Google Book Settlement: Some Opinions

[wolfinthewood]

I was told today that if a writer who has already submitted a claim under the settlement and registered their books now regrets this, and wants to opt out, they can change their minds and opt out at any point before 4th September. It was my informant's understanding that the later opt-out would take precedence, and the claim would be nullified.

I offer this information in case it may be useful to anyone.

My informant added the usual disclaimer: he is not a lawyer.

But I have no doubt the point could be checked by a phone call to the settlement administrator.

(Phone calls are free, numbers here: http://www.googlebooksettlement.com/help/bin/answer.py?answer=118721&hl=en
To reach a real person, wait through a long menu until you arrive at option 9...)

[Post Scriptum: Checked with the settlement administrator's office by phone on 27 August. My informant was correct. It is possible to opt out at any point up to 4th September, even if you have previously registered and claimed your books.]

I have posted a page of responses to the Google Book Settlement on my website.

Andrew C. Devore, representing the Steinbeck Estate and others, in a letter to the court:

For authors who do not opt out, the settlement if approved would impose a complex scheme for the wholesale allocation of rights and remedies, and compensation for exploitation of those rights, in the digital world. And it would cement that scheme in perpetuity in an area of commerce that has seen explosive growth in just the last five years, and that may well prove to be the most important and valuable channel for the distribution and exploitation of creative works.