Great Regulars: [Joe Konrath] suggested it was "a kneejerk,

inappropriate reaction to a ridiculous case of unjustified moral panic, and a Big Fail", adding: "The fact that a binder can get a thousand fake reviews because of Romney's comment, but I can't honestly review one of my peers because I'm an author, is a bit silly, don't you think? Amazon allows one-star reviews from people who haven't even read the book, but deletes positive reviews from people who honestly enjoyed it, and somehow that's improving your review system?"

from Alison Flood: The Guardian: Amazon removes book reviews by fellow authors

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A new project, Thresholds, is matching 10 major UK poets with museums and collections across Cambridge University, with the writers each commissioned to compose a poem inspired by the exhibits at their institution.

Poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy invited each of the poets--also including Don Paterson, Daljit Nagra and Wales's national poet Gillian Clarke--to take part in the project, which she called "a stunning level of commitment to poetry and poets".

from Alison Flood: The Guardian: Cambridge University museums launch poetry 'renaissance'

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There's King Lear, of course, with its "cataracts and hurricanos". Less revered, there's Edward Bulwer-Lytton's opening to Paul Clifford, "It was a dark and stormy night; the rain fell in torrents--except at occasional intervals, when it was checked by a violent gust of wind which swept up the streets (for it is in London that our scene lies), rattling along the housetops, and fiercely agitating the scanty flame of the lamps that struggled against the darkness."

from Alison Flood: The Guardian: Superstorm Sandy: a power beyond fiction?

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The estate says that "Northrop did not seek or receive Faulkner's permission before publishing the Infringing Advertisement on its website", and that "Northrop and/or the Post wilfully and intentionally infringed upon Faulkner's exclusive rights".

The estate is seeking damages, disgorgement of profits, costs and attorney fees because it believes the use of the quote, and of Faulkner's name, in the ad could cause readers to believe that there is a connection between Faulkner and Northrop, a military contractor.

from Alison Flood: The Guardian: William Faulkner estate sues defence contractor over use of his words

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