Quote:
Originally Posted by stumped
a poll would be interesting but I have no idea how to create one.
I am with the Internet Archive on this: a temp fix to help with lockdowns trumps copyright. ( as most libraries and bookstores have been force-closed anyway)
but TBF, I don't write books for a living.
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They started this before the Corona pandemic.
There are PLENTY of Public Domain books.
This is a cynical attempt to use the crisis to attack copyright.
Yes, Copyright terms have got too long.
Yes, publishers are failing in not using POD for paper and better supporting ebooks.
Yes, DRM is evil.
The Internet Archive has no right (moral or legal) to ignore copyright (and some of these titles are in Print). A pandemic doesn't give anyone the right to make such decisions. They are not paying royalties nor purchasing licences or copies.
Even a government hasn't the right to abrogate copyright of living authors, though they do have the right to invalidate spurious patents and trademarks, even then it's normal to have a judicial process.
We are not in some post apocalyptic setting where authors and publishers no longer have rights.
They are NOW offering to take down ANY title if an author or publisher complains, as a reaction to the criticism. That's not good enough. They should take down ALL works in copyright and only put up works where the rights holder agrees.
What sort of arrogance is it that THEY should decide what Intellectual Property is given away free. This isn't a library.