Information

General

FAQs

Other

Frequenly Asked Questions

Prospective Contributors
General
Copyright
Referrals

Prospective Contributors

Q: What materials may I contribute?

A: In two words – almost anything. If it’s something that can be used in a classroom or learning setting (from pre-K through adult education and corporate, government, or educational professional development), we believe your materials – big or small, one piece or several – will find a home in Teachbits as long as they are in a digital format and can be sent as a file or multiple files across the Internet. So, lesson plans, PowerPoint presentations, digital film slides or shows, worksheets, databases, teaching aids, or any other relevant materials in a digital format are welcome.

Q: What languages should the materials be in?

A: The Teachbits website navigation (the buttons and options you use to get around) will be in English for now (although plans are afoot for translation into other languages); however, the actual materials that you provide may be in any language or format. So, for example, if you have teaching aids or other materials in Spanish that are appropriate for the Spanish or Latin American markets, they will find a place here.

Q: Who will see my materials and how will you promote them?

A: InfoSource has several hundred thousand teachers who use our learning materials and systems every year, so all of these teachers will have access to Teachbits. In fact, many of them will be content providers themselves. In addition, we are aggressively promoting Teachbits via our direct sales people who call on schools and school districts throughout North America and through our strategic partners who represent us in the international marketplace. We also rely on traditional forms of promotion such as press releases and various types of Internet-based marketing practices.

Q: How do you determine the price of the materials?

A: We don’t, you do. There is a minimum price of $5 (US) per item, as it’s simply not economical for you or for us to sell items for less than that because the transaction costs are too high. The best way to determine a price for a particular learning item is to ask yourself how much you’d be willing to pay (trying, as best you can, to be detached from your own creation, as hard as that is). The next best way to determine a price is to check around for materials that are similar to what you are offering and to set your price based on the similarity or differences. (Later we’ll be publishing some general pricing guidelines.)

Q: May I offer materials for free?

A: Absolutely! In fact, we encourage it. Strongly. This is a great way to give back to the teaching community as a whole, and an even better way for someone to get a feeling for your style and substance. So, for every item you put up for sale, you might want to consider matching that with a freebie. This is not a requirement, simply a suggestion.

Q: How do you determine the quality of the materials?

A: We don’t, your customers do. Buyers will have an opportunity to comment on and rate the materials they buy, so, over time, the quality of what you provide will become known throughout the system. If you’re providing a good product at a fair price, other teachers will know about that – and, they’ll come back – and, they’ll spread the word.

Q: Is there a minimum or maximum amount of materials I can contribute?

A: Nope; submit one piece or a gazillion. It’s your call. It takes only a minute or two to sign up as a content-providing author and just a few minutes to post each item for sale. (You’ll need to create a small profile about yourself, and then a brief description of each item you’re posting for sale.)

Q: Does this cost me anything to get involved?

A: There is an annual fee for every author.

Q: Do you pay me a royalty, or how am I compensated?

A: Each quarter, we will provide you with a royalty payment that represents the agreed upon percentage of everything you’ve sold. So, you keep the lion’s share of all sales.

Q: Is there a way I can earn more than the normal royalty?

A: Yes. From time to time, we will announce other ways you can be involved with us, often for an increase in royalty. For instance (and please refer to other information on this site), during our introductory period you can use our CATpro content authoring tool (it’s really cool and fun to use) to create online lessons, quizzes, or tests and earn an additional royalty.

Q: Is there a way I can benefit by referring other teachers?

A: Absolutely. Once you sign up, we’ll provide you with a unique code to give to other teachers and trainers. If they sign up as authors via the link you provide, you’ll earn a percentage of all sales of their products.

Q: Will you buy the materials from me outright?

A: Yes, down the road, and only if you want us to. Once the market has reacted to your materials (through our rating system and sales), we will evaluate whether or not the materials are appropriate to be published and sold through our normal sales channels at InfoSource. However, the first step is getting registered as a content provider.

Q: Will my name (or company) be credited as the author of the material/product(s)?

A: Yes, you (or your company) are the author of the materials and own them outright for as long as you want (or until you sell the rights to someone else). Please refer to other sections for more details about copyright.

Q: Am I required to answer any support questions regarding the material?

A: Nope. The materials are sold on an as-is basis. You supply no support, and we handle everything to do with the transactions themselves. Once you post the materials for sale at Teachbits, you’re done – other than watching for that royalty check, of course!

Q: Can I sell the material/product(s) elsewhere?

A: Sure. You own the materials – you can sell them on your own or through other outlets. We hope, over time, to demonstrate to you that we should be your sole distribution partner, but that choice will always be up to you.

Q: Can I cancel my account and reclaim my material/product(s)?

