To Aggregate, or Not to Aggregate

Not stealing. Relocation!

As I've begun to more seriously contemplate the possibility of blogging and webdesign as a living lately, I've stumbled into a new concept called "content aggregation" and it's interesting. Bank robbery or sharing the wealth?   Stamp collection or counterfeit coins?  What are the ethical and legal implications of re-posting online articles, compiling info, featuring links to other sources?  I want answers, but get the impression they won't yet be found in this age of uncharted internet waters.  Is the internet still the Wild West? 

I may have to resign myself to an amorphous understanding at the moment, but did find what seems to be a reasonable, prudent guideline from Kimberly Isbell that sounds fit to follow:




Best Practices:

1. Reproduce only those portions of the headline or article that are necessary to make your point or to identify the story. Do not reproduce the story in its entirety.
2. Try not to use all, or even the majority, of articles available from a single source. Limit yourself to those articles that are directly relevant to your audience.
3. Prominently identify the source of the article.
4. Whenever possible, link to the original source of the article.
5. When possible, provide context or commentary for the material you use.

To read more, you'll find her article here.

::wink::