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Frequently Asked Questions
Plain-language answers about Creative Commons licenses, what the catalog accepts, and how to use the works you find here.
Basics
Licenses
Using content
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How do I correctly attribute a Creative Commons work?
Title, Author, Source, License — and a link to each where possible.
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What counts as "commercial use"?
Any use primarily intended for or directed at commercial advantage or monetary compensation.
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What is a "derivative work" and when do I need ShareAlike?
A new work based on or modifying the original. ShareAlike kicks in when you distribute that derivative.
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Can I use catalog content in a commercial project?
Yes, if the work is CC0, CC BY, CC BY-SA, or CC BY-ND. Not if it carries an NC restriction.
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Contributing
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Who can contribute to the catalog?
Any rights holder of a CC-licensed or public-domain work, or someone with explicit permission.
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How does the moderation queue work?
A volunteer reviews each submission for fit, license accuracy, and link health before publishing.
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Can I change the license on a work after I publish it?
Yes for new copies — but you cannot revoke the old license from copies already out in the world.
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Which Creative Commons license should I pick?
It depends on whether you care about commercial use, derivatives, and Share-Alike.
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