Reader situation
A member shares a useful insight in a Circle, and you want to quote it in a newsletter, a presentation or a post elsewhere. The contribution was shared in one setting, for one audience. Using it elsewhere without checking can break trust.
Central idea
A contribution shared in one setting should not automatically be quoted or republished elsewhere. This checklist helps you confirm permission, audience, attribution and sensitive details before extending its reach.
Practical steps
- Who owns the contribution. Identify whose words or work it is.
- Intended audience. Consider who the contributor expected to read it.
- Explicit permission. Ask for and receive clear permission.
- Agreed attribution. Agree how the contributor will be credited.
- Sensitive details. Check for information that shouldn’t travel further.
- Record of consent. Keep a note of what was agreed.
Tool: checklist
Complete the checklist before quoting, republishing or adapting another person’s contribution.
Who owns the contribution
Intended audience
Explicit permission
Agreed attribution
Sensitive details
Record of consent
- Contributor: ________
- What I’ll use: ________
- Where and how: ________
- Attribution agreed: ________
- Date permission given: ________
Worked example
Fictional example
A community leader wants to quote a member’s comment about managing remote teams in a monthly newsletter that goes beyond the Circle. She messages the member, shares the exact quote and explains where it will appear. The member agrees, but asks to be credited by role only, as “an operations director at a logistics company.” The leader notes the agreement and date.
Boundaries
- Permission for one use isn’t permission for every use. Ask again for new purposes.
- If a contributor withdraws permission, remove the content where you reasonably can.
One action to try with a professional peer
Before quoting anyone’s contribution this month, complete the checklist and keep the record of consent.
Discussion prompt
How would you want to be asked before your words were shared beyond the space you shared them in?
