I started reading Lifehacker about half a year ago, after several searches for solutions to problems led me to an article on Lifehacker. Naturally, after subscribing to Lifehacker, Gizmodo wasn’t far behind, as they’re both part of the Gawker Media Network. I’ve read them regularly for months, and love the content.

And now they’re officially licensed under Creative Commons.

Hey, I’m happy to announce that we’re being published under a Creative Commons license now. Although it’s a non-commercial license, remixes and quotes are fine by blogs commercial or otherwise, with attribution/links……This has always been our policy, but it’s nice to have the license right there on the bottom.

Among other things, this means that things like what I just did, in that paragraph up there, are not only legal, but I have (indirect) permission from Gizmodo to do so.

Generally, you don’t find too many instances of a blog suing another blog for a quote if there’s a link, but now, if I want to, say, print out copies of the article and pass them out, I can. So long as I don’t make money doing that. You know, like standing on the street corner passing out Giz articles and then asking for a quarter. Or whatever.

Honestly, the practical upshot of this is almost nothing. Especially considering this Creative Commons move is just a formality, as Gizmodo (or Lifehacker, or any part of the Gawker Media network that I’ve heard of) have never actively sued someone for using their content anyways. But it is nice to see a company embracing the idea of sharing, instead of clinging to your rights.

Copyrights are just one example of a right that we all have (well, those who make content anyways), but that we all exercise differently. The point of CC is that we’re better off when we don’t get consumed by the money-making aspect, but rather do it for the love of the medium.

So, good on you, Gizmodo, Lifehacker. Good on you.

Also, while I’m not sure if it’s actually written anywhere on this website, you’re also free to copy or redistribute whatever you find here (including project files and videos). Just, a linkback would be nice. Thanks.

Full Gizmodo article found here.