Did I Hear a Click?

Posted on by Jami Fairleigh
Image description: The words "Did I hear a click?" over a photo of a wooden sign with a skull and crossbones that says Danger and Oppassen

You know that moment in the movies when someone takes a random step then hears a click?

Everyone freezes.

If, like me, you get utterly wrapped up in stories, you freeze too. Like any movement you make might detonate whatever that character has just stumbled upon.

This morning, I opened up my browser to write today’s post and saw a comment on one of my book reviews.

Click.

Way back in February, I reviewed a book I’d received from NetGalley, titled I’m Afraid You’ve Got Dragons. Everything about the book screamed “Read Me!” The cover, the title, the book’s description, and the author, Peter S. Beagle. I may have even released a cheer when S&S/Saga Press (an imprint of Simon and Schuster) approved me to read and review the book.

As you know, I’m a huge fan of humorous writing and cozy fantasy, and this book skated the line of each enough that I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Fast forward to today when I read not one but two comments on my post that asserted Peter S. Beagle did not write the book.

So now I stand, frozen, unsure what to do next.

For many writers, the idea of having someone steal your work is a nightmare. It’s a fear right up there with undeserved/punitive one-star reviews, or that grandma will read the sex scene you wrote and call with notes.

Stolen Work Is No Laughing Matter

Jokes aside, I don’t know what the right response is. I’m not an intellectual property attorney, nor do I play one on TV. There may be truth to this tale, or it may be a gigantic misunderstanding. Either way, I’m not qualified to weigh in on what a person in this position should do.

At Norwescon 46, I attended a session with an IP Attorney who asserted one cannot copyright an idea. But words? You bet. And once you register your work, you have some ability to find relief via the courts.

I reached out to the commenter and offered to repost their position or take down my review.

While we wait, I’m going to try not to move. The last thing any of us want to hear is a second click.

Epilogue: They (He?) gave me permission to repost it. Here is the comment that caused the click.

The header photo is a composite image. Base image by Clément Rémond on Unsplash

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