Notes / article from a presentation

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Notes / article from a presentation

Can I publish them?

prfb

12:29 am on Jan 18, 2008 (gmt 0)

I took notes at an industry presentation. Can I publish the notes, or write an article that includes quotes from the presenter, on my website -- without asking permission from the presenter or the organizer?

Additional context...

There are things the presenter (a widget producer) said that the organizer (an association of widget salespeople) might not like made available directly to the public. The organizer makes money from their members' ability to act as intermediaries between the presenter and consumers. The producer probably wouldn't mind, but might be wary of upsetting the organizer.

I very much doubt the organizer would notice my article unless I called attention to it by asking permission.

I in no way misrepresented myself in order to attend the presentation.

Thanks,
P

Quadrille

11:18 am on Jan 18, 2008 (gmt 0)

'Industry presentation' covers a multitude of sins, and is the key to your question.

Think back to the invitation and all discussions around it, and consider whether it was intended to be for public consumption, if in doubt, ask.

If it was public, then it's a matter of journalism; you quote accurately and attribute comments appropriately and mention the hosts (and/or sponsors).

But if it was NOT for the public, then you risk losing all future invitations, any trust within the industry and (conceivably, depending on the terms of the invite), legal action.

It's not just about legal terms and conditions and what you can 'get away with'*; it's about trust and the 'spirit' of the invitation.

*I'm not suggesting this was your angle - I'm just being completist! ;)

A professional journalist would check the terms in advance; if you did not, and they are not clearly specified, you'll just have to ask. If a speaker believed they were 'off the record' then you should think twice before exposing them.

Finally, there is a 'public interest' issue; if the news is very big and will affect many people, then maybe they have a 'right' to know.

Sorry to ramble, but these little questions often aren't quite so small! :)

prfb

10:02 pm on Jan 18, 2008 (gmt 0)

Dear Quadrille,

Thank you for your thoughtful reply.

The invitation was for "widget professionals to interact with widget industry leaders".

I think I'll err on the side of caution.

Thanks,
P

Syzygy

11:18 pm on Feb 1, 2008 (gmt 0)

The invitation was for "widget professionals to interact with widget industry leaders".

To not seek permission would be discourteous and unprofessional. You would immediately damage any reputation that you might have from those you seek as peers...

Whether you need it or not, make contact and ask permission: if you value their opinions why waste an opportunity to get to know them?

Syzygy