What characterizes items in the general domain?

Items in the general domain are characterized by being free of any legal restrictions, particularly in terms of copyright and intellectual property laws. This means that these materials can be freely used, shared, and modified by anyone without the necessity of seeking permission or paying royalties. Works in the general domain typically include those whose copyright has expired, works created by the government, or items that have been explicitly placed into the public domain by their creators.

Having this understanding clarifies why the other options do not accurately describe items in the general domain. Publications without market value, items protected by copyright, and personal items owned by individuals can all have various legal restrictions associated with their use and distribution, which is contrary to the defining characteristics of general domain items. Thus, the ability to use these works freely is what sets them apart in this context.