OP Copyright question on using 4 paragraphs plus photo?

[LazySusanNot]

I found an article I want to post up. The authors writing style comes out in very short paragraphs making it really hard to get the "gist" of the article when just using 4 paragraphs. A thought was to try and fill the missing "in-between" sections between the paragraphs I use from the article with my own retelling of that portion of the story. Suggestions on best ways to do this are appreciated.

Second part involves a "5th" use of the article. If I can use 4 written paragraphs, does a Photo from the article count against that total?

Thanks in advance.

Edited to ad: Another option may be to contact the publication directly and get their permission to use more of the article. Is this ever done? I assume I would need to run this scenario by the administrators...

[ret5hd]

1. A picture speaks a thousand words, so...

you should probably limit yourself to either:
1) one-third of the picture (top, bottom, or middle-your choice) and no paragraphs.
2) paragraphs, but no picture

(I kid I kid)

[LazySusanNot]

4. I like your suggestion to use "one third of the picture"

I could maybe turn it into a DU contest and see if anyone can guess what this picture is. LOL

Thanks for the help!

[TexasTowelie]

2. You should send a message to EarlG since he is the owner and administrator of this site.

There is a folder on the left side of the display screen titled "Ask the Administrators" where you can pose your question.

[LazySusanNot]

3. Thank you. I will do that.

[ManiacJoe]

5. The four paragraph limit is

just a guideline type hack. Something to keep DU users marginally legal.

The actual fair use guide is that the quoted part of the article must be "short". ("Short" having no official definition in the copyright law.)

I have seen some bad writing styles online where the best one could do is to summarize the article in your own words without quoting.

[LazySusanNot]

6. Great info and thank you

I see the "guidelines" may leave a little wiggle room.. Many of the Author's paragraphs are 2 sentence runs but could easily be cobbled into a "short" section. Have also considered "filling in" between the useable paragraphs with short connecting narratives. Not great alternatives but workable I think.

Thank you for chiming in on this. I've sent an inquiry to the administrators which may also give me some guidance.

[question everything]

7. I will tell you in secret

If the paragraphs are really short, combine them..

And, yes, using 5 or 6 can be OK... unless someone decides to alert..

[LazySusanNot]

8. Thank you for the "inside information"

I will keep this as our little secret. Vault locked. Key being thrown away as we speak.

I may also stick with the 4 paragraphs "limit" instead of 5 to avoid the potential alerts. Many of the author's paragraphs are 2 sentences long - so this should be easy.

Now all I have to do is write it!