A: Again, of course. These are your materials, and you can remove them from the site at any time. Naturally, we’ll still owe you for any royalties that have accrued for any sales through the time you decide to stop working with us; however, membership fees, if any, are not refundable.

Q: How much can I make?

A: Good question, but yikes! . . . That’s a tough one to answer. Just as in the print book world, for every John Grisham or Stephen King who make millions every time a new book comes out, there are tens of thousands of authors who make very little. So, the answer varies from very little to quite a lot. While there are no guarantees, we believe that good material in a vibrant market (materials for an esoteric graduate course likely won’t find much of a market) should earn you several hundred or a few thousand dollars year in and year out. However, a note of caution is in order: We don’t believe that, except for perhaps a handful of exceptions, you’ll earn enough to replace your regular source of income. So, please regard sales through Teachbits as supplemental gravy. In short, don’t quit that day job just yet.

Q: How do I know someone won't steal my materials?

A: Any time you put something out into the open market, especially if it’s intellectual property, there’s a chance that someone will rip it off. We won’t deny that. However, even though the education marketplace is a big one, it’s also small in many ways, and people talk to people who talk to people who talk to us. InfoSource has been creating and distributing intellectual property since 1983, so we’ve learned how to remain diligent and savvy watchers of the landscape. If you ever suspect that someone is using materials inappropriately, and they were sold via our site, we will pursue that person strongly.

Q: Who owns the copyright of the materials?

A: You do. While we’re not lawyers (check the Web for more details on copyright and the separate FAQ at Teachbits), you should know that the minute you put your name to something, you own it and remain the owner unless you trade or sell those rights to someone else. We are not asking you to give us any rights other than to let us sell your materials. You own your materials, and you should place your name and the words Copyright or the © symbol on everything you offer for sale.

Q: Why are you doing this?

A: We don’t want to sound too schmaltzy about the whole thing, but this is one way we can give something back to our teaching community. Let’s face it, if you know anything at all about business, the small percentage we keep as part of each transaction hardly covers our costs. We are successful in our core business, so this is really a service that we’re providing to and for teachers. In addition, our CEO’s parents were teachers, so he has a soft spot for them. Moreover, the founders of the company were both teachers and trainers, and many others within InfoSource have teaching backgrounds, so we’re hoping to help other teachers.

Q: Who is InfoSource and why should I trust you?

A: As with anything else, you should do some due diligence. As part of that, simply ask around. Chances are that there’s a teacher or school administrator in your district or within your circle of contacts who knows us, since we’ve been plugging away at all things learning for nearly 25 years. Then, check out our main website. We believe that our endurance and record speak for themselves. And, as with all things in life, simply use caution and your own judgment.

General

Q: What is a Zip file?

A: A Zip file allows you to combine multiple files into a single file and/or compress a large file into a smaller file size. Most Teachbits.com products, especially those that contain mutliple files or are very large, will we downloaded as Zip files. You can then unzip the file to extract the file or files within.

Q: How do I create a Zip file?

A: Several applications are available to create Zip files. These include PKZip, Winzip, and many others. Most are available as free downloads. Newer versions of Microsoft Windows include Zip utilities as well. Please refer to your individual application's help files to learn the steps required to create a Zip file.

Q: How do I get my files out of a Zip file?

A: Getting your files out of a Zip file -- called extracting -- may depend on the application used to create it. Most files can be extracted simply by right-clicking the Zip file and then selecting Extract to... from the menu. If this doesn't work, check the product's description on Teachbits.com to see if the seller has left specific instructions on unzipping their product.

Copyright

Q: What is copyright?

A: Copyright is a form of protection grounded in the U.S. Constitution and granted by law for original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression. Copyright covers both published and unpublished works.

Q: What does copyright protect?

A: Copyright, a form of intellectual property law, protects original works of authorship including literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works, such as poetry, novels, movies, songs, computer software, and architecture. Copyright does not protect facts, ideas, systems, or methods of operation, although it may protect the way these things are expressed.

Q: How is a copyright different from a patent or a trademark?

A: Copyright protects original works of authorship, while a patent protects inventions or discoveries. Ideas and discoveries are not protected by the copyright law, although the way in which they are expressed may be. A trademark protects words, phrases, symbols, or designs identifying the source of the goods or services of one party and distinguishing them from those of others.

Q: When is my work protected?

A: Your work is under copyright protection the moment it is created and fixed in a tangible form that it is perceptible either directly or with the aid of a machine or device.

Q: Do I have to register with the Copyright Office to be protected?

A: No. In general, registration is voluntary. Copyright exists from the moment the work is created. You will have to register, however, if you wish to bring a lawsuit for infringement of a U.S. work.

Q: Why should I register my work if copyright protection is automatic?

