On my list, for the National Writers Union, I've received a
complaint about a CD-ROM publisher's infringement of Usenet
fiction.
Beating the infringers at their own game, by producing a
better package, but with permission and collaboration from
the copyright owners, is a far more satisfying solution than
protests and lawsuits.
Pamela Greene has written:
> The fact that it's a collaborative work and will hopefully include the
> efforts of so many people (in the form of their FAQs) is why all or
> emost of the proceeds are earmarked for some worthy cause: RTFM
> (somehow, though there are difficulties associated with that), EFF, or
> something. Last time this was discussed, there was general agreeement
> that major contributors (i.e., authors, indexers, etc.) would also
> receive some compensation, most likely a flat sum, but that can be
> open to discussion again if new volunteers disagree.
How about developing a royalty system, with a strong
suggestion that creators contribute a portion of their
receipts to the worthy cause. Perhaps the charitable
kickback could be part of the contract.
The flat-sum suggestion sounds too much like
work-made-for-hire, which very few maintainers would
accept. However, many maintainers would be glad to
contribute their time as indexers, especially if they
receive royalties from the finished product.
I suggest that the publishers, as well as FAQ writers,
confer with NWU contract advisors on an equitable payment
plan. We've developed several model contracts.
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Vicki Richman vicric@panix.com National Writers Union
Harlem New York PGP 2.6 UAW Local 1981, AFL/CIO
"The fare shall not be fowl." -Credo of the Vegetarian Umpires Association
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