Re: copyright expiration as a spur to creativity

On 18, August 1998, Albert Henderson <noblestation[_at_]compuserve.com> wrote:
>
> Michael Scarpitti <mscarpit[_at_]asnt.org> wrote:
> >
> > You seem to have a knack for catching the end of a trail of messages
> > and drawing incorrect conclusions. Let's say I want to buy (not
> > borrow) a book published in 1981 (Approaches to Translation by
> > Peter Newmark).
> >
> > Let's say I go to my friendly neighborhood college bookstore and try
> > to order it. Let's say I get back a notice saying "out of print"?
> > I go to Bibliofind on the network and try a search, which comes up
> > empty. Now, Mr. Henderson, you tell me: What the hell am I supposed
> > to do?
>
> I have had luck obtaining o/p books via amazon.com. UMI
> (1-800-521-0600) has rights to many books and can supply a copy
> (but not Approaches to Transation; I checked with them on your
> behalf). The number of BookLook (800-223-0540) has been recommended
> although I have not used them.
>
> You shouldn't complain about my comments when you support
> publishing a pirate edition of the work simply to satisfy
> your need for a single copy.

How the hell is it piracy when I am trying to BUY the book, but the publisher refuses?

How much effort am I supposed to put into this to satisfy you?

If the publisher won't print it, I say that they should lose the right to restrict access to the book.

At least one of the following should occur:

1. All rights revert to author
2. The material becomes public domain
3. Single copies legal for individuals to make on their own (either with or without some payment to author or publisher)

Michael A Scarpitti
Assistant Editor
Materials Evaluation
1711 Arlingate Lane
PO Box 28518
Columbus, Ohio 43228-0518
800 222-2768 Ext 207
614 274-6003 Ext 207
Fax 614 274-6899
<mscarpit[_at_]asnt.org> Received on Wed Aug 19 1998 - 03:10:10 GMT