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

[sholeigh.livejournal.com]

OK, I haven't looked into what Steve Vander Ark's motivation for publishing is, but I do think JKR has over-reacted. Seing as she admitted to using the Lexicon as a reference when she was writing the HP books away from home, I really think the Lexicon should be entitled to earn something from the series. Running that site can't have been cheap. Many other unofficial HP reference books have been published, but it's only since Jo has announced her own encyclopaedia that the Lexicon have hit so much trouble. I think how they've been treated is unfair.