I think that this is akin to photography. Although the "image" captured is a part of everyday, public, life -and not anyone's posession- the photograph and
the artistic skill in rendering that "image" is.
If a writer, "captures" discussion and re-iterates it through his writing, his
artistic skill is applied, much in the same as a photographer applies his skill.
I think that this is a good example of what we are talking about here <great discussion by the way> especially in the sense that the author mentioned something along the lines that "he/she casually typed it in, without any expectation
that his/her name would be attatched to it IN PUBLICATION."
It appears that the protection of the author/artist can work both ways.
