The Unauthorized Harry Potter Lexicon Case: Could someone explain this to me, please?

[lillbet]

They mentioned the Harry Potter Lexicon case this morning on Today, but I didn't have time to wait for the segment. Basically, it sounds like some fan!guy (who publicized fake spoilers, by the way) wants to publish his version of a lexicon and Rowling has filed a restraining order and is upset because she was planning to publish an encyclopedia based on the books.

I have to say, after reading a bit about this online, that I am absolutely baffled at Vander Ark's audacity. He claims to love the series, and respect the author according to the open letter on his site, yet he is pretty much dicking Rowling out of her right to publish the definitive work based on her own ideas. And since it's unauthorized (ie being done without Rowling's approval), that should pretty much put the kibosh on it, I'd think.

Am I missing something?

If so, could someone explain it to me, using nice language and small words that won't hurt my brain?

Thank you. :)

Comments

[comicbookworm.livejournal.com]

Since there are dozens of similar books about Harry Potter already in print, JKR's stance against the Lexicon is pointless. Nor does she have a leg to stand on, since "fair use" (i.e. a secondary work analyzing a copyrighted work) is a legal and appropriate protection in this case.

Furthermore, JKR has publicly stated that she won't be publishing her encyclopedia for as long as ten years from now, so why is she worrying. Besides, her claim that the Lexicon would eliminate or reduce her future sales is also ridiculous, because any further books she'd publish about Harry Potter would have huge sales, regardless of how many books others may write.

Frankly, I think this has made her look rather small and grasping, although I think that Warner Brothers is behind all the fuss.