s the same model as yours, except mine is sold without copyright, and I get all the profits, not just royalties.

So I think this is a good experiment. If you’re not open to it because I use a different model, I think this debate is moot. Why debate the issue of me giving away my copyright by throwing in the fact that you don’t (and giving your reasons) if we’re talking about two completely unrelated things? Why even enter this discussion at all if your copyrighted work isn’t relevant?

The answer is that it is relevant, and you started the comparison — your copyrighted work vs. my uncopyrighted work. It’s a good comparison, and the experiment would be a good one.

Pat Says:

August 24th, 2008, 17:22 pm

Hi Leo,

This post is for you, see it as a present, for you letting me take part of your great work/art for FREE. Thank You!

I just love your model of giving it all away. “Forever Sharing” maybe would be a good name to call your fresh, self invented, wonderful business model.

I am not a “blogger” nor a writer what so ever and I will probably never publish a book of my own or anybody else’s book either for that matter, but one thing I know is marketing.
I’ve devoted my entire life to it, and yes I consider myself successful in my niche.

I have a new, third model, on you releasing your book Leo (the first model being Gloria’s, the traditional “Last Century Model”). Lets us call my invented model the “Buzz Model”, when using it is going to put you on the New York Times bestseller list in no time, for sure :))

Here it comes….

1. Self-publish the book

2. Launch the book on Amazon for a low sum

3. Recommend all your devoted readers to put an affiliate link on their sites/blogs promoting it.

4. Now tell all the people you know including all the people following your blog and whom is selling any kind of informational product, e-book, audio-book, tele-seminar, software, anything that is close to what you yourself is writing about in your blog AND tell them its time to give one of their products away for free?!!

5. Let them all now tell their lists/blog readers, upon purchasing the book, to send a copy of the receipt by email to them, by doing so, they will receive not only their free product BUT every one of the others site/blog owners FREE products as well. (this could come to a hundred or more free products, and the good part is, you Leo will decide weather you will have this or that product as a gift or not.

6. This is a all win-win-win concept because ALL the people in which bought thee book is also given an download-page where they get to download any product (or all) they want by providing their email address for downloading each products they choose.
This way everyone gets happy, Amazon for selling books, You for making tons of money, the affiliates for getting their share recommending it, the list/blog-owners by giving away a free product getting a new person in their buying “funnel” AND all the people buying the book for getting The Bargain of a Lifetime, right?

7. The best part is. You can start collecting pre-orders right away on Amazon, even though the costumers will get the book delivered in December, they still gets the gifts as soon as your Join Venture partners (the gift people) are ready start giving away the gifts.
This gives you a loooong nice pre-launch time for your book, (which gives you plenty of time lobbying/promoting it before the actual launch).

8. The most important thing of all, ENJOY THE RIDE!!

I for one will surely buy the book from you (and even be one giving away the very first free gift to go along with it)

You have my email address, if you’d like the entire model.

All the power to you,

Pat

PS. The rest of you folks reading this, listen:
Feel free to present this model on your blogs-newsletters-ezines-articles etc, if you want.
By putting it here I declare the model “uncopyrighted” (which mean you are free to use the information anyway you’d like, you can even put your name on it, brag saying you invented it even, if you feel like doing that).
But if you want to say you found it anywhere, please tell you found it right here, on Leo’s Blog, ZenHabits.net)

Leo Says:

August 24th, 2008, 18:22 pm

@Pat: You’re very cool. I really like your model, although I can’t follow it with my next book as I’ve already signed a contract with a publisher and in fact it’s in the final stages of publishing now.

However, I would like to do something like this with a book in the near future. Let me give it some consideration and see what I can do. And thank you, for your gift!

djw Says:

August 26th, 2008, 13:48 pm

you are a wonderful person

Gayle Luster Says:

August 27th, 2008, 0:39 am

I’m fairly new to blogosphere both as a reader and a writer. I love this post. I haven’t read all the 222+ comments. But obviously what you said struck many nerves. The nerve it struck in me was inspiration. I appreciate the allowance for contradiction. As I watch the elections unfold this year, I am stuck by how hungry we are to catch someone contradicting him or herself. Are we examining people with magnifying glasses when we should be looking in mirrors?

We do get to change our minds and consider context don’t we? We all do it! So often we live by rules and forget the context in which they were created. We really can’t legislate morality can we?

I am reminded of a favorite story about the woman who cut the ends off her easter ham before baking it. Her daughter queried “why do you cut the ends off mom?” The woman replied that it was the way her mother prepared the easter ham. So the granddaughter asked her granny, who replied “it’s the way my mother prepared it.” When great-grandmother was finally asked the same question she replied - “because all those years ago, I didn’t own a pan large enough in which to cook it.”

Thanks for deciding to leave the ham in one piece.

