End of a lawsuit?
I'm way out of touch. Just found out that the judge in the Harlan Ellison vs. AOL lawsuit ruled in favor of AOL a couple of weeks ago. No word of this on Ellison's Web site, and I haven't seen it mentioned in sf news venues but then I haven't been paying much attention lately.
Apparently a previous ruling against the Scientologists was one precedent cited in making this ruling.
Much as I approve of creators' rights, and much as I approve of individuals struggling against corporate giants, I can't say I'm particularly sorry to see this outcome. I think a ruling in favor of Ellison would have a severe chilling effect on Usenet, and possibly on the Web as well.
Unclear whether Ellison will appeal or not.