5-5-2003: Arrgh! The MySQL database is giving us problems....

Recent posts have been sent backwards in time to early in the year 2000, which will cause their topics to vanish down into the nether reaches, since they haven't "had" a post in 42 days.

If you don't see a topic you know is there, try Show All Topics, Even The Really Old Ones.

Our ISP is working diligently to correct the problem; in the meantime, updates will be posted in The Future Of The Rumor Mill as soon as we know anything.

We sincerely apologize for this interruption in the normal flow of time, and hope that it hasn't spoiled your enjoyment of The Rumor Mill.

Thanks for your patience!

Log In!

Speculations : The Rumor Mill : John Savage : John Savage

Topic 489 was started on 2002-03-17. There are 56 messages available to read. You may also read 2 other topics started by John Savage

While I am a juris doctor, I am not a lawyer in the pejorative sense.
Important topics here on the Mill:
Urgent Announcements
Ask Jarndyce (my "other" topic)
Ask Ann
Agents--The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
the rest of Caveat Scrivener
You Think Your Life's Crummy…
The Expert Is In!

Previous First

Your name: Your e-mail:

Preview


Message 56 was left by Jamie Rosen on 2003-03-04 09:37:30. Feedback: 0/0

Or Randy "Macho Man" Savage.

Since it's not his real name, either...


Message 55 was left by Jae on 2003-03-04 09:00:50. Feedback: 0/0

How about Fred Savage? ;-)


Message 54 was left by Jaws on 2003-03-04 08:15:35. Feedback: 0/0

Nope. No relation.


Message 53 was left by Michael Greenhut on 2003-03-04 00:03:22. Feedback: 0/0

Hey, uh, you're not also the actor John Savage, are you?


Message 52 was left by Vera Nazarian on 2003-02-06 10:37:28. Feedback: 0/0

Hey daaahlin'!

Would Jawsie be sweet enough to forward me Speculations #51? Kent has not replied yet and I would really reeeeeally like to read the rest of the article that got cut off...

Gracias!

:-)

Vera


Message 51 was left by John Savage on 2002-12-20 11:30:58. Feedback: 0/0

Lott Resigns as Majority Leader

News Report in the Washington Post


Message 50 was left by Jaws on 2002-10-29 19:07:59. Feedback: 0/0

jsavage {a} authorslawyer.com


Message 49 was left by Mark Rapacioli on 2002-10-29 15:07:32. Feedback: 0/0

Hey you old shark -- was cleaning out some pics from my digicam, and guess what I came across?

Thought I had an e-mail addy for you, but I don't. The URL that I thought I remembered was no good either -- unless you're actually a bluesy accoustic guitarist on the side. I can just imagine you singing "Smell the Roses" or "Don't Wanna Be Your Dog"....


Message 48 was left by The Befuddler on 2002-10-24 18:05:24. Feedback: 0/0

The package flies at midnight. Be prepared to have sugar. (Hopefully by Saturday)

;)


Message 47 was left by Rebekah on 2002-10-09 19:00:43. Feedback: 0/0

Well ... I hope that you do have some of both types of briefs in your suitcase ... ;)


Message 46 was left by Jaws on 2002-10-09 10:04:05. Feedback: 0/0

Only for that argument. Have briefs, will travel—and no, I don't mean underwear.


Message 45 was left by Sean K on 2002-10-08 22:06:12. Feedback: 0/0

Will you be joining us in the Bay Area? We'd love to see you.


Message 44 was left by John Savage on 2002-10-08 18:06:07. Feedback: 0/0

I received AOL's brief in the mail today. I'm… underwhelmed. Lots and lots of silliness.

So now I have two weeks to respond. Then the matter will be ready for oral argument, whenever the 9th Circuit gets around to it. I'll announce it here for the dubious benefit of anyone in the Bay Area (I think argument will be in San Francisco) who wants to get really confused and go see it.


