http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Gaiman_v._McFarlane

This is a link to the lawsuit

But as stated, regardless of the outcome, I can see there being serious repercussions as a result of this going to trial. Copyright, especially in literature is a minefield, both in the US and in the UK; cases like these only serve to make the situation worse.

Yes, it’s her baby and as I said, I fully understand her desire to protect her work, just as I do mine. But there are larger issues then grey areas of copyright to consider here: Spanking your biggest fans in loud and public ways tends to make you look bad, just ask Metalica how well they’ve been doing since calling their fanbase a bunch of thieves. If she carrys on, even if she is within her rights legally she could well end up right along side Lars on the high ground of Nowheresville, Yorks.

If the work is an appropriation of JK Rowlings work, then SHE has the right to do as she wishes. Doesn’t matter what she wants to do with it–its HERS.

I don’t think the question is that hard to determine. Look at the reference book. Could it be written or make any sense without Harry Potter series? If not, then it is an appropriation of JK Rowlings work–unless it has a fair use exception==as in making a comment about it in passing.

Now, almost by definition, a whole book on nothing but Harry Potter seems like appropiration to me. The fact that it had been in some form on the internet is irrelevant. The fact that you or I or Gaiman would be flattered is also irrelevant.

Like her own baby, Rowling controls the fate of her creation.

Now, suiing your fans, especially the ones who through their own actions help to construct portals which the fanbase as a whole can congregate just doesn’t make much sense to me. The book itself will, so far as I can see only help to increase sales of the Harry Potter series, so it’s not as though Rowling will even loose money. So her actions are to me utterly baffling.

Maybe it’s the principle of not asking first, or maybe Rowling really is that tight for cash but I can’t see this one ending well in terms of PR and general good will if this continues.

Perhaps a percentage of the profits will be offered and all will be fixed, certainly I’m none too chuffed at the idea of either precedent resulting as a result of this court case.

Personally I’d be thrilled that someone had taken the time to put together such a work based on my own imaginings. Then again I’d hope they would have the good grace to ask first, perhaps even allow a little collaboration in such an endeavour, time will tell on that one though I suspect heh.

So, whether what he did was legal or not, he evidences a concern of guilt==as might a bank robber.

Now, Humphrey above says vice versa on the infringement issue which I take to mean maybe JK Rowling stole the Harry Potter character from him? And if so, he would feel flattered. Just the opposite of a bank robber.

What is fair to think is based on what facts you have to work with.

Another excellent contribution. The picture is getting filled in.

thank you.

Thanks for sharing your expertise.

Gee, only took 24 posts. Higher caliber of nubs here.

That’s what I’d assume anyways.

As an successful published author, HIS OPINION!!!! That’s all!!

As obvious as everything is, should be easy to provide a sentence or two as I did.

An example sentence (but in fact the answer) is provided at Post #8.

Maybe the medium of “comic books” has much to say about this “stand-off?”

To all who have posted negatively, please educate me. What does Gaiman have to contribute?

His opinion is no more than that, of course, but as he and J K Rowling are both commercially successful in the published book trade, I tend to give weight to his compartive analysis of the challenge facing modern scribes.

I think I had such a BHO add-on a year or so ago and either un-installed it because of the pop-ups, or I lost it in a crash.

On your recommendation, I’ll give it a try. Can never have too much information?

To those who may wish to post ON TOPIC, and avoid my metaphors, the subject at hand is NOT who Gaiman is, but rather what he has to say on topic.

I do happen to read a lot of King and Koontz. With this avid fan base, I’ll have to add Gaiman. Although popularity has nothing to do with quality. My proof–Anne Rice.