About the lawsuit...

[doddiemoemoe]

Bboy,

  I'm sympathetic to SVA too. I don't agree with the ruling either 
and found myself thinking in circles with the Fireball Dragon 
description as well.

  I just think with writing the book, the court battle, the shunning 
by so many peers/fans, his own personal story would be very 
interesting to read.

  I look forward to reading his next book. (which hopefully will be 
published) It's supposed to be about the "real life"/real world 
sites tied to the Potter Series.

Doddie

> bboyminn:
> 
> I've very sympathetic to Steve Vander Ark, I think he was pulled
> into a deal that assured him his actions were legal. Then when
> the lawsuit began, he was trapped by a signed contract with
> confidentiality clauses, that prevented him from withdrawing 
> the book or speaking his mind. 
> 
> Next, while it seemed reasonable that this is how it would all
> turn out. I'm still not sure I agree with the ruling. There
> are only so many reasonable ways to describe something before
> the definition become so obtuse as to lose all meaning at all.
> 
> The Judge quoted JKR and Steve's description of a Fireball 
> Dragon. It is called a 'fireball' because it shoots 
> mushroom shaped balls of fire. Well, how many ways are there
> to make that statement in a clear and concise manner? Is
> anyone defining a Fireball Dragon forbidden from using the
> word 'mushroom' or 'ball' or 'fire'?
> 
> I though Steve did the best he could, the best anyone could,
> to give clear definitions that had relevance to the books
> without directly quoting JKR. But, really, there is a limit.
> We have limited definitions of 'things', and it is hard to 
> restate those limited definitions without using similar 
> words. The alternative is to use word that are so obscure
> and convoluted, that the relevance to the books and the 
> underlying meaning are lost.
> 
> I still hold Steve Vander Ark in high regard, and am 
> disappointed that certain segments of the fan community have
> shunned him.
> 
> Just my opinion.
> 
> Steve/bboyminn
>