the web is considered "public domain"

The editor of Cooks Source, a newsstand-distributed, for-profit magazine and obligatory Facebook page, lifted an article on early modern apple pies from the author's website. When the author contacted Cooks Source, she was told, in part, 

I do know about copyright laws. It was "my bad" indeed, and, as the magazine is put together in long sessions, tired eyes and minds somethings forget to do these things.

But honestly Monica, the web is considered "public domain" and you should be happy we just didn't "lift" your whole article and put someone else's name on it! It happens a lot, clearly more than you are aware of, especially on college campuses, and the workplace.

This editor claims to have been "doing this" (by which one hopes she means editing and not plagiarizing) for three decades. Assuming that the editor is actually confused on the web being public domain, it goes to show how confusing e-publishing can be, even for professionals.

Copyright Infringement and Me

PS. The lack of an apostrophe in Cooks Source also makes me wonder about the professionalism of the editor. Just sayin'.