I rarely get involved in "opinion" threads but feel strongly on this
point.

I think the MMD policy of getting permission to reproduce articles from
both authors and MMD is reasonable.  I acknowledge the I have submitted
little to MMD, but would want to be asked before seeing my writing used
by another.

While there is a time lag from initial publication, till the material
is available in digest form, I feel that the information is eventually
made available free to anyone with a search engine.  Information
availability is the most important aspect of any trade journal.

I understand the frustration of a lack of response when writing for
permission to reproduce an article.  I wrote to Organ Historical
(Hysterical (sic)) Society and didn't even receive the courtesy of
a response.  I found it very irritating but recognize that it their
right to deny whomever they wish to reproduce information.  So be it.

Since I work in the field of intellectual property I understand how
important it is to allow those with proprietary rights to exercise
those rights.  If a person feels that their right may be infringed
they may be less likely to contribute.

Mark Reinhart, West Virginia
weltemgnon@aol.com
jimandmark@geocities.com