Gayle Luster

Hediyeci Says:

August 29th, 2008, 3:38 am

That’s good to hear. Especially about the page rank thing. I don’t know how google does it, but I would imagine duplicate information might not be such a bad thing even though it may make things harder to find.

Jojo Says:

September 3rd, 2008, 2:30 am

Yeah your the man !! the best things in life are free and your the best … more power and posting !!!

Alex Says:

September 8th, 2008, 1:21 am

I see your point Leo and personally I agree with you on the opensource front. But I know it cannot apply to everything. Take for instance a book with trade secrets. If I wrote such a book, I would want those who buy it to guard it with their life because those secrets (if given to the public) would lose their effectivness.

On the otherhand opensource and blogging is a way where there are few rules. So I agree with you on the opensource front, but such things as vital information that could lose its effectiveness if carelessly handed out is not a wise idea to leave in the GPL or GNU domain.

Javier Rincon Says:

September 11th, 2008, 20:47 pm

I believe that this is a great idea. I have read closely the hot three way conversation between pat, leo and gloria and even though I understand that everybody has different perspectives on the matter,　at the end of the day, its one persons choice.

If it doesn’t affect anybody else, why try to convince that his way of doing things are wrong?

Ivy Says:

September 13th, 2008, 5:26 am

Thanks for the releasing those posts. I find them inspiring and actually does help me in those small ways. Pls keep up those writing… definitely would help many more others along the way.

Cheers ~

Lorraine Williams Says:

September 14th, 2008, 21:13 pm

Just found your site from another sites link and I am totally amazed at your thoughtful well developed topics and content.I will be using your information ; - )

I and I will always give you a trackback and if I share your e-book(I plan to buy next week) you will be getting a check from me for sure.

Thank-you for paying it forward and inspiring others to do the same…

Miguel de Luis Says:

September 17th, 2008, 8:22 am

Hi Leo, I was in the process of “un-copyrighting” my own blog, when I noticed the last line of this post looks odd.

“without notice to THE me”. Hope it helps.

Lani Says:

September 20th, 2008, 9:08 am

I believe this is how Karma operates — thank you for sharing.

Gingerlion Says:

September 24th, 2008, 16:15 pm

This is the best article on copyright that I’ve read in a very long time and is right down my alley. I am very curious to see what will happen, you are cited in many other blogs, which really speaks some truth! Thanks for sharing, I hope it feels nice, just as nice as being able to read your thoughts.

Grant Friedman Says:

September 26th, 2008, 7:53 am

I think this is a silly idea. So what does happen when a big corporation takes your content, publishes a book with it and sells it without giving you credit? Let’s say they do make a million bucks off it or more. They are under no legal obligation to give you or any “good cause” a dime. They can simply keep the money as profit and leave you in the cold. I promise you that you will be mad as heck about it.

Why don’t you make the copyright conditional? Say that if someone does profit off your work that they have to give a certain percentage of the profits to charity. Makes a lot more sense than hoping that they are good sports about it.

Leo Says:

September 26th, 2008, 9:06 am

@Grant: What does it matter if a corporation makes a million dollars off my writing? Who does that hurt? Not me — I’ve already made money off my writing. In fact, it would probably actually help me, because they’d be likely to put my name on it (and maybe mention my site) just so they wouldn’t later be accused of stealing. And that would help me in the long run.

In the end, even if I don’t get credit or money, my ideas are reaching new audiences, and if they help those people I would never have reached, that’s a good thing in my mind.

I don’t make the copyright conditional because that’s not in the spirit of giving that this is intended to be. You don’t give away something but put conditions on it — you wouldn’t do that when you gave someone a gift, would you? That’s how I see it, anyway. You are, of course, welcome to do as you wish with your content.

Yin Teing Says:

September 27th, 2008, 10:47 am

Leo, this is simply amazing. When you give away for free, you get back tonnes in return- the Zen in you will understand :)
There is a teacher who shares deep profound knowledge through his writings- and he had this rule that all his books have to be published for free distribution and not used for any commercial value. Years ago, I picked up his book and it totally changed my life. Every year, I still make the long trip just to see him- and normally I meet many Westerners there too- who had also had their lives changed from his writings.
You really earn my admiration and respect- it is so seldom to see people like that anymore.

Mynde Says:

September 30th, 2008, 12:09 pm

Thank you for this post. I think your idea demonstrates what you are most committed to… getting quality content out there as opposed to making tons of money or worrying about misuse (whatever that is).

Your willingness to share builds trust. The plus is your content quality rocks! I also like that you provide some specific guidelines that support YOU like attribution and backlinking :)

Kudos.

jessi Says:

September 30th, 2008, 16:46 pm

Deeply touched, Leo. Just deeply touched. Thank you.

And it works. I came to this site because someone shared an article of yours, and someone else shared it, and then I found it, and loved it, and shared it (the first person sharing said the article was free). And I got curious, and came here. And I’m deeply touched, and I may order your book.