Message 43 was left by Kent Brewster on 2002-09-29 00:23:18. Feedback: 0/0

John: Out bloody standing. Dancing in the streets, indeed! (Please check e-mail; I have a Missing Item I need your help with.)


Message 42 was left by John Savage on 2002-09-27 17:33:14. Feedback: 0/0

A federal search warrant on Press-TIGE and Martha Ivery was executed on 26 September 2002. The federal authorities state in substance as follows:
* Press-TIGE Publishing, Inc., and its proprietor Martha Ivery are under criminal investigation for various federal offenses.
* A search warrant was executed on 26 September 2002 on both the place of business of Press-TIGE and the residence of Ivery. No arrest has been made at this time.
* A case agent has been assigned to this matter. Inquiries and information should be directed to Criminal Analyst Paul Silver, FBI, 200 McCarty Ave, Albany, NY 12209. He can be reached during normal business hours at (518) 431-7551.
* Beyond these items, the United States Attorney's Office and FBI have no further comment.
I have also been informed that Ms. Ivery has retained counsel of her own in this matter.

If you have had dealings with Martha Ivery in any capacity, or with any of her known business identities or organizations—which may include any publishing-related business based in Leeds or Catskill, New York—run, do not walk to either counsel of your own choice or to Mr. Silver. Although this is not legal advice for your particular situation, I do not recommend making contact with or responding to contact from Ms. Ivery at this time.

Although he has not specifically asked for such information, it will be extremely helpful if you gather the following documents and information and have them handy before contacting Mr. Silver:
* A copy of each contract signed by you with Ms. Ivery, "Kelly O'Donnell," Press-TIGE, New Millennium Publishing, "Writers Information USAgency," or any other individual or organization you have reason to believe may have been a front for Ms. Ivery.
* A copy of the most-recent correspondence that you have with Ms. Ivery, whether e-mail or otherwise.
* A summary of any and all moneys paid to Ms. Ivery at any time. If you have copies of the checks, so much the better. The summary should, however, include the date (approximate if necessary), type of payment (e.g., money order), amount, and which contract it related to if there is more than one contract.

This is not legal advice for your particular situation. However, dancing in the streets has been approved.


Message 41 was left by FrankWu on 2002-09-25 14:53:02. Feedback: 0/0

Hey Jaws -

Just posted a photo from ConJose with you in it - and one unidentified person.

...who was that sitting between you and Roach? To see the foto, look at the penultimate picture at - http://www.frankwu.com/luminaries5.html

Thanks. This message will be cross-posted a couple places.

F


Message 40 was left by Lindsey on 2002-09-25 11:38:14. Feedback: 0/0

Well, now you HAVE the pictures, so there. And so does Frank. Well, most of them. I keep having to resend him stuff.

I think my camera is dying. There are several pictures I swear I remember taking, that didn't show up at all on the roll. I feel like I told you this already. Maybe it's my brain that is dying.

-Linz


Message 39 was left by Lindsey on 2002-09-11 18:20:50. Feedback: 0/0

I have to get the roll developed before I can send any pictures to anyone. So if you're waiting for MY pictures, it won't be until sometime next week. I can't speak for anyone else.

Well, I can, but usually they catch me and I get whomped. ;)

-Linz


Message 38 was left by John Savage on 2002-09-11 15:33:49. Feedback: 0/0

The pictures have not been forwarded yet. You'll have to wait. I'll have to wait.


Message 37 was left by Lenora Rose on 2002-09-11 15:19:34. Feedback: 0/0

Okay, John: You've most of a con report up on your site, and that's all good. But you threatened PICTURES.... where are the pictures?


Message 36 was left by John Savage on 2002-09-08 09:39:15. Feedback: 0/0

I have no active case involving Picasso, and I cannot suggest a lawyer. You would need a Canadian solicitor first.


