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Archiver > APG > 1999-09 > 0937072944


From: "mavrogeorge" <>
Subject: RE: Lecture Summaries
Date: Sat, 11 Sep 1999 11:02:24 -0700


Or a positive approach by the speaker would be to provide, as part of the
contract, a summary of the talk (appropriate newsletter length) for
inclusion in the organization's newsletter. Would sure make the newsletter
editor happy and then the speaker has more control over what is in the
article.

As I read the original question I was wondering how organizations handle
this - like the Commonwealth Club or Luncheon clubs or groups that sponsor
lecture series. This has got to be in the realm of the "fair use" of
material and the rules/ethics for the media (they do still have some don't
they -grin). If someone attends a lecture, makes notes, and then writes an
article on the basis of those notes - who "owns" the resulting material? If
that article contains quotes from the lecture, does that change the answer?
If the answer depends on how many quotes are used, how many is too much?

I'm going to talk to Liz, the Quarterly Editor, to get some authoritative
information on this in the next Quarterly. (and post it here as it
develops). APG needs to investigate this and provide some guidance.

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Diane Walsh [mailto:]
> Sent: Saturday, September 11, 1999 9:08 AM
> To:
> Subject: Re: Lecture Summaries
>
>
> The question posted to the APG list about lecture summaries and tapes
> brought lots of thoughts to mind.
>
> I agree with the comment, "It seems prudent that the lecturer at least
> have
> in writing the right to final review of any information meant for
> publication." This clause is easy to add to a contract.
>
> Of course this assumes two things
> 1. the lecturer knows a summary will be published to begin with and
> 2. the lecturer presents a contract to be signed by the society (on a
> monthly basis here, no one has in 20 years, conferences excluded.)
>
> As this may not always be the case, it would be prudent for lecturers
> aware of the summary practice to require a review. Alternately, the
> lecturer could submit something for publication or, to expedite
> matters, require that summaries only contain info from a handout. (I
> know, something else to do). I'm sure there are many ways to cover it.
>
> Providing a summary doesn't always work. I gave one society a disk and
> printout of the summary with my signed permission to print it in its
> entirety. (Didn't get a thanks, perhaps someone was insulted.) They
> put in their own summary but did an accurate job.
>
> Larger questions:
> Does the society or person writing the summary actually ask the
> lecturer's permission to publish the items (print, electronic, audio
> or video). Has the issue ever been addressed by the society board?
>
> In our society's case, I know permission to publish a summary was
> always sought in the past. Things like that get lost along the way
> with turn over, however. I will bring this up at our next board
> meeting though to be sure it IS part of the policy. In our case it
> would be easy enough to inform a lecturer about the practice during a
> contact letter. This would allow the lecturer to deny permission.
> Thanks for getting me thinking.
>
> Why do societies summarize lectures?
> 1. It is viewed as a service to the members who don't /can't attend
> regular meetings.
> 2. It fulfills a society goal to educate their members.
> 3. The material is helpful, usually county specific and current.
> 4. It gives the newsletter editor something to fill the pages.
>
> I doubt anyone has a problem with these items but one still wonders
> how many small societies even consider a lecturer's rights beyond
> these four points.
>
> Suggestions:
> 1. Each of us could inquire of our own societies to be sure things are
> on the up and up.
> 2. It would be advantageous to see Standards for societies on this
> topic in print. The FGS probably covers some of these issues but lack
> of 100% membership and lagging society policy hinders the situation.
> 3. Umbrella organizations like the Speaker's Guild, FGS or NGS might
> collaborate by sending a tactful letter to each known society every
> two years, addressed to the president and newsletter editor. If a
> daunting task, perhaps the letter could be sent to the state
> organizations and ask for dissemination to local groups (they might
> know of the newest local groups).
>
> Diane
>
>
>
>
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