Re: GNU Free Database License

[Merijn de Weerd]

On 2006-09-17, Alfred M. Szmidt <ams@gnu.org> wrote:
> Well, a photo isn't a "fact", while a dictionary is a list of facts
> (definitins).  And you cannot copyright a fact (or has this been
> changed recently?), like the fact that "hello is a common greeting
> used in the English language".  

Sure, that's a fact. But how I _write down_ the fact can be
a creative expression. Do I say "hello is a common greeting"
or do I add its etymology, a comparison with other languages,
an explanation of when "hello" is more appropriate than
"good day", "hi" and other greetings?

Merriam-Webster for example defines "hello" as
"an expression or gesture of greeting -- used interjectionally in
greeting, in answering the telephone, or to express surprise"
http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/hello

Dictionary.com has no less than 6 definitions, like
"  1. (used to express a greeting, answer a telephone, or attract
   attention.)
   2. (an exclamation of surprise, wonder, elation, etc.)
   3. (used derisively to question the comprehension, intelligence, or
   common sense of the person being addressed): You're gonna go out
   with him? Hello!"
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=hello&x=0&y=0

Other dictionaries have yet other definitions. The mere fact
that everyone gives the definition in other words already shows
there's creativity and originality involved in the choice of
words. So M-W has a copyright on its definition, Dictionary.com
similarly has one on the definitions it provides, and so on.

Still, everyone is free to write their own definitions of course.

Merijn

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