Current mood:	Obsessed
Entry tags:	doesn't mean what you think it means, fandom: harry potter, lawyerism, oh christ here we go again, plagiarism, this is the wank that never ends

It's over - but not really
This story has been out for a couple of days, but as it hasn't been brought to Fandom Wank yet, I thought I'd write it up. I hope that's okay.

As previously reported, RDR Books stated their intention of appealing the Lexicon verdict.

RDR Books have now withdrawn their appeal.

Lest anyone think that this is the end, however, RDR Books and Steve Vander Ark are going ahead with a "revised" version of the encyclopedia. E! Online quotes "the 50-year-old with free time to spare" as saying:

"We learned a lot at the trial about what was acceptable, what would follow the fair-use guidelines," he said. "That was not clear before. There was no law on the books that made it clear what was acceptable and what wasn't.

"Coming out of the trial, I had a much better idea of what should go into the book."

RDR's Roger Rapoport says that the book contains "a lot more critical commentary, which means more analysis", while the decision "to publish a different book prepared with reference to Judge Patterson's decision" has been welcomed by Neil Blair, a lawyer for Rowling's London-based agent, and also by a spokeman for Warner Bros. (The Associated Press.)

I haven't found any indication of whether J.K. Rowling's and Warner Brothers' lawyers have reviewed the entire content of the new encyclopedia. 10,000 copies are to be printed for a January 12 release.

ETA: Thanks to mariem_1 for some more information.

The Stanford Fair Use Project have commented:

... As it turns out, Vander Ark and RDR like the new manuscript much more than the old one, and they decided they are much more excited to publish the new manuscript instead of the old one.

Apparently, they're not alone. A representative of Rowling's literary agency released a statement saying they are "delighted" with the resolution of the case.

You might remember the Resurrection Stone (one of the Deathly Hallows) has the power to summon the dead, though not to bring them back altogether. Harry used the stone to conjure the spirits of his parents and friends to steel himself before his final encounter with Voldemort. Like Harry, the original Lexicon is gone. Nothing can bring it back now, but its spirit resides in a new and altogether better Lexicon, which will now help guide readers on their own journeys through the world of Harry Potter.

SVA supporter rattlesnakeroot celebrates. Includes links to SVA's posts on the Leaky Lounge and other fun.

The report on the HP Lexicon site.

ETA 2: Thanks again to mariem_1 for this.

Via author/illustrator Matthew Holm (Harry Potter Lexicon Dispute Concludes with Worst Book Title Ever) here is a quote from a Publishers Weekly article:

... Instead, the company has announced plans to release a new unauthorized guide to the Potter series, The Lexicon: An Unauthorized Guide to Harry Potter Fiction and Related Materials. The book will include commentary that does not appear on Vander Ark’s Web site. RDR publisher Roger Rapoport said the new book “has a new focus and purpose, mindful of the guidelines of the court.” The $24.95 trade paperback is set to be released January 12.

Matthew Holm: "Wait.

"...Harry Potter Fiction and Related Materials?"

Um ... no offense, but ... hey, RDR, let me guess: Your lawyers wrote the book title, didn't they?"

ETA 3: From cleolinda: RDR Books:

Thank you for the heartwarming response to our announcement of Steve Vander Ark's new book, The Lexicon. As Publisher's Weekly reported on Friday this book will include material that does not appear on the Lexicon website. Orders received before December 31 will be autographed by the author and receive free media mail shipping in the United States. Please stay tuned for news on Vander Ark's tour schedule.