If I get it, you care about the message. I think it’s being heard.

jake the writer Says:

October 4th, 2008, 21:10 pm

I congratulate Leo for stepping up his game and look at where he is now. He is more popular than people who call themselves to be pro and expert in blogging. Kudos man.

Carlo Says:

October 4th, 2008, 23:16 pm

Gloria says:

“You say that with a free book and a print book, the print book sells like crazy. Very, very doubtful and not a true scenario in the publishing industry. If people can get something for free, why on earth would they buy it? And, most importantly, how can the author be on the bestseller list at Amazon if he/she hasn’t made any sales? You have to sell books to get on a bestseller list. Free downloads don’t count. Think you might be a little head-in-the-clouds on this one. I’ve been in the publishing industry for 26 years and I’ve never seen this happen.”

How about Seth Godin’s “Unleashing An Ideavirus”?

I believe that book was given away as a free download AND hit Amazon’s bestseller list.

I shake my head at these last-century, dinosaur-dynasty mentality. Get with the times, people.

Scott Cheatham Says:

October 8th, 2008, 20:21 pm

Leo,

Now that several months have passed, what has been the response to your decision here? The ebook is great by the way..I purchased your second one and enjoyed it also.

axel g Says:

October 10th, 2008, 7:41 am

Leo!

I would have to agree with one of your arguments. Since some people already steal your articles, you might as well just accept it. The opposite would only lead to anger and wasting time on tracking them down…

Hot Alpha Female Says:

October 10th, 2008, 19:34 pm

Whoa this is amazing.

You know what? Because you are going this, it just shows how abundant your mindset is.

Not only to think, write and talk about it, but to act on it.

Never have i seen someone write such thoughtful and authentic posts.

I admire your honesty, your courage and your belief.

And I wouldn’t worry … whatever you give out so freely without the thought of receiving comes back to you 100 fold in ways you could not possibly imagine.

Thank you

Hot Alpha Female

Robert Augustin Says:

October 11th, 2008, 21:29 pm

Great move! Very nice article.

A note about counter argument #1, Google Rank will go down:

It’s not a penalty you receive when Google sees duplicate content. It’s a filter, that means that Google tries to find out which content is the original one and then filters all others (that are considered duplicate) completely from the index. It’s not a penalty, as in “you did something wrong”. This also has nothing to do with your Pagerank going down.

When evaluating whether a page is original, Google looks at a row of factors, which include publishing date and backlinks to the article. Simply put, if two pages are the same but page A has 10.000 backlinks from other blogs pointing at it and page B has only 100, then Google will most likely consider A to be the original source.

So asking for a backlink when you allow people to feature your content might me in your interest. I do appreciate your move very much and I’m sure you will get a lot of kudos and appreciation from it. I think you made the right decision!

Joomla Developer in Perth Says:

October 16th, 2008, 12:41 pm

Doesn’t “copyright” mean if it’s sounds right, COPY IT? :)

Dennis Matousek Says:

October 20th, 2008, 10:31 am

Quick question - A few weeks ago I thought that there was a link / sponsor for a note taking system that had a taga line something like “Study less. Retain more.” It looked to be a good product and I am interested in purchasing.

Unfortunately, I didn’t see a link on the ZTD site any more. Two questions:
1. Does anyone have a link for the product/author?
2. Are there any customers of this product that can provide some feedback?

Jennifer Says:

October 31st, 2008, 23:03 pm

I just found you through another website and I couldn’t be more grateful. I truly think everything happens for a reason and finding your Blog is a gift to me. I was searching high and low to find a website that would seriously go through step by step how to set, follow through and achieve goals and I found you!! Thank you for all your writing and I think what you are doing is amazing!! It will help so many people, like me. And yes, I always credit the source, just out of common courtesy and respect. I have your widget on my blogspot so I can keep track on all your writings.

createmo Says:

November 2nd, 2008, 5:03 am

Thank you for your website :)
I made with photoshop backgrounds for myspace,youtube and ect..
my backgrounds:http://tinyurl.com/6exhae
all the best and thank you again!

Brian Recchia Says:

November 22nd, 2008, 13:59 pm

I am probably going to steal your “steal this” message eventually (with paraphrasing and credit). I just wanted to mention how I appreciate your doing this. It’s something that should be done more often. Maybe it wouldn’t be feasible for most people to give up their copyright entirely like you are, but it would definitely help the copyright problems we’re having (the ones you mentioned with big corporations using copyright to squash the little guys). I play bass guitar and I personally would prefer anything that I play to be released the Trent Reznor/Nine Inch Nails sort of way (ie. you can hear it for free and optionally can pay me to thank me).

Lucie Says:

November 30th, 2008, 14:35 pm

I think this is a neat idea! I don’t know if I myself am ready for this, but I appreciate what you are trying to do.

