Is forum content copyrighted content?

I know that articles enjoy automatic copyright. Assuming that they are original articles. How about forum content?

Let's say I copy a post from one forum and quote it in an article. Would that be considered a copyright violation? I am not talking about a post which says something like "LOL". I am talking about a post which contains substantial information. Like maybe a reply to a technical question.

So what are the legal ramifications of this issue? Is forum content copyrighted content?

Don't copy without permission. Even on forums.

I agree about not copying without permission. As a matter of principle. What I am wondering is whether forum content is considered as something that is in the public domain. If it's considered to be in the public domain, then there's nothing to stop fair use.

I'm not really sure how it stands legally, though it's something I'd definitely like to look into (I'm obsessed with legal stuff). Though I do agree with Natasha, if you always abide the philosophy to not take without permission, you don't have to worry about any problems down the road. And make sure that permission you get is well documented and you can prove it, too. Just like if I take your car with your permission, but all I have is your word (no recording either) and then something happens like an accident, you can either say I did it and make me pay for it or you can say I had your permission to drive the car and you can pay for it. When we're talking about hundreds or even thousands of dollars, it can be easy to put the blame on me even if you did give permission.

Roughly the same with content, if I take your content and repost it on my site your permission, but you later change your mind, unless I have concrete proof of your permission being given, you're going to win in court.

Considering admins can have you shut down for it then I would say no it is not in the public domain same with blog articles.

most people have terms and it is often spelt out in there / as an example / please create your own version / seek proper advice.

It is legal to copy content from a forum or blog if and only if the content isn't copyrighted. Usually the copyright is located in the footer, and usually most forum themes include a copyright built in.
But ethically, copying content from another site and using it as your own is wrong.

What sort of copyright would you have to put? Could one just put "Copyrighted content. All rights reserved." or would one have to actually go through some paperwork to get it done and make it "legal"?

Just a simple copyright in the footer. your content is automatically copyrighted. One thing I learned from writing

Good to know. Now as soon as I find how to edit my footer, I'll add that in. XD

Or perhaps I'll just add in another term to my rules topic. Or both... eh.