A: Registration is recommended for a number of reasons. Many choose to register their works because they wish to have the facts of their copyright on the public record and have a certificate of registration. Registered works may be eligible for statutory damages and attorney's fees in successful litigation. Finally, if registration occurs within 5 years of publication, it is considered prima facie evidence in a court of law.

Q: What is a "poor man’s copyright?"

A: The practice of sending a copy of your own work to yourself is sometimes called a "poor man’s copyright." There is no provision in the copyright law regarding any such type of protection, and it is not a substitute for registration.

Q: Is my copyright good in other countries?

A: The United States has copyright relations with most countries throughout the world, and as a result of these agreements, we honor each other's citizens' copyrights. However, the United States does not have such copyright relationships with every country.

Q: What does copyright protect?

A: Copyright, a form of intellectual property law, protects original works of authorship including literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works, such as poetry, novels, movies, songs, computer software, and architecture. Copyright does not protect facts, ideas, systems, or methods of operation, although it may protect the way these things are expressed.

Q: Does my work have to be published to be protected?

A: Publication is not necessary for copyright protection.

Q: Can foreigners register their works in the United States?

A: Any work that is protected by U.S. copyright law can be registered. This includes many works of foreign origin. All works that are unpublished, regardless of the nationality of the author, are protected in the United States. Works that are first published in the United States or in a country with which we have a copyright treaty or that are created by a citizen or domiciliary of a country with which we have a copyright treaty are also protected and may therefore be registered with the U.S. Copyright Office.

Q: How do I register my copyright?

A: To register a work, submit a completed application form, a nonrefundable filing fee of $45 (fee valid as of 2007 – check with the U.S. Copyright Office for the current fee), and a nonreturnable copy or copies of the work to be registered.

Q: Do I have to send in my work? Do I get it back?

A: Yes, you must send the required copy or copies of the work to be registered. These copies will not be returned. Upon their deposit in the Copyright Office, all copies and identifying material, including those deposited in connection with claims that have been refused registration, are the property of the U.S. government.

Q: May I register more than one work on the same application? Where do I list the titles?

A: You may register unpublished works as a collection on one application with one title for the entire collection if certain conditions are met. Published works may only be registered as a collection if they were actually first published as a collection and if other requirements have been met.

Q: Do I have to use my real name on the form? Can I use a stage name or a pen name?

A: There is no legal requirement that the author be identified by his or her real name on the application form.

Q: Can I submit my manuscript on a computer disk?

A: No. Floppy disks and other removal media such as Zip disks, except for CD-ROMs, are not acceptable. Therefore, the Copyright Office still generally requires a printed copy or audio recording of the work for deposit.

Q: Can I submit a CD-ROM of my work?

A: Yes. The deposit requirement consists of the best edition of the CD-ROM package of any work, including the accompanying operating software, instruction manual, and a printed version, if included in the package.

Q: How much do I have to change in my own work to make a new claim of copyright?

A: You may make a new claim in your work if the changes are substantial and creative, something more than just editorial changes or minor changes. This would qualify as a new derivative work. For instance, simply making spelling corrections throughout a work does not warrant a new registration, but adding an additional chapter would.

Q: How long does a copyright last?

A: The term of copyright for a particular work depends on several factors, including whether it has been published, and, if so, the date of first publication. As a general rule, for works created after January 1, 1978, copyright protection lasts for the life of the author plus an additional 70 years. For an anonymous work, a pseudonymous work, or a work made for hire, the copyright endures for a term of 95 years from the year of its first publication or a term of 120 years from the year of its creation, whichever expires first. For works first published prior to 1978, the term will vary depending on several factors.

Q: Do I have to renew my copyright?

A: No. Works created on or after January 1, 1978, are not subject to renewal registration. As to works published or registered prior to January 1, 1978, renewal registration is optional after 28 years but does provide certain legal advantages.

Q: How do I get permission to use somebody else's work?

A: You can ask for it. If you know who the copyright owner is, you may contact the owner directly. If you are not certain about the ownership or have other related questions, you may wish to request that the Copyright Office conduct a search of its records or you may search yourself.

Q: How can I find out who owns a copyright?

A: The Copyright Office can provide you with the information available in its records. A search of registrations, renewals, and recorded transfers of ownership made before 1978 requires a manual search of the files. Upon request, our staff will search our records at the statutory rate of $150 for each hour (as of 2007). There is no fee if you conduct a search in person at the Copyright Office. Copyright registrations made and documents recorded from 1978 to date are available for searching online.

Q: How can I obtain copies of someone else's work and/or registration certificate?

A: The Copyright Office will not honor a request for a copy of someone else's protected work without written authorization from the copyright owner or from his or her designated agent, unless the work is involved in litigation. In the latter case, a litigation statement is required.

Q: How much of someone else's work can I use without getting permission?

