Few people know or take the time to research copyright laws. It's true the laws are confusing, but simple etiquette is all anyone really needs to comply. This protection is available to both published and unpublished works. In addition, certain authors of works of visual art have the rights of attribution and integrity as described in section 106A of the 1976 Copyright Act. In other words, only the owner of the copyrighted work can give permission to reproduce that work.
Simple etiquette requires that the person who wants to use the work asks permission to do so.
If I wanted to borrow my neighbor's lawn mower, I would ask permission. If I wanted to borrow an article to post to my news group for their reading pleasure, I would ask permission of the author. Most authors will give their permission provided they are credited with authorship. Although once required, the author or creator of a work no longer has to put a copyright notice on the work. Here's another scenario.