Are all .gov documents fair game?

[Yoda]

The title says it all; is any report I find on a government site available for reproduction?

Also, a related question: does anyone have any favorite content sources to reproduce from, or does it vary heavily based on the site's topic?

[chromate]

I think they are all public domain apart from where they state otherwise, like if they've got the information from a third party source.

[Chris]

Yes, unless stated its usually fair game. A lack of a copyright statement is usually a good indicator.

[Yoda]

Originally posted by Chris
Yes, unless stated its usually fair game. A lack of a copyright statement is usually a good indicator.

What if I find something which appears to be government-based, but there's a copyright statement in the footer? Better safe than sorry?

[Chris]

Yes. They usually don't put that copyright statement on accidentially.

[loads of money]

A lack of copyright statement on a website does not mean
that you can use that sites content. There is no requirement
to display a copyright notice. Copyright is automatically
assigned to the original writer of any article.

For instance this posting is automatically my copyright, I do
not have to declare the fact with a copyright notice at the
bottom.

However, on government websites it is often OK to use
the material. If they dont show any legal notice, then
drop them an email or phone.

[Athorn4941]

Yes always be safe then sorry, Ask the person on the webpage goverment or not if its okey to take and put on your page. Also dont assume that they didnt steal it from someone else first.