Message 35 was left by ? on 2002-09-08 02:50:45. Feedback: 0/0

I have only questions without any answers - Picasso Publications. How is you case coming? Can you suggest a lawyer?
Thanks


Message 34 was left by Lindsey on 2002-08-29 16:18:39. Feedback: 0/0

Can't check my email right now (stupid email server) so just wanted to say that if we don't see you beforehand, we'll probably be at Ken's signing at 1PM tomorrow, if you can meet us there. (If you manage to check this before then.) Otherwise ... we'll find you. We'll just listen for the theme music and screams, and look around for dorsal fins. ;)

-Linz


Message 33 was left by Lawrence M. Schoen on 2002-08-21 20:14:32. Feedback: 0/0

Won't that just forestall the whining? Or will his views on the color change if it's a fait accompli?

Lawrence


Message 32 was left by Jaws on 2002-08-21 19:20:39. Feedback: 0/0

I'm painting his room while he's out of town with relatives so that he won't whine about the color.


Message 31 was left by Lindsey on 2002-08-21 17:16:16. Feedback: 0/0

So how's that mainlining of tea working out? And is it legal to inject caffeine straight into your eyeball like that?

Don't do anything (else) that will hurt your back, okay? Get your son (aka slave-boy) to do the painting. Tell him I said it would make him extremely cool.

-Linz


Message 30 was left by Jaws on 2002-08-21 15:07:03. Feedback: 0/0

It's at the printer. The appellate brief in Harlan's case, that is, of which I'm responsible for 11,000 out of the 14,000 words and most of the management. Which is why I've been awake since 3am yesterday, and working for all but around 5 or 6 hours of that stretch.

So I get to paint a room tonight.


Message 29 was left by Rebekah on 2002-08-12 16:15:37. Feedback: 0/0

Hey Jaws, if you're feeling generous, something for the "Military Technology" panel too would be great. :}


Message 28 was left by Rebekah on 2002-08-12 14:59:33. Feedback: 0/0

Hey Jaws, we're writing missing panel descriptions at the last minute (big surprise). Do you have thoughts on what would make a good description/precis for the The Intellectual Property Introduction panel?


Message 27 was left by Rebekah on 2002-08-12 12:51:51. Feedback: 0/0

Sounds like you're an expert in military fiction ...

What's a Monday morning without a death threat or two?


Message 26 was left by Jaws on 2002-08-12 09:41:31. Feedback: 0/0

I served on active duty doing unofficerly things for [classified] years before I became a lawyer. Among other things, this included Area Studies (Southwest Asia).

I wouldn't kill you, Rebekah. I can't speak for my former employer, however.


Message 25 was left by Terry Hickman on 2002-08-12 07:54:06. Feedback: 0/0

If he answers that, Rebekah, he'll have to ki11 you.

>;^>


Message 24 was left by Rebekah on 2002-08-11 22:35:10. Feedback: 0/0

Hey Jaws, I know about your legal expertise, but what is your military connection?

I have to think that on a number of those panels on copyright etc you will be in your usual position of you against everyone else. :}


Message 23 was left by John Savage on 2002-08-09 12:05:21. Feedback: 0/0

My (final) WorldCon schedule, in my mundane identity:

* Thursday 4:00pm Intellectual Property Introduction (1.5 hrs)
* Thursday 5:30pm Legal Issues Affecting Authors (1.5 hrs)
Copyright, Internet Piracy, Contracts, and other traps on the road to success.
* Friday 4:00pm Sons of Literary Scams (1.5 hrs)
Discussion of the traps for new and experienced authors with agents, editors and publishers.
* Saturday10:00am Having a Fan Website Means Never Having to Say 'I'm Sorry, Your Honor'
This panel touches on some of the major legal issues related to fan websites, ranging from trademarks and unfair competition to libel to copyright to technical problems.
* Sunday 10:00am The DMCA and Fandom (1.5 hrs)
How has the Digital Millenium Copyright Act affected Fandom? Fan writers, editors and lawyers discuss recent actions and activities surrounding Fan Fiction.
* Sunday 11:30am Contracts: Getting Agreement without Getting Taken (1.5 hrs)
Publishers want to sign each writer to a standard contract (and give themselves most of the advantages). Writers want to earn as much money as they can. What are common clauses in a publishing contracts? Which ones should a writer try to renegotiate? When is it reasonable for a writer to ask for a non-standard contract or special considerations?
* Sunday 4:00pm History of Military SF (1.5 hrs)
From the writings of Stephen Crane to the latest novels by Drake, Turtledove, or Bujold, military science fiction and fantasy has been a staple of science fiction literature. Why is military science fiction so popular? What are some of the good (and the bad) examples of this form?
* Monday 11:30am Military Technology (1.5 hrs)