I have studied copyright law, so I do feel the need to pipe in just a little on the idea that no one has been hurt. Black musicians have perhaps suffered the most - they essentially invented rock and roll only to have white folks steal their songs and create a whole new genre and make millions. If they had copyright protection, we would recognize Bo Diddly as much as we do Elivis, the Beatles, and the Stones. None of them would exist without Black musicians yet because of the lack of copyright protection the true creators get zero credit (or money). That’s just my two cents!

mootzie Says:

November 30th, 2008, 20:53 pm

I really like your site!

MFK (Open-Source Career) Says:

November 30th, 2008, 22:59 pm

I know I am late commenting here, but I was struck both by your thoughtful reasoning re: why you’re releasing copyright, and your comment reply that this was a scary post to write.

I think your other commenter(s) are correct: there is some anecdotal proof out there now that releasing copyright and releasing free copies of intellectual content actual increases paid sales. I am a big fan of what Cory Doctorow from boingboing.com has done with his novels and story collections. He swears his free downloads have increase sales, and his publisher apparently backs him.

Kudos to you!

MFK (Open-Source Career)
http://mfkblog.wordpress.com/

jorel314 Says:

December 3rd, 2008, 22:07 pm

Hello!

Just wanted to let you know that I added you to the Wikipedia article called “List of notable people who dedicate works to the public domain”

Do you happen to know anyone else that should be added to the list?

Flora Morris Brown, Ph.D. Says:

December 21st, 2008, 1:57 am

Your decision to release your work to public domain speaks more about your philosophy of life than all your words put together. You are walking the walk.

Thanks.

Sara Churchill Says:

December 21st, 2008, 3:09 am

Pretty darn amazing. The content on this website if very inspirational. Be proud of the thousands of people that you are helping. Happy holidays!

david Says:

December 22nd, 2008, 12:11 pm

I came here from reading a post on striking a balance between gifting content and earning a living…
(http://www.escapefromcubiclenation.com/get_a_life_blog/2008/11/striking-a-bala.html). I guess, for those of us who would like to gift our content, we first have to establish a belief and motivation that it will do ‘good things’… and that in doing so, the intent may be reciprocal… however abstract that may be! It may be of interest, with the many requests for printed versions of Zen To Done, that the giant Amazon has launched the sibling Co. CreateSpace.com facilitating, with royalties, On-Demand publishing of printed books and DVD. See:
https://www.createspace.com/Products/BooksOnDemand.jsp
I wish you the very best!

Tim Desland Says:

December 24th, 2008, 19:41 pm

“I’m not a big fan of copyright laws anyway, especially as they’re being applied these days by corporations, used to crack down on the little guys so they can continue their large profits.”

You’re a douchebag. If there weren’t people profiting from the long, hard hours they put into their intellectual property, you’d be living in a cave. Think about that as you toke on your pipe some more.

James Schramko Says:

December 26th, 2008, 11:45 am

What a great gift. I will be watching to see the results of this.

lupe Says:

December 27th, 2008, 11:57 am

Taking advantage of the uncopyrighted material, I made my mutilated Zen Habits: Ten Habits.

http://10hab.wordpress.com/

Seneca Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 22:20 pm

Leo,
As a librarian, I can’t applaud your attitude to open source publishing enough. People have no idea how much of a burden copyright laws are on libraries, especially when they are put in the position of playing enforcer. As Stewart Brand said, and I firmly believe, Information wants to be free.
Thank you so much!

Sergio Says:

January 4th, 2009, 12:21 pm

Great. Give away. No attach.

Teeth Maestro Says:

January 6th, 2009, 12:03 pm

Thank You-

Let me be honest I had never stumbled across your blog, came via ProBlogger article and incidentally the ‘uncopyright’ intrigued the hell out of me. Read it in detail !! and cannot imagine how inspiring it was to read this short post.

Though I have not read Zen Habits or the books yet, but I assure you I have BOOKMARKED this site and will go out to buy the book

great work - im happy [heck delighted] to come across this blog !!!

Introspezionismo Art Says:

January 7th, 2009, 10:06 am

I like it too!

As a painter, I really applaud your work! Even more I think that this kind of open source attitude, could be great in many form of arts where each painting could be reproduced manipulated and reinvented.

That would start a new and continuous flow of art production.

Ryan Whiteside Says:

January 8th, 2009, 12:04 pm

Wow! I’ve never heard of anything like this before. I’m sure your willingness to do something totally different is what has led to the success of this website.

You’re power of giving is incredible. I won’t take your content. But I will purchase your book as a token of my appreciation for your work.

PierreSmack Says:

January 8th, 2009, 13:26 pm

BigCo’s don’t just crack down on the little guys - they steal content too. We had a major French TV station do an entire segment featuring our copyrighted material. Right down to the little details, they recreated our craftiness and pawned it off as their own brilliance. And they didn’t even mention us on air. Needless to say, we were thrilled. And pissed. But mostly thrilled and pissed.

