When computers became popular so did software pirates. Among young people in particular, it was hard to find a machine that didn’t run one or several pirated programs (in many countries it was difficult to find a machine with legal software of any kind).
Later, with the advent of digital supports, pirates and hackers focused on music. Again, many people took advantage of file-sharing sites and packed their players with everything they could lay their grubby hands on.
Both practices infringed the copyright and therefore the rights of authors. But following the time-honored ostrich technique—of ignoring anything that doesn’t affect us directly—most writers didn’t have much to say about pirating.
Aha! Now piracy is hitting our pockets, and suddenly writers all over are up in arms.
That the number of pirated book downloads far exceeds those legally bought is an understatement.
Chances are that with the increasing popularity of e-readers, the practice will increase.
Is there any way to fight back? There are several things writers can do. Mediabistro has an excellent article listing the steps writers can take to minimize pirating, without the expense of going through the courts. In particular, they have posted a link to a DMCA Take-Down Notice posted byIPWatchdog. You can download the document, copy fill in and send off to warn delinquent websites and hopefully cajole them to remove your title from their download lists.
The opening ceremony for the London 2012 Olympics reserved a spot for literature.
Actor Kenneth Branagh (who plays Professor Gilderoy Lockhart in the Harry Potter films) recited a passage from William Shakespeare‘s The Tempest "Be not afear'd, the isle is full of noises.”
Author J.K. Rowling read a selection from J.M. Barrie‘s Peter Pan as kids were shown reading under their blankets. After Rowling’s reading, a giant-sized Lord Voldemort popped up. Then a crew of women dressed as Mary Poppins wielded umbrellas and banished the Harry Potter villain.
You can read the full ceremony breakdown at The Hollywood Reporter and follow links to videos and other goodies, in case you missed the ceremony.
Frances, the daughter of our Michael Keyton—OFW’s incombustible editor of The Rack—led the Qatar delegation. They struggled to keep up with her long strides. Priceless.
When computers became popular so did software pirates. Among young people in particular, it was hard to find a machine that didn’t run one or several pirated programs (in many countries it was difficult to find a machine with legal software of any kind).
Later, with the advent of digital supports, pirates and hackers focused on music. Again, many people took advantage of file-sharing sites and packed their players with everything they could lay their grubby hands on.
Chances are that with the increasing popularity of e-readers, the practice will increase.