published Torchwood book using poster's LJ reviews without permission

[halfrek2]

as i read various comms on my FList, i came across this post.
Author uses LJ posts without permissioni read the post and then the comments. i cannot believe someone can do that. he never contacted any of the posters on LJ in order to get permission to use their reviews in his book. yes, he cited the source but permission? not so much. and he

Comments

[txvoodoo]

he also smeared my website :/

[halfrek2]

oh, no way! that sucks. this guy is a real piece of work. sheesh!

[ducky01]

Sadly, the same sort of plagiarism was used in the first episode guide, as well. Public domain laws be damned, this guy is nothing more than a thief, who hides his own lack of originality and talent by stealing the work of others in order to make money from their skill and ability.

I am blessed to know writers in fandom that have honorable standards and would not resort to this kind of intellectual theft. Walker is an untrustworthy jackass, and an embarrassment to fandom authors. And, I agree 100% with you - Hijinx is a class act!

[halfrek2]

yeah, that is what i read about him doing that same thing in the first book. i don't have either books, so i was clueless.

his smugness just really grated on my nerves. how dare he tell people they should be flattered.

FWIW, fairyd123 is a very good reviewer, which is why he used 5, count 'em FIVE of her reviews. i think she set him straight in no uncertain terms. LOL

[tatiana_baa]

I imagine she did... *g* Doesn't mince words, Fairy. Quite right too, this guy is a twat.

[hi_jinx]

Awww...thanks, dear. I don't watch Torchwood so there is no threat of me buying the book anyway, but I would further encourage all of those who are pissed off to send letters or emails to his publishers. Though the blame should rest mostly on the shoulders of the author, the fact that he was so blatant with lifting the reviews makes me wonder whether or not he led his publisher to believe that the fans gave him the okay. More than likely, his publisher would take his word for it - but if his contract looks like my contract, then whatever potential legal repercussions or stink that results from him using those reviews would be the author's responsibility.

IOW - if you don't want him to get further writing gigs, then telling his publisher on him would be the best way to do that ;)

Thanks for the nice words about me. I will admit that my legal background has made me MUCH more aware of the ethics and legalities of copyrights than your average joe. But that right there - that is total bad form.

[halfrek2]

the odd thing is that he is part publisher or something, so complaining probably won't do much. sadly. just hope this book does so poorly, he won't attempt to do another one, no matter how long the series lasts. LOL he really should take notes from previous fandoms, you don't piss off the fangirls. bwahaha

yes, your legal background is a real asset. and having ethics is a plus too. he is clearly lacking both. keep up the good work. :)