Recently, Wizards of Words' (W.O.W.) owner decided that she would move information posted in the public areas to a private area where it could only be accessed by members. The following is a copy of messages between Rebecca, the owner, and myself.

W.O.W. CHAT CAFE - Re: Quick questionDISCLAIMER: The WOW organization is not 
responsible for SLANDEROUS remarks against publishers, agents, editors and any 
other persons related to the literary community. Opinions expressed here are 
solely the responsibility of the individuals who express them. 

W.O.W. CHAT CAFE

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      Wizards Of Words - Forums - Sent Messages - Re: Quick question

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            HWNMNBS

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            Registered: 12/15/05
            Posts: 330
            Today at 07:04 AM
                  Subject: Re: Quick question 



            The site belongs to you. The posts I made are still covered by 
            copyright. Think about it.
            I've mentioned before in my posts that I was sharing information 
            that would be useful to all. You're subverting the use of those and 
            in the process violating copyright by placing the material in a 
            location so that it's profitable only to you. After all, had I 
            wanted the information to be beneficial only to you in drawing 
            members, I would have joined and posted in the private section.
             
            I thought I was being nice in helping you avoid a nasty copyright 
            violation earlier when someone brought it to my attention,\. I 
            checked to find that their remark was correct and notified you so 
            you could rectify that situation instead of finding your publishing 
            house not recommended even before it could get off the ground. Now 
            you're violating my own copyrights, so how do you propose to handle 
            this?


            Quote:
            Originally Posted by rebecca

            That information belongs to WOW, Dave.  It was posted on the WOW 
            messageboard.  Locking, deleting, moving, making threads password 
            accessible, etc. .... it's all at the discretion of the board owner. 
             The board owner is me, actually.  I created it, I can take it away. 
             
             
            And besides, you've bigger arenas than this one.  We're little guys 
            compared to AW and some of the other boards you frequent.   And we 
            really want to focus more on our members needs without all the 
            argument and ill-will.   
             
            I'll miss you in some respect, however, I did enjoy some of your 
            posts, and did learn things from some.  I'll just have to come seek 
            out the advice on the AW board from time to time.  Or elsewhere. 
             
            Anyway, officers rule, after me, and we decided to make the changes. 
               
             


            Quote:
            Originally Posted by HWNMNBS

            Exactly how do you justify locking away information that was posted 
            publicly and meant to be shared in a public environment?







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Wizards of Words - 5400 W. Ashland Court - Visalia CA 93277

So, essentially, she's stating quite openly that she's taking my posts and converting them to her own use without a contract or permission or even an offer of payment. You'll notice she was also telling me to leave by mentioning that she'd miss me.

Now the question that W.O.W. members should ask themselves is whether their own work, most importantly the stories they share, are protected any better if Rebecca can decide to steal, yes, I said STEAL, material from me.