Ursula Le Guin's Petition Against Google Books

Miracle Jones blogs about the petition against the Google Book Settlement created by science fiction writer Ursula Le Guin, winner of five Hugo awards and six Nebulas. Le Guin is urging professional writers who are opposed to the terms of the settlement to sign her online petition before the January 28th deadline. From the petition: "The free and open dissemination of information and of literature, as it exists in our Public Libraries, can and should exist in the electronic media. All authors hope for that. But we cannot have free and open dissemination of information and literature unless the use of written material continues to be controlled by those who write it or own legitimate right in it. We urge our government and our courts to allow no corporation to circumvent copyright law or dictate the terms of that control."

Comments

Re:Which corporations does Le Guin mean?

[Geoffrey.landis]

"The google-model is opt-out-- "unless you specifically contact us and tell us not to, we now have your implied permission to use your work.""

But as opt-out is currenty LEGAL, I don't see a problem.

It is?

I want your car. I will pick it up at my convenience, and will pay you one dollar per day for as long as I use it. You may opt out of this contract, but unless you specifically opt out (by certified letter to my home address), you consent to this agreement and the above terms.
Thanks!