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Archiver > GEN-MEDIEVAL > 2002-01 > 1012332836


From:
Subject: Re: U.S. Copyright Law (was: several related threads with diffeent titles)
Date: Tue, 29 Jan 2002 14:33:56 EST



In a message dated 1/28/02 6:49:01 PM, writes:

<< after I told you in no uncertain terms that I did not want you publishing
any more of my material, you STILL published material of mine without
my permission that went WAY beyond fair use. >>

Of course, fair use had no real legal definition -- only guidelines -- and
its legality depends on the circumstances. As others have pointed out, fair
use in scholarly discussions such as are carried on here -- or as published
in a very limited circulation journal specifically devoted to medieval
genealogy -- the only such journal in the world -- depends a lot on whether
we are building on previous scholarship.

The purpose of the journal is not to make a fortune for the publisher, but to
bring to light new findings and advance knowledge of the subject. These
complaints from Baldwin and Reed only began in year 2000. I am quite certain
that I have been quite prudent in the use of the information they have shared
since they expressed a concern about its use.

The question for me at this time is simple. Is it even worth continuing such
a journal, even if the subscribers love it and scholarship is served? If I
have to spend great portions of each day defending myself, asking permission
for every little thing and complicate an already complicated task to the
point of severe frustration, then is it even worth my time?

Almost every page -- even if copied -- can take an hour to complete and
formulate. Spell checks, permissions, additional research, proofing, and
reading through materials for selection take great gobs of time. If it is not
appreciated, then why bother? These are the things I am asking myself. How
to irritate Paul Reed or Stewart Baldwin has never been my occupation. Both
post quite competently and provide us all with valuable insights and
scholarship. We are all thankful for that. Can we not have an end to these
endless accusations that keep us from the chore at hand?

- Ken

Kenneth Harper Finton
Editor and Publisher
THE PLANTAGENET CONNECTION
__________________________________________
HT Communications / PO Box 1401 / Arvada CO 80001
VOICE: 303-420-4888 FAX: 303-420-4845
<A HREF="http://htcommunications.org/homepage.html">;
http://htcommunications.org/homepage.html</A>;


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