The Global Guru Administration Says:

January 24th, 2009, 18:30 pm

I felt that it would only be right to extend my appreciation for this “Uncopyright”. After seeing your decision on this, I placed a few articles from your website on my travel website (linking back to here of course). Much thanks to you, as I think that Zenhabits can help any traveler with numerous obstacles they might encounter! Thanks again.

– The Global Guru admin

Matt Blick Says:

January 24th, 2009, 20:52 pm

As a songwriter let me add my thanks for your inspiring example.

mike Says:

January 26th, 2009, 17:18 pm

nice clean blog i’d love to do some guest posting or blogging since affording your ad fees is a little out of my range for now…either way very nice
http://www.blackfitnessblog.com

Albany Real Estate Says:

January 27th, 2009, 20:37 pm

Absolutely amazing and inspiring. I strongly believe that those who are most successful in life are those that help others. In this litigious society that we live in, it is refreshing to see your open source policy.

I have subscribed to your RSS feed and now I am now going to buy your book and read it cover to cover.

Jerry Says:

January 30th, 2009, 6:09 am

I also like to follow this kind of Open Source Blogging. I like to give the bloggers free rights so that people can take my content freely and help the articles to reach more people…

Rajbir D Says:

February 2nd, 2009, 0:00 am

Wow, that’s crazy. Hope everything is still working out well for you. If my blog every gets bigger, I’ll be sure to follow your lead… I hate copyright laws.

jay singh Says:

February 3rd, 2009, 10:21 am

After all that everyone has said I don’t what more I can say, but this one of those things when the soul just needs to express its appreciation and wonder. It’s looking at the universe that billions have seen before me, yet every time I look up my heart skips a beat.

Do I think your gesture is the most amazing thing? I don’t know. I don’t think I stopped to consider it. Leo, this is one of those things that speak directly to us all here in a way that not many things do in today’s world. It’s a connection that we don’t necessarily understand in all its dimensions but it resonates deep within.

It is the simplicity of the action behind the purity of thought from an enlightened soul.

You inspire me Leo and the world is a better place because of you.

Thank you.

Jonathan Huie Says:

February 4th, 2009, 22:14 pm

You got guts. Good for you.

arshad Says:

February 5th, 2009, 4:52 am

Open source blogging ? The idea is great .Thank you :) i love open source .

A Munoz Says:

February 13th, 2009, 13:38 pm

I’m impressed that you are doing this for the online community. One minor observation though, using the word “stealing” in your title seems so negative.

Spencer Says:

February 15th, 2009, 18:20 pm

I really admire you. In 50 years you probably won’t be here on this planet but a decision such as this will be remembered.

Congrats!

Buddha Torrent Says:

February 16th, 2009, 5:38 am

I couldn’t agree more with your philosophy! My blog is constantly under scrutiny from those who would twist sharing in stealing. My thanks too you!

Charlie Says:

February 17th, 2009, 0:08 am

Remarkable. Great job, Leo! Thanks

San Diego Movers Says:

February 17th, 2009, 19:20 pm

This is very admirable and inspiring. I agree with your statement about the assumption that all those people would have bought your book. That’s how copyright protectionists often think and it’s such an obvious fallacy. Kudos to you!

B7 Says:

February 18th, 2009, 10:34 am

Outstanding!

Actually all copyrights will disappear and everyone will have the same policy. Why? Because it is too difficult to prevent. It will become useless to try to prevent people from liberating content.

Katia Says:

February 18th, 2009, 11:08 am

Sorry if my english is not perfect because I’m French, but I want to thank you for this. I love your articles et due to the fact I’m the administrator of a french group of Home Organization, I wanted to translate some of your so helpful articles to share them with our members who don’t understand english. The Zen Attitude is so important these days, and blogs like yours are very rare in french. Herewith, you give us a great gift ! Once again, thank you so much !

Ben Overmyer Says:

February 19th, 2009, 16:38 pm

There’s a few things I feel need be said here.

1) Copyright-free means copyright-able. What happens if someone takes your work, copyrights it, then sues you for copyright infringement? Even if you won the lawsuit in the end, the legal battle would be costly.

2) Anyone who insults someone else for their beliefs (you know who you are, Mr. Mean Commenter), should probably reassess their outlook on life.

3) @Gloria - While it seems you’re no longer following this comment trail, I think you should have a long think about the purpose of creation in general. Your entire argument centers around the creator getting money…. but I think, really, you’re thinking about the creator being able to a) survive, and b) continue to create.

Think about how you could satisfy basic needs (food, shelter, etc.) and live comfortably without relying on income from writing.

Creation doesn’t have to be compensated with money in order to thrive. And really, letting creativity thrive is the point, isn’t it.

Industrial Hoses Says:

February 24th, 2009, 12:15 pm

This is very admirable of you. It really shows that you are creating for the sake of creation and for the good of all who can benefit from it, rather than for personal profit. If only everyone thought about content creation the way you do…

Kaeli Ileak Says:

February 24th, 2009, 13:23 pm

Gawsh! You are just spectacular! Have an amazing day, week live and I send love to you and yours!
.k.

