Unattributed XKCD quote on the Economist

[Blubble]

In the March 24th-30th issue on page 16 relating to password strength

"One approach is to use passwords containing unrelated words, such as "correct horse battery staple", linked by a mental image."

[peri_renna]

The online version has a link - could be that the print editor just deleted the link, or could be that the web version was edited after it was posted.

Edit: The latter, I see.

[lutzj]

The Economist often weaves in obscure literary references into it articles (the writers and readers, after all, like to show off how "educated" and witty they are). I'd consider the use of anything I created high praise. That said, you could make the argument that this usage goes beyond the Creative Commons license and Munroe could probably get a mention in the magazine or financial recompense if he decides to send them a strongly-worded letter.

[omgryebread]

The Economist often weaves in obscure literary references into it articles (the writers and readers, after all, like to show off how "educated" and witty they are). I'd consider the use of anything I created high praise. That said, you could make the argument that this usage goes beyond the Creative Commons license and Munroe could probably get a mention in the magazine or financial recompense if he decides to send them a strongly-worded letter.

Eh, it basically doesn't affect the marketability of xkcd in any way, the phrase quoted wasn't the core of the comic, and it was a very short quote where in reality any four words would have done. The phrase itself doesn't have any real value. It's definitely legal use. It might violate some editorial principle, and they might mention in a correction in the letters section.

[lutzj]

It might violate some editorial principle, and they might mention in a correction in the letters section.

This is what I'd expect as well.

[iChef]

Imitation may be a form of flattery, but Randall needs to protect his copyright. If he doesn't go after people using the comic to make money he may lose the ability to do so later. He will end up just like Bill Waterson. Next thing you know we will be swimming in crappy knock off stickers of Black Hat Guy taking a piss on an Apple logo.

[Iulus Cofield]

I don't think this really qualifies as copyright infringement.

[Ellmore Disco]

It's not copyright infringement. In fact, it is a entirely typical journalistic turn. You wouldn't, after all, expect Stan Lee to call in the lawyers for the subtitle here: http://www.economist.com/blogs/schumpeter/2012/02/regulating-cabs-0

[Endless Mike]

Imitation may be a form of flattery, but Randall needs to protect his copyright. If he doesn't go after people using the comic to make money he may lose the ability to do so later. He will end up just like Bill Waterson. Next thing you know we will be swimming in crappy knock off stickers of Black Hat Guy taking a piss on an Apple logo.

You're confusing trademark and copyright. You never lose the ability to sue over copyright infringement.

(And IAMNAL, but I agree that he'd have an extremely difficult time claiming copyright infringement on this in any case. If making references without citations is copyright infringement, writers everywhere are going to have a hell of a time.)

[philsov]

Including XKCD itself.

"Calvinball"! ppffffttt

[lutzj]

Sure enough, they acknowledged this in this week's "Letters" section:

SIR – Although I was delighted to see “correct horse battery staple” used as an example of a passphrase in your article I was dismayed at the lack of credit given to Randall Munroe, who popularised that particular phrase on xkcd, his webcomic.

Graham McGillivray
Halifax, Nova Scotia  

Good on Graham McGillivray!