Flikr, Google, and Wikipedia all use Creative Commons licensing for their content...or at least user uploaded content. However, the licensing terms can be confusing at first. This list will expalin in plain language what the Creative Commons licensing really means.
There are 4 basic licenses under Creative Commons. By combining these licenses, a much larger number of license types can be created.
Attribution
Attribution license via Creative Commons means others can use your photograph or text in any way they want as long as they note that you are the original creator of the work.
This can be modified by adding the other license options singularly or in combination.
Share Alike
Share Alike license via Creative Commons means that when derivative works are created based on your original work they can also only be licensed as "Share Alike."
This can be modified by adding the other license options singularly or in combination.
No Derivatives
No Derivatives license via Creative Commons means that only exact copies of your text or photograph can be distributed. This means that others can copy your work but not make changes like sepia tone, turning it upside down, or even cropping the photo.
This can be modified by adding the other license options singularly or in combination.