Message 22 was left by The Befuddler on 2002-08-04 14:03:52. Feedback: 0/0

*sneaks around placing purple chocolates, then stands and recites*

I don't think much of our profession, but contrasted with respectibility, tis comparatively honest.

-I strike again. ;)


Message 21 was left by John Savage on 2002-08-02 09:06:57. Feedback: 0/0

I've read Lessig's book. He has some good points, such as the errors in too-long periods of copyright and patent protection. However, he makes two serious mistakes that undermine his position:

* His alternative is realistically far too short; and
* He neglects the interplay of copyright with trademark and unfair competition law, neither of which has a time limit. This is why it doesn't really matter that the copyright on "Steamboat Willie" would have expired on 31 Dec 2003 without the Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act of 1998. All that means is that, if the theater owner (or whomever) is excrutiatingly careful to note that showing the film is not authorized by Disney, he can show it. He can't make a derivative, because Mickey is not therefore in the public domain. He can't sell videotapes, because that would violate trademark and unfair competition law. And so on.
In other words, Lessig has engaged in the usual straw-man tactics of people on both sides of the "information wants to be free" divide, without engaging with the real abuses.


Message 20 was left by Robert Hoge on 2002-08-02 07:47:44. Feedback: 0/0

John,

Just wondering whether you'd read Lawrence Lessig's 'The Future of Ideas: The Fate of the Commons' - 2001? The book makes the argument that copyright and patent law are killing innovation and creativity, particularly in rgards to the internet. Lessign seems to be arguing that in many instaces copyright law has been taken too far and is stopping the internet from becoming the revolutionary medium that it could be.

I only picked it up from my work library this afternoon, so I can't really make any cogent points about it. Certainly not sure that I'd agree with everything he's saying but I thought I'd ask on the off chance you'd read it and had many views on what he's go to say.

If anyone is interested I can report back about it somewhere on the Mill (probably in my own author topic) when I've finished it.

- Robert


Message 19 was left by Terry on 2002-07-28 12:44:19. Feedback: 0/0

OK, OK. EEK!! A SHARK!!!











[that better?]


Message 18 was left by Jaws on 2002-07-28 09:54:51. Feedback: 0/0

I am NOT warm and cuddly. I am cold-blooded, have a nice set of choppers (the better to rend you with, my dear), have beady little eyes and no mercy.

Besides, I'm worse than a "trial lawyer." I file lawsuits with the idea that we can get things resolved without having to go to trial. The other side likes to call these "strike suits," but they're not: my objective is to avoid trial, but I'm ready for it if necessary.


Message 17 was left by Terry on 2002-07-28 09:02:32. Feedback: 0/0

You ought to like Molly Ivins' column this morning, John:
http://www.creators.com/opinion_show.cfm?columnsName=miv
I agree with her, esp. re: cute & cuddly part.


Message 16 was left by DaveK on 2002-06-01 19:46:57. Feedback: 0/0

John, check your computer. You may have the Klez virus. I just received an email from you titled CAN I HELP and it's 124k in size. This is about the size of similar emailings I've been receiving at the rate of two to four per day for the last few weeks which contain that virus.


Unless otherwise noted, contents of this site are copyright Speculations, 1994-2002.

Please address all correspondence to Kent Brewster at kent@speculations.com.