The Power of the Web

If you've been following the dispute between Katie Jones, owner of Katie.com domain since 1996, and Penguin Books/Katie Tarbox, who published a book in 2000 called Katie.com, you'll be similarly rapt to hear that it looks as if Penguin is finally going to do the right thing and rename the book. And about time.

If you haven't heard about this tale yet, read up sharp -- had this ever gone to court, it would have set a precedent for all cases involving ownership of "virtual property" -- domain names. Even now, with Penguin backing down, the word is out and and the people are wise. Other domain name thieves wanting to employ similar heavy-weight tactics to shunt out the little man will definitely want to think twice these days.

This story perfectly illustrates the power of the web at its best. Don't mess with the /.ers, hey. And I can't help but comment on the delicious irony in abuse survivor (Tarbox) becoming abuser. (And then doing a talk-show round or two, becoming "an authority", getting a nasty lawyer, and assuming all else is ripe for her taking too.)

However, as Katie Jones says on her site -- "Wait and see". We're waiting, Penguin.