Continuing a story w/o Permission

[Monazwx]

Need an opinion:

I read a story over a year ago that I really liked. Seriously, I couldn't and still can't get this story out of my head. However, it was unfinished and the author stated that they were wondering if it deserved a part two.

Of course, I gave feedback and said that it did and waited patiently to see if a part two would follow. Nothing. So, I e-mailed the author twice to ask if I could finish the story instead. So, far, I haven't gotten any answer.

So my question is, how long is it appropriate to wait? Can I finish the story without them giving their expressed permission do to so?

Please, answer my desperate thread!

 

[Ray Dario]

I'm not sure exactly what the law says. I think that characters are copywrited and should not be used without the copywrite holders express permission.

Beside's that, I, personally, would be VERY uncomfortable finishing a story started by another writer without his/her consent and blessing.

Ray

 

[Monazwx]

Thanks Ray,

I can see your point about being uncomfortable to proceed without the author's permission. I just love this story so much, I want to finish the story though, even if I never post it.

 

[Lisa CJ]

Then finish the story, Mona, primarily to satisfy your own genuine love of the material created before you. If writing it would give you enjoyment, and you feel it worthy of continuation, I think you ought to indulge yourself and your ideas and write. Granted, I would not post it without the expressed written consent of the original author (more, I would perhaps consider not even broaching the author about your continuing their work - you have no idea the response you may receive, and their lack of response to your emails hints at a negative one). But consider working on it purely and only for your own private enjoyment and satisfaction. I don't think you would be infringing on the author's 'copyright' or characters; you merely - almost in tribute - would be expressing your own ideas about this story which obviously greatly affected you. Someone once told me that ALL writers steal (from other writers); in other words, there is very little left that is original. Case in point - "fan fiction". People often will write stories based on characters or plotlines from a television program, book or movie in which they've developed a fascination or affection. I see nothing wrong with that. As long as you write the continuation for your own personal enjoyment and satifaction, where is the true harm in that? You are a writer; you were inspired by something you read - that is often how many writers are induced to begin writing something. Personally, I see no harm in it, if it will give you satisfaction and enjoyment to do so.

 

[Alex De Kok]

Go ahead and write it, but purely for your own enjoyment!

When I first started trying to write erotica I added homespun sequels to one or two stories I had enjoyed. I also tried rewriting a story from the point of view of the other character where a story was in first person. A couple of them are still around dusty corners somewhere, but they'll never be posted.

It was good fun and I found it useful, but I only did it once or twice, because at the end of the day, I wanted to write something that was purely and totally my own. To an extent, I think I succeeded because my feedback - and I'd love to have more - has been generally favourable. Thank you folks!

Alex

My Stories

 

[MaxSebastian]

If I were you Mona, I would be very careful - it's not good for a writer to have their characters stolen.

What if the author is away for an extended period of time for some reason - vacation, bereavement, job transfer - and hasn't had time to get back to their email? Then when they return to find you've taken the story on, perhaps to a place they didn't intend, they might feel a little hard done by.

But ask yourself a question, Mona: what particularly did you like about the story? What elements of it made you so desperate to continue it? Is there any way you could take those elements and create a new story?

Maybe that's the answer. If you just take those characters, give them new names but keep the essence of them (as you see it) the same, then perhaps transplant the plot ideas to a new setting, you'll gain moral control to take it wherever you like, able to continue whatever it was that gripped you in the first place.

People borrow ideas from stories all the time.

 

[peterpan]

Every example of fanfic faces this issue to some extent. Naturally you can't sell such a peice without permission. It would be as ridiculous to say you cannot write it as to say you cannot think it so this is all about publishing.

To me, it is no big deal to put it up here so long as you give credit where it is due and are willing to take it down/rewrite it if they request it. Don't call it a name that would put it next to theirs because that could interfere with future chapters.

Perhaps you could add a header assuring Laurel that she does not need to discuss it with you if the original author complains, just remove it and you will consider resubmitting reedited as a standalone.

ps: you can write fanfic for me any day

 

[wildsweetone]

if i may be so bold as to speak freely...

if someone were to complete a story of mine i would be extremely emotional (god forbid any of you should see that).

i would also assume that the writer had a complete lack of imagination to write his or her own material.

forget all about it Mona, you have enough skill to write your own stuff without needing to use the work of others.

no offence intended.

