I don't think anyone disagrees that news is public information, but that's not what a copyright applies to. It applies specifically to how to a story is reported and written by a particular person. It becomes their (and their publisher's) intellectual property. News organizations basically produce only one good - ideas - so they must vigorously protect their stock in trade from theft (plagarism). That's what a copyright does.

No need to shut the news boards down, doc. But if you're going to report the news, do it in your own words. And please be judicious in the amount and type of news to pass along. Yes, I find some of your posts interesting, but we're all quite capable of picking up a newspaper, flipping on the telly and browsing CNN online for our general and airline-related news. Keeping us informed without clogging the board would probably make you more appreciated.

[This message has been edited by essxjay (edited 03-01-2000).]