10/27/05

I do object to having my published/copyrighted works made available to the public via the Google Print Library Project.

The fact that the technology exists for almost effortless copying and distribution of copyrighted works does not make the theft of the copyright owners' property acceptable, just as leaving one’s door unlocked does not make the theft of one's belongings less of a crime or their loss less damaging. We who create books and other written material depend on their copyrights to provide and protect our livelihoods. Paradoxically, those who practice and advocate free copying, as well as society in general, would eventually be the poorer for its tolerance because of the loss of a multitude of works that would never be created by writers who could not afford to devote time to writing them.

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