http://thebookofsofia.free.fr/

[mxx]

Hi, I was wondering if you could give me your feedback on this project i am trying to get off the ground (see link in title). i've had a mixed response, some seem to think it is a con... though i can't think why, there are no obligations involved. the other response i have had is what is the benefit, why would child need to hear the stories of others? am i alone in thinking that is was hearing other people's stories and experiences when growing up that helped me in finding my own way in life? the positive responses have been hugely supportive, and seem to understand precisely where i am coming from. perhaps i'm looking in the wrong places for support... do you have any ideas? i really need to get the subscription rate up so i can get started.
Anyway, please take a look and let me know your thoughts. Big thankyou!

Hi mxx. I had a look at your site. It seems like an interesting idea and if, as you say, your only intention is to compile stories for your daughter then great.

I think people's doubts about the truth of the idea may come from the statements you make on the site regarding copyright and the donations part. Why would you need a donation for this? I hope I am not being rude but you did ask for peoples thoughts.

I wish you well with it and hope that you find what you are looking for.

thanks Ags, unfortunately the copyright mention is necessary. it can't be avoided without creating complications. with such an issue, i'm not sure how to get around it... any suggestions on how to word it better would be great.
as for donations, they aren't necessary, however some people i spoke to said that they may not have the time to give a story but valued the project and would consider a giving a donation instead.... i'm just trying to account for every one. but if it does have a negative impression generally, i'll remove it. i'd rather get the stories than donations.

To take the copyright away from someone means they give you a story for free and you could make lots of money from this project - without them ever receiving a penny.

You are obviously turning this into a book, but IMO you are handling it all wrong and are setting yourself up for major problems along the way.

I think I may have misunderstood the site. It reads to me like you are you expecting people to give you their stories for free and also expecting them to relinquish their copyright. And you're planning to make a book which you will sell, and you are asking for donations to the website? Is that right? If so, I can't see why anyone would give up their copyright to stories that they have written, and that someone else is going to sell. Please forgive me if I've misinterpreted this though.

Also, you mention "unfortunately the copyright mention is necessary. it can't be avoided without creating complications. with such an issue, i'm not sure how to get around it." We run a website where children send in their creative writing, and we just add their name next to their work - never had any copyright issues, but then we don't ask for money for reproducing someone else's work either.

I may have misinterpreted this site completely, so bumping it for more opinions.

No you haven't HumphreyCushion. You have it completely spot on. This post has been put here to try and attract mums to contribute stories to a book they will gain no money from - yet the poster is happily going to sell it. They will allow you to download a copy for free, or charge you for a copy!!!