I have just spoken to the legal department at GW over Fall of the West as the company had not seen it necessary to contact their writers.
As Warhammer Historical has ceased trading I asked GW if they were happy that the copyright reverted to me now that the book was no longer available as is normal practice in the publishing industry.
I had intended to make it freely available over the web since it has no commercial value.
I am afraid that they regard the copyright as theirs in perpetuity even if they never make it available again.
Presumably this applies to the rest of the range.
I think that's terrible John. They are making a habit of it though, keeping things locked away so nobody can get hold of them even if they're willing to pay. Can't underlstand the logic personally, they could have made it digital print to order or something which would not have taken up space or used much manpower.
ReplyDeleteIn the old days GW was a great place to visit. Their shops stocked all manner of good stuff (including actual games from all manufacturers) and the staff were friendly and well informed. Unfortunately, since then, they have truly deserved their 'evil empire' reputation and operate with a parsimonious approach which borders on vicious. I'm not surprised at their response, but I am continually dismayed at their continued behaviour. They're commercial to the death and it looks as if the death may not be all that far off.
ReplyDelete>:O(
Sorry to hear that John...just not fair - toss pots.
ReplyDeleteThis is indeed a pity. WHAB was one of the best systems I've gamed, and with the wide range of 1:72 plastics available, it was very affordable. But think positive John. It's a book, not the soul of your firstborn.
ReplyDeleteDimitri
GW, the best company in the world.........
ReplyDeleteHow difficult would it be for them to take projects like these, turn them into iBooks and have them up on the site, wouldn't cost a penney (almost).
ReplyDeleteI just don't get it, so much for any semblance of "normal practice". Tough news, thanks for keeping us posted though.
ReplyDeleteI regret circumstances call me away so I won't be able to respond individually, but that you all for your thoughts,
ReplyDeleteJ.
As someone who publishes a lot of old wargaming stuff (with permission) I would be interested in exactly what GW said. John Curry, Editor of History of Wargaming Project
ReplyDelete