In a message dated 5/3/2005 12:57:59 A.M. Central Standard Time, GeoFiles@aol.com writes: I think your all trying to make something big out of copyright law. For myself I don't think anything "big" is being made out of it - this is a law we should all respect. The problem as I would see it is when someone comes along, copies 50% or all of your publication and then puts it in THEIR book, making people think they did all that work. That's not only illegal but downright rude in my estimation. I, too, have always given my work out freely, and it has been used by others without credit. Personally, I don't care, as long as the info gets out there. And part of the original question was when you can copy a book that is no longer under copyright and/or the author cannot be located for permission. Very valid points to ask.