[Buddha-l] Conservative (Copyright and copywriters)

[JKirkpatrick]

On May 27, 2010, at 7:46 AM, Richard Hayes wrote:
> 
> My guess is that if any academics were publishing books that
brought in as much money as "Avatar" (the movie) or "Thriller"
(the album), book publishers would be more aggressive. But let's
face it, no matter how good Jan Westerhoff's latest book may be,
it is not going to give Michael Jackson's estate a run for its
money.
> 
> I'd say more, but the storm troopers are out in the yard with a
bullhorn saying something like "We know you're in there,
Shrubface. Come out with your hands tied behind your back, your
ankles tied together and a noose around your neck!"

Jim:
I would hate to disturb your outlaw reverie, but, if I am not
mistaken, the poor miserable, downtrodden author usually owns the
copyright if he hasn't sold it to the publisher for a hamburger
and a bottle of beer or similar consideration.

JK:
True--but in my case my publisher owns distribution rights, so
theoretically if I made copies of my work and distributed them
myself they could come after me. They aren't selling any more,
far as I know, so one of these days I'll try asking for my dist.
rights back.