RufusAtticus

Heck, I don't even know who the author is. It didn't even come from my institution, and I'm not sure which one it did come from.

Furthermore, Teachers save and distribute papers and tests all the time. They are great example of how to and how to not write a paper. For example, a couple of classes in our department are heavily essay based. Profs don't put up a key for them, but instead put up anonymous examples of great essays.

Bad papers are just as good a learning tool as good papers.

Shpongle

No, the act of writing something (original) copyrights it. Being published has nothing to do with it.

Idea, maybe (that's what patents are for), but words, no. If you reproduce anything I write here without my permission, I could technically sue you for copyright infringement.

This message board even explicitly states in their rules of usage:

(9) You remain solely responsible for the content of your messages, and you agree to indemnify and hold harmless this BB, Infopop, Inc. (the makers of the bulletin board software), and their agents with respect to any claim based upon transmission of your message(s). We (Internet Infidels, Inc.) also reserve the right to reveal your identity (or whatever information we know about you) in the event of a complaint or legal action arising from any message posted by you.

Therefore, they don't even try to claim ownership of anything posted here. In fact, they explicitely do the opposite (obviously to avoid being bitten in the ass).

Jobar

This isn't the appropriate forum for discussions like this one. I'm closing it; if anyone thinks it needs doing, start a thread in Bugs Problems Etc. about it. J.