Gamer Review Says:

February 26th, 2009, 15:55 pm

Making your blog open source is a very admirable statement. It shows that you do not care about profit and just want to get your word out there. By doing this, I do get the sense that you are a real Buddhist who doesn’t value physical possessions. You are well on your way to Zen and I now a new reader of your blog.

PS. I think Shakespeare was very pro copyright laws. He wanted to make sure that no rival companies performed his plays and kept his work very discrete.

James Thompson Says:

March 5th, 2009, 6:41 am

Well done. Thank you.

BluChunx Says:

March 6th, 2009, 0:50 am

I’m going to print out your ideas on this and offer them to my land lady. We’ll see how far that gets me. But seriously, it’s one thing to release content and another thing to make profit sound bad. Just because you have another source of income for food and shelter is no reason to make people to dedicate themselves to creative work full-time sound bad. When you point out that free distribution of the content of dead people like Shakespeare doesn’t hurt them, you are really displaying how poorly you’ve thought this through. But what really cracks me up is how many people who criticize selling intellectual property are depending on companies that sell it in order to make a living themselves. What hypocrites.

BluChunx Says:

March 6th, 2009, 0:53 am

Oops! (that should have been people who dedicate, not people to…)

Maree Clarkson Says:

March 7th, 2009, 3:20 am

My world! I’ve NEVER seen such a response to a blog! And I think that’s because it’s such a radical concept, giving up all copyright. However, I also have not copyrighted any of my content on my various websites as it seems rather a fruitless operation - some of my concepts are not totally new anyway, and in the Universe all has been discovered already. When I posted pictures of my water colour paintings, I was reminded by someone that I should put the “Copyright ” logo onto all of them as somebody could claim them as their own - copying someone is the greatest flattery of all!

And THANK YOU for making your material available to be spread around the globe - it’s great to be able to use content that is written by someone with a flair for writing… I wish you luck in ALL your endeavours in life…

Greetings

Trystan Says:

March 9th, 2009, 17:44 pm

I really appreciate you making this open source, such a great way of doing things.

Kathy@brazoscowgirl Says:

March 19th, 2009, 18:57 pm

Leo,
I went to the uncopywrite out of curiosity! My conscience has a hard time stealing content although I see many do it all day long. You are a gem in the midst of a sea of sharks!

Generous to the bone!

aaskd Says:

March 22nd, 2009, 14:46 pm

Hello!
I love this blog and I thank you so much for sharing all this wonderful information. You are a good person and I love that you want good things to happen. :)

Izzy Says:

March 23rd, 2009, 3:51 am

HI!

I’m new here and its really great I have found your blog. You really are a generous person. Thanks for sharing all of this things.

The Best Things in Life are free! And this Blog is the best blog for me!

Thanks Again for sharing us wonderful things

sabrina Says:

March 24th, 2009, 4:33 am

hi love you guyys call me

jokeing!! lol

sabrina Says:

March 24th, 2009, 4:34 am

my msn is lil-bratzlover@live.com.au
add me bitches

Maree Clarkson Says:

March 25th, 2009, 0:32 am

You’re only worth ignoring sabrina…

Pittsburgh Movers Says:

March 25th, 2009, 11:19 am

I agree. Why would we add you on MSN? Strange… Anyway, thanks for a great blog and a revolutionary attitude towards internet content. Hopefully more people will follow in your footsteps and spirit.

RaiulBaztepo Says:

March 28th, 2009, 18:11 pm

Hello!
Very Interesting post! Thank you for such interesting resource!
PS: Sorry for my bad english, I’v just started to learn this language ;)
See you!
Your, Raiul Baztepo

mark Says:

March 30th, 2009, 17:08 pm

you should not worry about your page rank going down,
google penalizes 2nd and so forth content sites , your site will still be held as the first one, and should not be penalized at all.

3 cheers to free world

Jon Paulson Says:

March 30th, 2009, 21:18 pm

So what do you think when students take your free blog and try to turn it in for academic credit and wind up failing because it is still cheating to try to get credit for work you have not done?

But don’t feel guilty about that: feel guilty because the entry that my student plagiarized–Attack Your Limitations: Turn Your Weaknesses Into Strengths–contains truly bad advice about both writing and communication.

Nimwit Says:

April 16th, 2009, 21:00 pm

I wonder what this will do for you.

Lets see what happens to you in the next couple of years. One things for sure you will become a house hold name in your field.

Good luck!

N.

CoolYYZ Says:

April 17th, 2009, 10:19 am

It’s sooooo wonderful to cross e-paths with you, Leo. I came across your blog when I saw it listed in time.com’s 25 Best Blogs 2009. Then your “Uncopyright” page caught my attention.

What a noble way to exist!

More positive energy to you, man!

