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Yesterday we reported that Google has deleted a number of popular music blogs–erasing years worth of writing and music criticism–over copyright violations. The event has been dubbed Musicblogocide.
Concerned about the rights of digital book reviewers, we caught up with NetGalley sales and marketing director Susan Ruszala–looking for some proactive advice. NetGalley helps a long list of publishers provide digital copies to reviewers and connects reviewers with publishers. She first noted: “Thus far we haven’t uncovered any issues related to copyright or illegal file sharing with the digital galleys in NetGalley.”
Nevertheless, she added some helpful advice for eBook bloggers and eBook reviewers who use digital galleys. “Be visible with your requests for digital galleys–for example if you use a site like ours, fill out your profile and make it clear you are a review site, media site, etc. Second, pre-empt any potential copyright violations by sharing your review (or intent to review) with the publisher before you publish.”
In addition, a number of GalleyCat readers shared their thoughts about protecting your work. Jeremy Brooks wrote: “Another good reason to spend $50/year on a domain and hosting service, and download WordPress. At least then it’s up to the actual rights holders to pursue action, and you may have the option to file a DMCA counterclaim.”
P. Bradley Robb had these thoughts: “Many of these cases weren’t doing anything illicit, but legitimate marketing done with permission of the labels. In those instances, it would seem to be that when reaching out to bloggers – publishers should make sure the marketing and legal departments have sufficient crosstalk going on.”
Finally, music blogger (and victim of the Google purge) Living Ears wrote: “I have begun rebuilding my site… if anyone has any design skills they would be willing to donate I would be very grateful.”