how old do books have to be before they become free?

11-12-03, 04:43 PM

???
i really want to read the book 1984 (written in 1948) but i have no money!

doogald · 11-12-03, 04:54 PM

Go to the library! ;)

Honestly, it depends on the country, but here in the US I think copyrights extend to over 75 years after the author's death or some such idiocy. However, that said, a copyright holder can release a copyright into the public domain at any old time.

11-12-03, 04:58 PM

copyright was renewed in 1990. I think they have to do this every couple years. It can enter the public domain, but I think that takes like 75 years.

11-12-03, 05:04 PM

I dont know how long it is either, ut I *do* know that the US has one of the longest periods of copyright in the world...

this has sort of been called the "mickey mouse law" since copyright always seems to get renewed for a longer period when Mickey Mouse gets close to being public domain...

your special interest groups at work...

aximluvah · 11-12-03, 05:08 PM

Have you tried www.gutenberg.net

11-12-03, 05:48 PM

How about www.blackmask.com ?

11-12-03, 09:11 PM

yes ive tried both, but i found the book elsewhere, will begin reading it tonight, thanks guys!

11-12-03, 09:19 PM

Enjoy !

aximluvah · 11-13-03, 09:09 AM

Where? Are they all free? M$ weekly offer has me hooked on ebooks, now I can't get enough...

javajunk · 11-13-03, 09:44 AM

try a library

11-13-03, 10:02 AM

www.blackmask.com
etext.lib.virginia.edu
www.ebookjungle.com
www.fictionwise.com
www.e-book.com.au
www.web-books.com
www.free-ebooks.net
www.mslit.com/default.asp?mjr=FREE
http://www.microsoft.com/reader/prom.../free_shop.asp
www.gutenberg.net
www.ereads.com
www.pocketrocketfx.com/html/ebooks_a2m.htm

As well as your local public library and university library.
I was really suprised what I found when I accessed local library's online services !!!!