Léon Says:

April 17th, 2009, 10:58 am

A frient of me gave me your ebook yesterday. I have read it and now I’m going to purchase it !

If you hadn’t done this, I would not have discovered your blog. Thanks =)

I’ll do the same when I’ll get my blog.

(Please forgive me if there are any faults or if I used words in the wrong way, english is a foreign language to me.)

Thanks again, See you !

jeremy Says:

April 19th, 2009, 1:05 am

@leo Actually the Creative Commons allows the creator, not the government, to control their work. If something is in the public domain, as magnanimous as it is, you/govt/etc have no recourse against plagiarism (worse than piracy) or other abuse.

Ruby Says:

April 20th, 2009, 1:49 am

I’m all for this kind of thing until I run across “blogs” that just re-post other people’s content and sell the ad-space. There are tons of sites that re-post news articles, blogs, and un-tested recipes. It increases the amount of crap that you have to sift through to find good information. There’s a website right now that re-prints most of ZenHabits, including the about page almost word for word. But it’s not the work of the individual. And to me, that’s annoying to run across that crap. But hell, if someone does something useful with your posts, then perhaps there’s the trade off. In the meantime, this other website, still won’t get my traffic, since he’s obviously an impostor. Am I gonna give him traffic by providing the link? No way.

Frugal Living Says:

April 20th, 2009, 21:49 pm

Wow… I honestly never read something so compelling :) I might be using your 50 tips article. I will even give credit! I love your work!

Imokon Says:

April 21st, 2009, 8:09 am

You know, this is a concept I have been observing through the work of Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails) in the music industry. However the concept is very real and feared mainly because of its ability to transform society and the media experience - and the way it transforms the power exchange within it.

Erkki Markus Says:

April 22nd, 2009, 10:30 am

I’ve been thinking about it a lot, although I’m not a big writer (yet :p). I’m also a huge fan of Open Source and the kind of thinking (Wikipedia), so - respect!

Niamaat aka NiaNia aka AvocadoNia aka ... Says:

April 23rd, 2009, 14:25 pm

I am adopting this “uncopyright” declaration as my own with credit to you, linking to this page.

Niamaat aka NiaNia aka AvocadoNia aka ... Says:

April 23rd, 2009, 16:27 pm

http://uncopyright.blogspot.com

I may have made a typo in my email before. There is only one “t” in “solutions.”

Raul Says:

April 26th, 2009, 10:10 am

What a great idea! I’ve never given much thought to it until now. Its like receiving more by freely giving.

Lirodon Says:

April 27th, 2009, 16:27 pm

Small little trinket, have you ever considered putting a Creative Commons Public Domain dedication on your site? Yes, unbelievably, the great CC has also wrapped the public domain. It might also help you appear in their search engine and such.

http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/

Note, I’m just a reader who noticed your post on that trademark dispute on Digg.

mumonkan Says:

April 28th, 2009, 10:54 am

This new model of distribution is adopted by more and more authors and bloggers. Cory Doctorow is propbably the most known activist amongst them.

http://craphound.com/

Romy Says:

April 28th, 2009, 14:56 pm

Leo,

Just a quick note to say I really appreciate your approach to bringing your actions in line with your beliefs. There is a huge difference between orthodoxy and orthopraxy… and you seem to have figured it out. Well done ;-)

Shanna Says:

April 28th, 2009, 17:15 pm

What you have done here is beautiful, courageous, and commendable! It’s something I have toyed with the idea of doing in the past - but, as a writer, I admit it is scary! You have given me renewed strength & hope, though. I, too, will be purchasing your eBook because I always would rather support those who understand and apply the free flow of ideas.

Also, have you read “My Philosophy of Created Stuff” by Peter McWilliams? A lot of what you said here reminded me of that post & I went back through my old bookmarks and found it - http://www.mcwilliams.com/philo.htm I think you will enjoy it, as Peter was ahead of his time with the “open source” idea.

Once more, I commend your bravery and selflessness - a true artist knows that getting their work out there & read (regardless of how) is the important thing; sharing our talents & creativity should be our most important goal for why else do we create if not to share & give others joy? Thank you.

Ricci Says:

April 29th, 2009, 9:14 am

This is my first time to your site. Got your privatization post in my email box from Best Article Every Day today.

I just wrapped up an event where Dion Hinchcliffe talked about enterprise 2.0 and the importance of organizations to open up and freely share information.

Looks like you are trailblazing media 2.0. :)

You rock.

Ricci

Sunny Jamiel Says:

April 30th, 2009, 10:01 am

Leo, that’s just great and I am following you on this one.

Come to think of it if God suddenly decides to charge us for copyrights…hmmmmmmm…. looks like we will have to pay Him for breathing, seeing, hearing, tasting, touching and …….

Lets be like the Sun. Open and Uncopyrighted. :-)

Now I am off to write my post on Uncopyrights.

