chuq@sun.uucp (Chuq Von Rospach) (07/01/86)
I have a followup on the recent problem with the inadvertant posting of the
copyrighted story "Man of Steel, Woman of Kleenex" by larry niven. Today I
received a letter from Niven, which follows:
June 24, 1986
Larry Niven
Tarzana, CA
Dear Mr. Von Rospach,
Many thanks for being alert in my behalf.
Nothing's going to come of it, though. I make some efforts to guard
my copyrights, but I'd rather spend my time writing than in court. It
sounds like I would have a hard time even finding a perpetrator.
Asides from that, Man of Steel/Woman of Kleenex is an old story and
makes a great joke. I can't think that I've been seriously harmed.
So Mr. Crist is safe...but you need not tell him that. Please
inform him, instead, that Mr. Niven thinkgs he's picked up a bad habit.
Best wishes, etc...
---
Editorial comments:
First, I'm glad that the situation is settled and won't go any further. At
least we KNOW we won't be expecting summon's sometimes. By cooperating with
the author and giving him the option to decide where to proceed, we make it
easier for them to not have to force our hand. I AM glad, though, that the
story was a Niven story and not an Ellison...
None of this obviates the problem of posting copyrighted material. DON'T do
it. Period. If you aren't sure, don't take the chance. Not all authors
are as nice and easy going as Niven. Some have lawyers, and aren't afraid
of using them. We aren't small, and we aren't chickenfeed anymore, and
don't give them the opportunity to set precedencts with our network.
chuq
--
:From the lofty realms of Castle Plaid: Chuq Von Rospach
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Dessert is probably the most important stage of the meal, since it will be
the last thing your guests remember before they pass out all over the table.
-- The Anarchist Cookbook