Steve Vander Ark Testifies
The Wall Street Journal Law Blog has posted another great entry about the JKR/RDR/SVA court case. SVA testified today.
What’s More Important to the Parties? Money or Passion? Yesterday, Rowling said the case isn’t about money, but about principle. One of RDR’s lawyers, Anthony Falzone, in his opening remarks said that for Vander Ark it was never about money, but rather passion. Today we got a sense of where thing stand on both fronts. According to Vander Ark, he’s made about $6,500 off his Web site — all through advertising — between 2000 and 2008.
But the most telling part of Vander Ark’s testimony came at the end of Hammer’s direct examination. Asked whether he still considered himself a part of the Harry Potter fan community — those that, in Vander Ark’s words, devote most of their free time to all things Potter, he choked up, and said, “I did.” But then, when pressed on it, he changed his answer. “I do,” he said, breaking up.
Hammer then asked him why the question was so “emotionally-charged.” Regaining his composure, and trying hard to look past J.K. Rowling, whom the plaintiffs counsel positioned directly in front of the witness stand, Vander Ark said, “It’s been difficult because there’s been a lot of criticism and that was never the intention. I understand where that comes from, but it’s difficult. The lexicon has been an important part of my life for the last 8 or 9 years of my life, and now, to have it turn into this . . . .”
This seems to be turning into an emotional roller coaster for all of the parties involved. I wish JKR and SVA could just kiss and make up. In a completely selfless gesture, I am offering both sides the opportunity to talk 1 to 1 without the courts getting in the ways. Feel free to come on our podcast. We’d be happy to have you. In related news, yes I am delusional.
Tags: Harry Potter, Harry Potter Lexicon, JK Rowling, RDR Publishers, Steve Vander Ark, Trial
April 15th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
So, Jo got to be in the court room when SVA testified, but was he allowed in the room when she testified? I haven’t been able to find out that info.
Man, this just keeps getting more weirder & complicated by the moment. I’m not sure I have much sympathy for either of them right now.
And Jo said “she now has second thoughts about all the encouragement she has given to online discussions and Web sites devoted to her books.” Not quite sure what to make of that.
Oh, the link for the story that has the above quote from JKR is
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080415/ap_en_ce/harry_potter_lawsuit;_ylt=AhchbZ91ODnxM63iStqHsqsPGBkF
April 15th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
One thing that does strike me as a negative upon SVA is his comment that he originally thought to publish a print copy would violate copyright but relented when RDR assured him it wouldn’t be. So, what would he expect them to say? Yes it will violate copyright but that’s okay, we’ll defend it in court?
Maybe he should have gotten some independent confirmation that publishing the book wouldn’t violate copyright. Sounds like he’s in too deep now & that if he backs out, RDR might sue him.
What a sad, sad story!
April 15th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
If he only made $6,500 on HPL over eight years, then it’s really not about the money. I have to believe him on that, but will the court…? But is that even the issue? This is getting very interesting.
April 15th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
It is getting very interesting. I don’t think I really support either side, because I don’t think that this should be going on. I get that Jo wants to uphold her rights and all, but I don’t think that this battle was necessary. Couldn’t Jo have politely ask SVA to change his book a bit, so that it wouldn’t violate her copyright. If SVA really is a true fan, he would be happy to comply.
April 15th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
I just calculated what SVA was making on the Lexicon; if you figure an 8hr day, 40 hr week, for 8 years, that’s .39 cents an hour.
I agree with Rosie. This is turning into a nightmare/soap opera.
September 9th, 2008 at 2:32 am
I am a friend of Steve’s, who donated some of the material in the Lexicon, and an avid fan of JKR. It would be a tough call … I understand the legality.
One thing I can assure everyone of, though, is Steve’s passion for all things JK Rowling, as well as all things Harry Potter! If you check his website, you will see that, in addition to all the HP references and cross-references of the books, there are also links to every statement that JKR ever made; links to every interview she ever gave, spoken or written; any news about anything Harry Potter.
In addition to his regular job, his putting together of the Lexicon, Steve also belonged to a Harry Potter For Grown Ups discussion group. He lived and breathed Harry Potter every spare minute that he had. Steve didn’t just read the books. He knew them intimately. JK Rowling had no bigger fan ANYWHERE! All through the writing of his Lexicon, he always checked with JKR about whether he could write things in the Lexicon.
It is a pity. I would have purchased Steve’s book. I would have ALSO purchased JKR’s Lexicon! Now, I do not think that I would purchase either of them.
Doreen Rich