Sunny Jamiel Says:

April 30th, 2009, 10:36 am

Here is my Uncopyright 2009 page.

http://www.seekingmind.com/2009/04/uncopyright-2009/

Susan Keeping Says:

May 2nd, 2009, 9:26 am

This post…and all the replies, has really given me something to think about.

I just hope that those opposed to copyright do not feel they have the right to take anything they see posted on the Internet. It should be the author’s choice whether or not their work is copied with or without credit.

nancy fox Says:

May 4th, 2009, 18:23 pm

Your approach is truly walking the talk of living in abundance.

You deserve to receive credit for your work, and I hope the people who read all of your work, learn from what you offer, have the integrity and decency to do the right thing.

We don’t have many good role models for doing the right thing today - Bernie Madoff, titans of banking Thain, Lewis, etc.

You’re showing the world how to live right.
Thank you.

Jane Says:

May 7th, 2009, 14:08 pm

You might want to check out CC Zero: http://creativecommons.org/about/cc0

Max Says:

May 7th, 2009, 15:24 pm

I just have a quick question, are you saying that all content on your blog is public domain including posts by either yourself AND all other guest posts and non iStockphoto pictures?

Ya the man!

//Max

Myriam Gallardo Says:

May 8th, 2009, 9:04 am

Greetings from Spain!
The first time I came across your name was a few weeks ago while researching on GTD. Thing is that I attended a course on the subject and got so enthusiastic about the method that I started to share it with friends, family and colleagues. In doing that research I found your books on Amazon -by the way, couldn’t find them published in Spain; if there’s no a Spanish translation yet, I offer myself to do so ;-) , and ordered them. Cannot wait to put my eyes, brain, heart and soul on them!

In addition, I’m currently researching on blogs in order to start my own and, again! I found a post commenting on Jonathan Mead’s article “Seven Productivity Tips for People that Hate GTD” that took me directly to your blog.
I must thank you for it. I’ve being surfing it for more than one hour and not only found it very inspiring, but also found tips directly addressed to me! (oops, how self-referent this sounds!). The truth is that I’ve been toying on getting up early so as to start a running routine, and there I have your tips and experience. So it’s possible! Yeah! I’m seriously planning on starting once for all.

Thanks also for your generosity with this “Uncopyright Statement”. I’ll be visiting your blog periodically and sure I’ll get tones of inspiring ideas. Be sure I’ll make the proper attribution to the source of anything I might produce after those visits.
All the best,
MyG

Myriam Says:

May 8th, 2009, 9:07 am

Oh, the blog where I found the reference to the article was http://www.yoriento.com. It’s about job careers, professional development, etc.
Regards,
MyG

Dineane Says:

May 11th, 2009, 18:14 pm

Gave you a plug in my hub, even though I don’t agree with you :-)

Mark Debattista Says:

May 12th, 2009, 9:08 am

Content stealing is still and issue today. I don’t mind if people ask you before and you have control of what’s published exactly. Usually a simple link back to my original article does the trick.

divyasharad Says:

May 13th, 2009, 6:11 am

I have posted this article in my blog with Courtesy details of ur website url.

Thanks a lot………..

Roberta Says:

May 18th, 2009, 14:54 pm

Great to see… and too many comments for me to read to see if anyone had suggested yet that you check out Creative Commons - it’s a kind of open source uncopyright thing….

gaus surahman Says:

May 20th, 2009, 7:42 am

To quote Einstein: “A life lived for others is a life worthwhile”
And yes, helping others also means purifying your karma. You don’t have to be so religious to buy this. You do something good for others, you’ll get the rewards in return. It’s Newton III Law. May God bless all helpers.

Great blogging concept. I believe it’s known as copyleft though :)

Jump Higher Says:

May 21st, 2009, 16:11 pm

Leo, this is great thing from you I think. This is a gift to the whole blogging community. Thanks. God Bless You

Leann White Says:

May 27th, 2009, 18:45 pm

Wow that is a really brave move… I think however that it will work out for you. I mean, you wouldnt suffer under google because these original copies were indexed first + it would help alot if people should link back to you….

Heather Says:

June 3rd, 2009, 21:42 pm

FYI - I will be publishing one of your ZH posts (not chosen yet) in the next issue of THE OBSERVER, a nationally distributed print trade magazine (I’m Editor-In-Chief). I will credit you and Zen Habits. I know everyone will love the content. Additionally, I hope it helps to sell a boatload of Zen To Done.

Thanks for your brave move, Leo.

Aaron Says:

June 4th, 2009, 18:29 pm

You are awesome!

free divorce papers Says:

June 7th, 2009, 1:47 am

You are wonderful! Good luck to you!

Bunkai Says:

June 17th, 2009, 14:47 pm

Just a link back to your article that I reference in a recent post on my blog. I’m with you on the totally free content.

http://bunkaido.blogspot.com/2009/06/steal-from-me-free-open-source-blogging.html