Dave Duncan!

In a private e-mail dated March 25, 2001, Dave Duncan anseered my questions regarding fan fiction derived from his work with the following: 

Hi 
        My policy has always been that people may write anything they like for their own amusement.  I have no reason or desire or means to stop them.  But if a work infringes one of my copyrights--by including a character or locale from any of my stories, for example--and is used for gain, I am forced to defend my rights or lose them under the law.  My publishers and I have mutual obligations to take action.  Fortunately I have never run into this situation and I hope I never will. 
        Recent tendencies to use the web to circumvent copyright--by groups such as Napster--are very troubling.  Some people do not realize that creative artists require copyright protection in order to make a living.  The world will become a very dull place if no one can write stories or songs any more.  You may post this little homily anywhere you like--I waive copyright on it! 
        Good luck with the paper. 
Dave Duncan 

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