A: Under the fair use doctrine of the U.S. copyright statute, it is permissible to use limited portions of a work including quotes, for purposes such as commentary, criticism, news reporting, and scholarly reports. There are no legal rules permitting the use of a specific number of words, a certain number of musical notes, or percentage of a work. Whether a particular use qualifies as fair use depends on all the circumstances.

Q: How much do I have to change in order to claim copyright in someone else's work?

A: Only the owner of copyright in a work has the right to prepare, or to authorize someone else to create, a new version of that work. Accordingly, you cannot claim copyright to another's work, no matter how much you change it, unless you have the owner's consent.

Q: Somebody infringed my copyright. What can I do?

A: A party may seek to protect his or her copyrights against unauthorized use by filing a civil lawsuit in federal district court. If you believe that your copyright has been infringed, consult an attorney. In cases of willful infringement for profit, the U.S. Attorney may initiate a criminal investigation.

Q: Could I be sued for using somebody else's work? How about quotes or samples?

A: If you use a copyrighted work without authorization, the owner may be entitled to bring an infringement action against you. There are circumstances under the fair use doctrine where a quote or a sample may be used without permission. However, in cases of doubt, the Copyright Office recommends that permission be obtained.

Q: Who is an author?

A: Under the copyright law, the creator of the original expression in a work is its author. The author is also the owner of copyright unless there is a written agreement by which the author assigns the copyright to another person or entity, such as a publisher. In cases of works made for hire, the employer or commissioning party is considered to be the author.

Q: What is a deposit?

A: A deposit is usually one copy (if unpublished) or two copies (if published) of the work to be registered for copyright. In certain cases such as works of the visual arts, identifying material such as a photograph may be used instead. The deposit is sent with the application and fee and becomes the property of the Library of Congress.

Q: What is publication?

A: Publication has a technical meaning in copyright law. According to the statute, "Publication is the distribution of copies or phonorecords of a work to the public by sale or other transfer of ownership, or by rental, lease, or lending. The offering to distribute copies or phonorecords to a group of persons for purposes of further distribution, public performance, or public display constitutes publication. A public performance or display of a work does not of itself constitute publication." Generally, publication occurs on the date on which copies of the work are first made available to the public.

Q: What is a copyright notice? How do I put a copyright notice on my work?

A: A copyright notice is an identifier placed on copies of the work to inform the world of copyright ownership that generally consists of the symbol or word "copyright" (or "copr."), the name of the copyright owner, and the year of first publication, e.g., © 2007 Sarah Acura. While use of a copyright notice was once required as a condition of copyright protection, it is now optional. Use of the notice is the responsibility of the copyright owner and does not require advance permission from, or registration with, the Copyright Office.

Q: What is copyright infringement?

A: As a general matter, copyright infringement occurs when a copyrighted work is reproduced, distributed, performed, publicly displayed, or made into a derivative work without the permission of the copyright owner.

Q: Where is the public domain?

A: The public domain is not a place. A work of authorship is in the "public domain" if it is no longer under copyright protection or if it failed to meet the requirements for copyright protection. Works in the public domain may be used freely without the permission of the former copyright owner.

Q: What is mandatory deposit?

A: Copies of all works under copyright protection that have been published in the United States are required to be deposited with the Copyright Office within three months of the date of first publication.

Q: What is a work made for hire?

A: Although the general rule is that the person who creates the work is its author, there is an exception to that principle; the exception is a work made for hire, which is a work prepared by an employee within the scope of his or her employment; or a work specially ordered or commissioned in certain specified circumstances. When a work qualifies as a work made for hire, the employer, or commissioning party, is considered to be the author.

Q: Where can I find more information about copyright?

A: You can find everything you need to know about copyright at the U.S. Copyright Office website: http://www.copyright.gov

Referrals

Q: What is the Referral Program at Teachbits?

A: We think that more's the merrier, so we have set up a way for you to benefit by referring other teachers to Teachbits through our Referral Program. When you refer other teachers, you’ll earn 5% on the sales of their products.

Q: How Does It Work?

A: When you sign up as a Teachbits Contributor, you'll receive a Referral Code. When you then pass that code along to other teachers, and they sign up as Contributors with it, you've created a referral. From that point on, anytime the teacher whom you've referred sells something, you'll earn 5% of those sales.

Q: Does This Penalize the Referred Teacher?

A: No, not at all. The referred teacher still earns the normal royalty, and you earn an extra 5% on their sales. Simple as that.

Q: How Much Can I Make?

A: That all depends on how good the stuff is that the teachers you refer put up on Teachbits.com. If they have good learning and teaching materials, it’s likely you'll earn quite a lot. The more teachers you refer, the more of a chance you'll have of earning supplemental income.

Q: Is There a Limit on the Number of Teachers I Can Refer?

A: Nope. Bring 'em on.

Q: Do I Have to Participate?

A: The Referral Program is totally voluntary.