APWG sponsors event at the Conservative Party Conference.

The debate entitled ‘Writers & the Web:  creativity & the digital economy’ took place at the Party Conference on 7 October. The All Party Writers Group (APWG) sponsored this timely debate on the same day as US court discussions over the fairness of the Google Settlement – a settlement that potentially will see writers paid for the unauthorised digitisation of their works.

Panellists included Conservative MP John Whittingdale, Chair of the Culture, Media & Sport Select Committee and APWG member; Louise Bagshawe, author and Conservative Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Corby & East Northamptonshire;  the Guardian News & Media’s Director of Digital Content, Emily Bell;  freelance journalist and publishing commentator Danuta Kean and National Literacy Trust Director, Jonathan Douglas.

Familiar arguments were wrestled with an array of differing opinions on electronic formats versus the traditional book. The panel was also clear that whilst the digital publishing process is far easier than for traditional formats, the protection of copyright is far harder.

It was unanimously agreed that the creators and Intellectual Property must be protected in order that they can make a living from their work; and that educating consumers is vital to ensure they understand the value of digital content.

For the full press release please click here and you will be directed to the press release page of the All Party Writers Group website.

Alternatively click here for the APWG home page.

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