Writer's electronic rights more important than ever

June 14, 2000 - Blue Dolphin Group is getting ready to launch an Internet service to people who want to read magazine articles but don't want to page through printed copies. For free.

Starting in early August, anyone can get a customized set of print articles gleaned from Personal Finance, The Industry Standard, Red Herring and Business 2.0. For free.

So where does that leave you, the writer? It depends on what your contract says about electronic rights. Now, more than ever, it's important to understand how your material will be used on the electronic frontier, especially for future ventures which might not even be in place as you sign the dotted line.

The Blue Dolphin Group's service is only one example, but understand that with the $10 million in venture capital funding they have received, it's not over yet. By November, a health-oriented article pull tool will be available and in April 2001, travel articles will be targeted. All in all, about 20 topics will be available for automatic sifting.

Let the writer beware. Keep our database in mind when you need more information.