Would it be ethical?

[bungakawa2000]

Hello there!

A long time ago, I wrote a thread for the story "Warriors in Heat" by BigBoobedMagenta. However, it was denied because the editor already had "something like that in mind" (which proved kinda wrong, as the only common traits between my thread and the one he eventually wrote were that the characters picked the "go to the inn" option and the barmaids there were busty... but anyway...). A little later, he also changed the name of one of the main characters (that still puzzles me, the original name, Kitiana, being 1) more original and 'fantasy' sounding than Tifa, hi snew choice, and 2) not being heavily sexually charged, as Tifa is (Tifa Lockheart, anyone? It's like callling a busty adventuress (is that even a word?) Lara and expecting people to not think of Lara Croft...)))) (I got lost counting my (), sorry).

Anyway, on to my question...

Upon Chyoo's revamp, "dead" threads were revived and submitted for approval again. So did mine for that story. I sent an e-mail to the author telling him to deny it so that I could delete it but got no answer. The thread has been sitting idle in its "approval pending" state since May.

So, I was wondering...

I would like to "take control" of the story as I very much like what BBM wrote, but I would also like to revert back to the old name for the main character. I just can't seem to picture a medievalish-looking female warrior named Tifa without having FF7 flashbacks. Since the story is dead anyway, would it be ethical of me to basically recycle his opening thread, switching back to the old name in a brand new story?

Thanks for your advices...

Bunga

[gystex]

I'd say it would be, provided you gave the original author some credit for coming up with the idea. I would also suggest that rather than cutting and pasting his original words, you paraphrase and produce something that's more your own.

It's likely that most people who abandon CHYOO do so just because they don't feel like doing it anymore, not because they don't want their stories to continue. In fact, I think that any author that lies quiet for a year should have their stuff "put up for auction" so to speak. I, for one, wouldn't mind. It's not like I'm pouring my heart and soul into this. My right hand and my dick, maybe...

So I say, re-write his first thread and make it your own. It's not like there are a whole lot of truly original ideas left around here anyway, we might as well recycle the good ones from absent editors.

[jakelyon]

I think it would. As far as I know that author is long gone as I have submitted on another story and not been checking in at all. I submitted a thread back in October, and it got approved in March, then I have not heard from her since.

I say if she does not respond to e-mail or PM go ahead and go for it. It does not take away from her story it just provides a chance for you to develop an idea you like.

Again this points to the fact we need a way to clear the deadwood out of Chyoo so people don't try to write for editors who are long gone.

[niceguy2002tim]

Here's my thoughts...
if you take the main idea and re-write it in your own words than it's ok. Word for word is plagiarism... here is what my Collins dictionary states...

Plagiarism

taking ones ideas, passages, etc. from an author and presenting them, unacknowledged, as one's own.

So if you do copy and paste make sure to give the original Author some credit. Hell even if you just borrow the idea maybe a header or footnote would be nice.

I agree with what Gystex said. There aren't that many original ideas.

Anyway, go for it! In some unoriginal words "You Can Do It!"

-Tim (niceguy2002tim)

[bungakawa2000]

I just had this inspiration: I'll translate it to French. <--- ribbit

It's as good a linguistic exercise as any, and the more French stories, the more likely one will catch another French writer's eye (one can dream, no?).

Of course, I'll give proper credits to BBM.

Bunga

[Zingiber]

Allons la Francophonie!

-Z

[bungakawa2000]

Well, what do you know! Seems like BBM suddenly woke up, my thread was approved!

Bunga

[JagFarlane]

Mmmmmm well you do get mail whenever a new thread is submitted...perhaps they finally cleared out the e-mail box, remembered it, and popped on to tend to old buisness? That happened to me when I got burnt out on writing a tad bit...