FanLib isn't the first. I seem to dimly remember there was a similar archive that was trying to start up, but it was more low-key and there weren't sponsors right out of the box. I don't think it went anywhere.
FanLib definitely won't be the last. In fact, I'd be shocked if, at some point, there wasn't a better organized effort coming down the pike in 5 to 10 years that might actually work.
The issue (and I can't see a way around this sticking point), is that the legal theory FanLib (and I'd think anything similar enterprise) is trying to put forward has not been tried in the U.S. I don't see it flying, either, especially given the current state of copyright enforcement in the U.S. Hell, there are publishing houses even now trying to push "in perpetuity" contracts on new authors so that the copyright never reverts back to the writer, that is, if I understand this discussion on Making Light.
In short, I don't see how this can be done legally, and certainly I can't see it happening soon.
But you're right, the next one that comes along might be smart about it.
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FanLib definitely won't be the last. In fact, I'd be shocked if, at some point, there wasn't a better organized effort coming down the pike in 5 to 10 years that might actually work.
The issue (and I can't see a way around this sticking point), is that the legal theory FanLib (and I'd think anything similar enterprise) is trying to put forward has not been tried in the U.S. I don't see it flying, either, especially given the current state of copyright enforcement in the U.S. Hell, there are publishing houses even now trying to push "in perpetuity" contracts on new authors so that the copyright never reverts back to the writer, that is, if I understand this discussion on Making Light.
In short, I don't see how this can be done legally, and certainly I can't see it happening soon.
But you're right, the next one that comes along might be smart about it.