THATS FIT TO PRINT

This blog is will cover a wide range of topics relating to but not limited to books, reading, authors, publishing, indie-publishing, and authorpreneurship.





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The Biggest Copyright Mistake Authors Make

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What's that mistake? Getting intimidated.

I'm just about to launch my first novel, and while my editor was hard at work putting the finishing touches on my manuscript, I had a list of tasks as well.Looming at the top of my list was Get a Copyright.

Now until recently, here is where I fell into the trap that is hard for authors to avoid: Intimidation. I am not an attorney, and reading legal content intimidates me, so when faced with the pages of legalese that I found online, I cringed and delayed getting my copyright. I was heartened by the Bitlaw articles claiming that my work didn't need to display a copyright protection notice to be protected, but quickly got lost in the morass of information that followed. I clicked on the US Copyright Office's handbook, only to discover that it was almost 400 pages of the densest legal text I'd ever seen.

I threw up my hands, went to LegalZoom.com and was ready to pay upwards of $114 for them to supply me with the necessary docume…
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FREEDOM FROM THE PRESS (ESTABLISHMENT)

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Or for that matter, let's just say freedom of choice. I remember a day back in the late 90s when I was sitting in my office and an e-mail appeared from Amazon inviting me to read a Stephen King book electronically FOR FREE. I cancelled my lunch plans and read a big chunk of his book. While the story didn't stick in my memory (nothing against Mr. King because he's written some of my favorite books) the experience of enjoying an e-book absolutely stuck with me.

I love books. Once I had a long-term relationship with a guy that lasted as long as it did through our mutual love of wandering used bookstores and dragging home armloads of treasures to fill our old book-smelling apartment.

But I am unapologetic in my love of e-books. I don't discriminate. If it's a good story, I want it. If I can bring an entire library on the train with me and customize the backlighting and font with a tap of a finger? I'm a happy commuter.

So upon reflection, like a growing number of t…
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INTERNET TROLLS BENEATH THE HIGHWAYS OF COMMERCE

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We know that trolls who lurk in the shadows of our social networks can kill, and their favorite targets are defenseless people who react with hurt or outrage. But tragically sometimes their targets commit suicide. But less is reported on how they can gut a small business with that same modus operandi.





While it's true that engaging in behavior intended to inflict pain is illegal, it's also true that instances of sadistic online postings have been increasing almost exponentially with the web itself. So the laws don't appear to be acting as a deterrent. The rise in 'trolling' is a terrifying trend when it comes to the potential damage to mom and pop businesses who stand to be wiped out financially.

We all root for our mom and pop shops as they bravely pursue their grassroots dreams against giants like Amazon, McDonalds, Pepsico, WallMart and Marriott (I don't hate these big five, I just like to have the opportunity to be a patron of businesses other than theirs as w…
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