Published by deborah.woehr on 27 Feb 2006 at 08:03 pm
What’s the Big Deal with Google Library and Book Search?
I read the article of the first link from Melly’s Publishing 2010, found this article where writers debated over this lawsuit. This debate occurred back in October, but still provides good feedback from both sides of the fence.
After checking out GBS, I found that I could only access the first three pages of two books in completely different genres (horror and computers). The publisher or author has the right to control how much of their book should be read by non-paying readers.
While publishers and writers are screaming about copyright issues, I think the real issue (like Doctorow said) is money. The writers want a kickback from Google’s AdSense revenue. Although I can’t blame them for wanting more than chump change in the name of royalties, I see a great opportunity for free publicity not only in the Google Print but in the search engines.
The writers who are pro-Google see this and feel that the publishing industry is too constrictive and rigid in their business methods. Unless you are J.K. Rowling or Stephen King, these publishers are going to next to nothing for your book marketing campaign. In the case of Meghann Marco, she had to make a public outcry before her publisher would allow her to place her book on Google Print.
Where do you stand on this lawsuit? Are you for or against Google?
Melly on 27 Feb 2006 at 8:17 pm #
I must admit that I mostly read people who follow Doctorow’s point of view, so I’m not sure I have all sides to make an informative decision. From what Cory Doctorow says it makes perfect sense. Just like those services that help you find the cheapest deal on a laptop, but don’t actually sell it themselves. It’s sort of similar.
I don’t know, Doctorow was very persuasive
John (Syntagma) on 28 Feb 2006 at 3:22 am #
I think it’s not just about money. It’s about intellectual property. When you publish a book it becomes your property under copyright law. Just as you wouldn’t want people walking into your house and using the facilities without your permission, or even letting rooms to others, so you shouldn’t allow people to grab your books and display them to the world.
Professionals really have to fight for their work now. The value of online content has dropped close to zero. You can’t make an income from it without owning the permalinks and the revenue from all sources. Google is storing up treasure for itself using other people’s property.
Now, I rather like the idea of Google Print, but not the opt-in approach they’ve taken. They should apply to me to use my copyright, not go ahead then expect me to take action to get it pulled down.
I haven’t read Cory Doctorow on this issue, but he recently became a full-time professional writer, so I expect he takes a similar line to me.
deborah.woehr on 28 Feb 2006 at 12:53 pm #
I agree, Melly. Unless I missed something, I can’t see how this could hurt writers. I’ve heard that some writers were concerned about plagiarism, but they risk that whenever they put their work out for the public, whether it’s in book or electronic form.
John: Google’s approach could have been handled better. I have to concede to that. Perhaps if they had asked, they wouldn’t be going through this lawsuit right now.
It will be interesting to see who wins. I’m hoping that they can work it out without destroying this service.