I suppose it was only a matter of time before something like this came along and I have been anxiously waiting to see how this one pans out.  Launched in July, on seemingly razor-thin legal ice, it appears that beta site mygazines is still alive and kicking (not to mention enjoying the spotlight gained from a widespread AP news release).

The site provides member-scanned full digital copies of magazines, which can be browsed, shared, archived and even re-assembled to create aptly-named “mygazines”.  The site is hosted by Stokholm-based PRQ, “the world’s least lawyer-friendly hosting company“, which is also host to (and owned by two founders of) well-known bittorrent tracker, The Pirate Bay.

Interestingly, the site tour appears to be targeted at publishers, pitching itself as multi-faceted growth opportunity,  but most industry leaders asked aren’t exactly jumping at the “opportunity”.

Why should I upload my publication to mygazines.com?

• Our article-level search and archiving ability allows your audience to find the content they’re looking for faster
• Increase your distribution and advertising revenue by exposing your publication to more eyes
• Keep control of your publication: Mygazines will not allow for downloading or printing of your publication. Your original source file is never accessible.
• Save the trees – no paper will be used in the making of your virtual publication  

It’s absolutely free!

Wow.  A paper-saving, “distribution” and advertising revenue-increasing model that is also reader-friendly, allowing for customized content…seems like a no-brainer, right?  Well, not so fast.  Despite the site’s sugar-coating, the proclaimed “benefits” do not accrue to a publisher whose member-uploaded content becomes hosted on the third-party site. (Even if hyperlinks on advertisements are provided, the content is not tied to the original publisher.)

I must admit, I see both sides of the coin on this one.  Will this be a push towards open-content release or a short-lived copyright casualty?

In other copyright news, well-known Canadian law professor and fair copyright crusader, Michael Geist, has launched a campaign entitled c61in61seconds, where citizens are challenged to submit their reactions to Canada’s heavily-debated amendment to the Copyright Law, Bill C-61, in a YouTube video of 61 seconds or less.  The campaign has yet to gain full traction, but be sure to check it out and submit your 61 cents if you’ve got an opinion.