 

[Uther_Pendragon]

Need an opinion:

I read a story over a year ago that I really liked. Seriously, I couldn't and still can't get this story out of my head. However, it was unfinished and the author stated that they were wondering if it deserved a part two.

Of course, I gave feedback and said that it did and waited patiently to see if a part two would follow. Nothing. So, I e-mailed the author twice to ask if I could finish the story instead. So, far, I haven't gotten any answer.

So my question is, how long is it appropriate to wait? Can I finish the story without them giving their expressed permission do to so?

Please, answer my desperate thread!

;
How long is it appropriate to wait?
Seventy years after the death of the author.
:
Soory, but copyright involves "derivative stories."
This clearly includes continuations.
Someone mentioned fanfic. All the fanfic that I have seen
is illegal. People have been forced to withdraw their
material and apologize. Now, the author could give you
permission. If he doesn't, it's illegal.

 

[KillerMuffin]

Uther is very correct.

It is copyright infringement to carry on with someone else's idea, characters, or storyline. These things are as copyrighted as the original story.

The reason fanfic exists without negative consequences is that most sane copyright holders recognize that suing one's fans is generally a bad idea. Most fanfic isn't harmful and, more importantly, makes no money for the creators of that fanfic. However, any one of the original copyright holders can demand at any time that the fanfic be removed or destroyed and if it's not, then the domain or webmasters and writers sued for it.

Personally? I wouldn't do it because it's copyrighted and I would get severely pissed if someone infringed on mine.

Most people aren't aware of copyright laws and don't care. It's your choice.

 

[Art]

continuing the story - writing the ending

I think as long as you make it perfectly clear that you didn't write the first part, and that you have only written the second part because all attempts at contacting the author of the first part have failed (starting to sound like a legal statement here, party of the first part, party of the second part, and the afore mentioned document...), there shouldn't be a problem.

I did that sort of thing a very long time ago in the distant past when there was this thing called a Bulletin Board Service (BBS) and there was a sub for hot adult stories. Well, someone posted a story there, or more correctly the first part, and never bothered to finish it or upload the second part. I asked around if anyone had the second part and no one said bo about it. So, I whipped up a second part as the first was an intriguing idea. Never heard from the author of the first part, but I had fun writing the second part. I did make it very clear that I didn't write the first part when I posted the new (and improved...hehehehehe) second part.

 

[peterpan]

Naturally, hearing that about half the authors here would be traumatised by the act, I would not do such a thing.

However I although I respect other peoples right to their opinions, and would act accordingly, I reserve the right to be baffled by them.

Although I generally find fanfic dull, I disagree that finishing someone elses story shows a lack of imagination. Often I get my ideas from guessing the ending to a movie or book I am absorbing, then deciding my ending was much better anyway when it proves incorrect.

Oh, I guess as well as fanfic tales, there is roleplay fanfic. There is just such humungus amounts of this going on that I can't see how authors can get offended by this and not go insane unless they avoid the internet entirely.

 

[lobito]

There are stories out there, that I wish had been continued, but for whatever reason, they weren't. And sometimes I have wanted to write a second part, if only for my own enjoyment.

I have a story up now, that people want a next part to, and don't like hearing there will be no more for that story.

 

[MysteryWriter]

my take such as it is...

If you want to use my characters any and all of you have my permission. If you make a buck send me a quarter please. it would be a quarter more than I ever expect to make on them... That is must my opinion.

 

[Monazwx]

Everyone

Thanks so much for opinions. They really got me thinking. I'm writing the second part of the story FOR MY ENJOYMENT ONLY! Maybe when I'm done, I'll send it to the author of the original story to see what they think of it. That is, if they ever reply.

It would freak me out if someone continued a story I'd written without me knowing. The emotional anguish (yes, anguish) would be more hurtful to me than the copyright issues.

Everyone's so wise here. I love this board! Kisses.