Websites using Creativecommons

Okay, let s break down Creative Commons with a focus on your requested details: overview, revenue, alternatives, pricing, and customer care.

Overview of Creative Commons

Creative Commons (CC) is a non-profit organization that provides free, easy-to-use copyright licenses. These licenses allow creators to share their work with the public while retaining some rights. Instead of the default all rights reserved of traditional copyright, CC licenses offer a spectrum of options, from allowing free use with attribution to restricting commercial use or modifications.

Key Concepts:

• Copyright as Default: Copyright automatically exists when an original work is created. It grants the creator exclusive rights.
• CC Licenses as a Tool: CC licenses modify the default copyright, allowing creators to grant specific permissions to others.
• Simplified Legal Language: CC licenses are written in plain language and have a human-readable summary.
• Global Impact: CC licenses are designed to be effective internationally, making sharing easier across borders.
• Attribution: A common element is requiring users to attribute (credit) the creator when using their work.

Types of Creative Commons Licenses:

• CC BY (Attribution): Allows others to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format, even commercially, as long as they give credit to the creator.
• CC BY-SA (Attribution-ShareAlike): Allows others to adapt, but requires any adaptations to be licensed under the same terms.
• CC BY-NC (Attribution-NonCommercial): Allows use, but prohibits commercial use.
• CC BY-ND (Attribution-NoDerivatives): Allows distribution, but no modifications can be made.
• Combinations: Licenses can be combined (e.g., CC BY-NC-SA).
• CC0 (Public Domain Dedication): Allows creators to waive all rights and dedicate their work to the public domain.

Key Takeaway: Creative Commons empowers creators to choose how they want their work to be used, fostering collaboration, sharing, and the creation of derivative works while protecting their interests to the degree they choose.

Revenue Model of Creative Commons

Creative Commons is a non-profit organization and does not generate revenue in the traditional sense of profit. Their operations are primarily funded through:

• Donations: They accept donations from individuals and organizations who support their mission.
• Grants: CC receives grants from philanthropic foundations and other funding bodies.
• Partnerships: They often work with other organizations and receive some financial support from those collaborations.
• Licensing Support: They do not charge for using the actual licenses. However, they offer premium support and services for organizations who are managing large media libraries of CC content, and this can be a source of revenue.

They DO NOT charge for using the CC licenses themselves. They rely on the generosity of supporters to continue their work.

Alternatives to Creative Commons

While Creative Commons is the most well-known and widely used set of open licenses, here are a few alternatives or related concepts:

• Public Domain:
  • Pros: No restrictions, completely free for any use.
  • Cons: Creators give up all rights, difficult to get work into the public domain in some cases (e.g., lifetime + 70 years after death in many countries)
  • When to Use: Ideal for making works available with no limitations.
• Copyleft Licenses (e.g., GNU General Public License):
  • Pros: Guarantees freedom to use, modify, and distribute software; often used for open-source software
  • Cons: More complex and less suitable for general creative works; share alike clause can be restrictive.
  • When to Use: Specifically designed for software.
• Standard Copyright:
  • Pros: Creator retains all rights, full control.
  • Cons: Can be restrictive; discourages sharing, adapting, and collaboration.
  • When to Use: When maximum control and strict permissions are needed.
• Custom Licenses:
  • Pros: Tailored to specific needs.
  • Cons: Can be complex to create and understand, may not be interoperable or legally sound.
  • When to Use: When Creative Commons licenses don t meet specific needs.
• Open Government Licenses:
  • Pros: Allows for use of government information with specific terms
  • Cons: Generally only for governmental works
  • When to Use: Primarily for government data or works.

Important: Creative Commons is generally the most flexible and straightforward option for a wide range of creative works (images, text, music, video, etc.) that the creator wishes to share while retaining some rights.

Pricing of Creative Commons Licenses

There is no cost for using Creative Commons licenses. They are completely free.

• CC licenses themselves: Free. The license generator on the Creative Commons website is free to use.
• Premium Services/Support: Charged. Creative Commons also provides some custom services and support for organizations with large media libraries of CC content, and this is where the only costs come into play.

Customer Care Details

Creative Commons has a more generalized customer support process, and it is important to understand that they have different types of support. They do not have traditional individual customer support in the way a for-profit company might.

• Website and Documentation: The CC website (creativecommons.org) is the primary resource for information. They offer extensive documentation, FAQs, and guides.
• Community Forums: The CC community forums are a place to ask questions and get help from other users.
• Education and Training: CC provides educational resources and sometimes offers workshops to help people understand their licenses.
• Email: Creative Commons has contact forms on their website for general inquiries, media inquiries, or legal inquiries. They may respond within 24 hours, but it is not guaranteed.
• Social Media: They are active on social media (Twitter, Facebook, etc.), which may be another way to reach out, especially for quick questions.
• Legal Help: Creative Commons provides legal information, but they do not offer individual legal advice.

Key Things to Note:

• Self-Service: CC encourages users to find answers through their documentation and community.
• No Individual Legal Advice: CC does not offer tailored legal assistance for specific situations, and will refer you to legal professionals if you require legal assistance.
• Focus on Community Support: The emphasis is on peer-to-peer help and self-education.
• Responsibility on Users: It s the user s responsibility to understand the licenses and ensure proper usage.
• Limited One-on-One Support: Due to their non-profit nature and open-source approach, CC does not offer personalized customer support in the traditional sense.

In Summary

Creative Commons is a powerful and free resource for creators to share their work more openly while still retaining some rights. Understanding how CC licenses work is essential for both creators and those who wish to use their work. Their business model relies primarily on donations and grants. While they do not provide tailored customer support, their documentation and community forums provide a great amount of help.