It's February 1st - have you updated your Web site's copyright date yet?
If you haven't, you're not alone. Forgetting to update is commonplace, and I see it all the time. Data was needed, so yesterday I checked out the
top 100 nonprofits. What I found was shocking.
I expected a few would have forgotten, but not 34%. I even saw a few that still were listed as 2005 - wow! But don't feel bad - the
top 100 for-profits didn't fair much better, with 18% forgetting to update.
Are you still reading? Have you checked your site yet?
There are many ways to handle your Web site's copyright info, some of which require no updating at all. I took a look how nonprofits and for-profits were displaying copyright info, and was able to identify five buckets to drop each method into:
- Current - Example: © 2007 OrgName
By far the most popular, this method displays the current year next to the copyright symbol. Take a look at the Googles, Ebays, and Microsofts of the world and you'll see they've adopted this method. Why? Not only does it give an impression of being up-to-date, but it uses the least amount of pixels. If you go this route, you must remember to update it each year, or use some JavaScript to do it for you.
- Span - Example: © 2003 - 2007 OrgName
This method displays the range of years for which the work is copyrighted, usually spanning from the launch year to the current year. It shows off how long you've been around and gives the impression that the site is updated, but you will have to change the date each year.
- Launch - Example: © 2003 OrgName
This is the method actually prescribed by copyright law, but is very hard to find in the wild. Why? If you went to a site with a copyright date of 1998 would you buy something or trust them? It gives the impression of laziness or outdated content, something a netizen always tries to avoid.
- Text - Example: Use of text, images and other content on this website...
Some sites just provide their copyright information in paragraph form with no date to be found. While unconventional, this method requires no updating, and gives you a chance to be specific with your conditions. But if you are a fan of standards, I would steer clear of this one.
- None - Example: ___________
This method is for people who drive without seatbelts and go spelunking alone. Some people like to take chances, but I would recommend using one of the previous four methods to protect your content. Then take the day of and go skydiving.
The data for the methodology survey is below. You'll notice most sites stick to displaying the current year, with spanning being the next most popular. I think it is noteworthy that 9% of nonprofits had no copyright info on their sites whatsoever, something that did not happen in the for-profit sector.
Two final thoughts. First, make sure your site's copyright information is up-to-date - It just makes good sense. Second, I am not an attorney, and nothing in this post should be construed as legal advice - I didn't even stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.