Have you read about the controversy regarding the Harry Potter Lexicon? Here are some opinions on the issue:
From Orson Scott Card
From Slate.com
From Neil Gaiman
What’s your take? Leave a comment. Let us know.
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I’ve been following this case with quite a bit of interest and I’m so happy that Read This has posted it on the blog. After reading the three opinions, by Orson Scott Card, Slate, and Neil Gaiman I’d have to say I agree the most with what Slate and Mr Gaiman had to say. While Mr. Card had some interesting insights, he quickly devolved into a personal attack on Ms Rowling, which whether she is right or wrong in her suit against Mr. Vander Ark, I think was a bit over the top. The problem with this lawsuit is that it delves into that very murky area of the law which is copyright infringement. I’ve found it interesting that the judge who is presiding over the case has on more than one occasion tried to get both parties to settle. While I’m not a lawyer from what I’ve read I will be surprised if Ms Rowling wins her lawsuit. What is the saddest thing about this affair is that Mr. Vander Ark, (a former librarian) started the Harry Potter Lexicon because of his deep admiration for Ms Rowling and his book is really nothing more than a continuation of that. As a fan of Jo Rowlings I don’t believe a hard copy of the HP Lexicon would in any way detract from the encyclopedia that she is planning on writing. However, this lawsuit she’s filed and and what has ensued has left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth.