If I printed the remark: "David Letterman sleeps with sheep," I would--in addition to telling an untruth (as far as I know)--be legally accountable and could be sued for libel. But, if I wrote: "In my opinion, David Letterman sleeps with sheep," I would only be writing distasteful--as opposed to actionable--prose. It's an important distinction, which allows writers the freedom of expression, yet also protects individuals from outright untruthful attacks. Modeled on a workshop for writers presented by attorney and writer Dr. Deborah Buell, the four-tape Legal Workshop for Writers is comprised mainly of talking-head commentary by Buell (and/or a guest) in four major subject areas: Libel & Invasion of Privacy; Copyright, Infringement, & Fair Use; Contracts; and Business & Tax Issues. Seeing the ominous date of April 15th on our calendar, the last tape held the most immediate interest for us: here, Buell and guest Barry Blackman, CPA, discussed the nuts and bolts of the financial aspects of the writer's life. Topics covered included deductions, the controversy surrounding the "home office," and traveling (yes, you can write off the trip to Hong Kong to do research for a book--but when you get back home you better write the book), among other areas. The occasional use of graphics summarizing major points breaks up the monotony of the lectures, still this is not a great use of the video medium. On the other hand, I can confidently say that your budding authors will definitely check these tapes out (just as they do books on writing) simply because writers hang around libraries like graffiti artists hang around bare walls. Recommended. (R. Pitman)
Legal Workshop For Writers
(1994) 4 videocassettes, 35-67 min. each. $49.95 each ($149.95 for the entire series). Greek to Me. PPR. Color cover. Vol. 10, Issue 3
Legal Workshop For Writers
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