The Fair Use Clause applies to teaching materials in a non-profit educational institute, or non-profit seminar, etc. An online forum, a discussion group -- not exclusively for education purposes and, which is not registered as a non-profit corporation and allows access to the public (particularly since you don't have register to view the site), would not apply. There is some very specific caselaw with regards to prior lawsuits on that issue with regards to online forums.
I didn't mean it as nasty and critical as it came out. Copyright laws apply to internet use also and if the author wanted to get picky, could legally shut down the and sue the site. I sincerely doubt he would; however, it was just information, and a word of caution, to let us all know we can't just put up whatever we want whenever we want. It's simply against the law and you just never know when some bozo might just take issue with his copyright. It often just a matter of contacting the publisher (address are always in the books) to gain permission to post them on an informational forum (especially as you did by also showing the book cover). They usually respond within a day or two.
I can see both sides of the copyright issue. On one hand, you reach more people than you ever would only through sales; but on the other hand, I can also see the point that, as an artist or author, your out to make a living and not practicing your craft simply to benefit society. I'm not sure what the answer is there. Personally, if it were me, I would be flattered that someone publicly put up my work to the public and would think it would actually create more sales -- for instance, others wanting to read the whole book or listen to the entire album and would generate interest (sales) in the author/musicians other works. But some people are an odd lots!
I'm running into that same issue while trying to get up some online tutorials in my C&C forum.
But then again, this is a discussion forum on pigs so my sincerest apology for hijacking the thread. It was very good information, "unregistered", and I know you meant well and nothing but to be helpful.
