Future rights, disposition, and intent regarding my writings

Post by **Jim Eshelman** » Fri Dec 22, 2023 2:53 pm

Like most people, I don't know how long I'll be alive in this body. I'm within a decade of the current average life expectancy of the American male, it's only an average, and in the unlikely chance I match my longest-lived grandmother I have more than three decades to go - so one never knows. (I do not miss the irony of an astrologer leading with that point.)

My intentions, wishes, and instructions for ownership and control of all of my works the rest of my life boil down to: myself, my wife, anyone else to whom I assign or will them, and the world as a whole. Please respect and assist with the following:

During my life, I retain all rights and control to all of my writings in any form. I may package some for sale. I may give copies away free (sell for $0). Distributing copies at no cost is my granting a license to own and read a copy and specifically does not place the item in the public domain or give license to redistribute it in any form including putting it on Internet archive sites.
Upon my death, all ownership, rights, and control pass to my wife, Marion DeSio. All income that may come from them is to go to her. If appropriate, please assist her to maximize their survival and distribution.
If I specifically assign or will any works to any person or entity, that is to be honored.
After the death of myself and my wife, any unassigned rights are released to the public domain. I ask and encourage anyone to take whatever steps are available to them to maximize their survival and circulation.

I may change this language from time to time and will post a comment on this thread noting that I have done so.

Thank you.