This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/BF.2ADIAE/1211.1 Message Board Post: Janet- You say the author has has contacted RootsWeb (who has he contacted--the HelpDesk?). If so, what did the HelpDesk tell him? Probably that facts cannot be copyrighted and that he doesn't have a leg to stand on--unless you know for a fact that the HelpDesk told him there were copyright violations on the boards or lists that needed to be removed--then don't remove the posts--but DO remove his attacks in reply to the posts. Personal attacks are not permitted on RootsWeb boards/lists. For your general information: Facts such as names, dates, and places CANNOT be copyrighted by anyone--they can be discovered but discovery of a fact doesn't allow you to copyright it. As for a book--you can copyright a book as a collective work--but you cannot copyright the facts or family relationships included in that book. If there is some unique formatting or organization or original notes included in the book that the author created this MAY be copyrighted--but not the facts themselves. Perhaps the above guidelines will give you a better understanding as to whether or not there has been any copyright infringement. If you would like to learn more on the subject, you can subscribe and post a query to: COPYRIGHT@rootsweb.com . If you would prefer to be left out of the argument, suggest your author making the claims subscribe to the COPYRIGHT list and get the facts straight. I would NOT allow arguing to continue on any of my lists or boards--just state flat out that you won't remove the genealogical info (other than private notes and original text from the book if any of that was posted on the lists or boards by others). Small selections from the book may also be copied to lists/boards giving attribution to the author under "Fair Use" even if the content being copied is copyrightable. And ALL factual info can be copied by anyone. People don't own their ancestors and cannot copyright them. Joan