Continuting another author's work...

[the1rob]

Hey all,

Long time reader, first time poster/writer. (Ha! I've always wanted to say that!)

I have a question for all of you...If I read a story (a single submission) from another author, and wanted to expand on that storyline (ie: create a chapter 2), what is the correct etiquette for this?

I am naturally assuming that I have to give credit for the original work, and I am asking for permission via email to the author. But what if they don't respond?



the1rob

 

[fieryjen]

Hey all,

Long time reader, first time poster/writer. (Ha! I've always wanted to say that!)

I have a question for all of you...If I read a story (a single submission) from another author, and wanted to expand on that storyline (ie: create a chapter 2), what is the correct etiquette for this?

I am naturally assuming that I have to give credit for the original work, and I am asking for permission via email to the author. But what if they don't respond?



the1rob

I believe there was a thread like this before... and I think if they don't respond, you're pretty much out of luck. Some here might disagree though, and I don't claim to be the authority on this. But you might want to do a search for that other thread.

 

[The_Fool]

I would say that without a positive reponse from the original author, that you would be pushing the limits of "plagarism." The result of such plagarism could be nothing or removal of your story by management based on request of the original author or by readers. Management has very little tolerance for plagarism. Not to say that anything would happen. That would require someone to notice the similarity between the storylines. I am not necessarily defining such actions as plagarism, that is a discussion in itself. But I as a writer would not take such action without the blessing of the original author.

 

[S-Des]

It's a tricky proposal. I know people have done it when they couldn't secure the author's proposal with mixed results (sometimes having it removed by the author's request). If you can get his/her permission, there isn't much wrong with doing it. There are a lot of examples, probably the most interesting being Patricia51's 'One Slip', where she wrote the 1st chapter, then threw it open to any readers to finish if they would like. There were 3 or 4 conclusions written by different authors, a couple which were highly rated.

 

[CharleyH]

I would say that without a positive reponse from the original author, that you would be pushing the limits of "plagarism." The result of such plagarism could be nothing or removal of your story by management based on request of the original author or by readers. Management has very little tolerance for plagarism. Not to say that anything would happen. That would require someone to notice the similarity between the storylines. I am not necessarily defining such actions as plagarism, that is a discussion in itself. But I as a writer would not take such action without the blessing of the original author.

Agree and add- talk to the author gently - VERY GENTLY.

 

[slyc_willie]

I suppose it's a two-way street . . . many authors are very protective of their work and do not want anyone else 'soiling' it. But on the other hand, sometimes a good story can be made even better by a fresh perspective.

When I read Jack Straw's V-Day entry, I found some very eerie similarities to my own submission. Turns out, as he told me in an email, he had been inspired by my story and adapted some of the ideas. I wasn't the least bit insulted; hell, I was flattered.

However, if someone were to, say, take Trish from my story 'I Believe' and turn her into a vindictive, vampiric bitch, I might take offense . . .

I suppose much of it has to do with subjectivity. But there are also intellectual rights to consider.

If you are continuing another author's work, with their characters as intended, you'd best get their input. if there's no response to your request . . . sorry, pal, you're SOL. Negative response means negative approval.

 

[drksideofthemoon]

Hey all,

Long time reader, first time poster/writer. (Ha! I've always wanted to say that!)

I have a question for all of you...If I read a story (a single submission) from another author, and wanted to expand on that storyline (ie: create a chapter 2), what is the correct etiquette for this?

I am naturally assuming that I have to give credit for the original work, and I am asking for permission via email to the author. But what if they don't respond?



the1rob

My advice to you is to write your own stories, don't borrow from someone else's hard work.

Some of my work was never intended to have a "Chapter 2", and I would be damned ticked off if someone decided to continue it.

 

[DG Hear]

I've done it.

Hey all,

Long time reader, first time poster/writer. (Ha! I've always wanted to say that!)

I have a question for all of you...If I read a story (a single submission) from another author, and wanted to expand on that storyline (ie: create a chapter 2), what is the correct etiquette for this?

I am naturally assuming that I have to give credit for the original work, and I am asking for permission via email to the author. But what if they don't respond?
the1rob

Get prior approval from the author. If you don't get it, don't write it! I've ended up a few of my stories telling anyone who would like to write their own ending. Sometimes I get takers, but most of the time I don't. My first story was a different ending to another authors story. He gave me full permission to go for it

'Nici" just wrote a story and told other writers to do their thing. You might get in touch with her as to how an author feels.

You should always use the original story base trying not to change the basic story line. Also, you can't use the original authors by posting part of his/her story. You refer for readers to go and read the original. Hope this helps
DG Hear

 

[R. Richard]

I would make a real effort to get permission from the original author. However, if I got no respose from the original author and I could find no trace of the original author in the Author's Hangout, i would try PMing Laurel to see what her take was in the matter.

JMHO.

 

[Quiet_Cool]

My advice to you is to write your own stories, don't borrow from someone else's hard work.

Some of my work was never intended to have a "Chapter 2", and I would be damned ticked off if someone decided to continue it.

I'm with dark on this one. I know the point wasn't to get advice other than what was asked (I believe such advice is called criticism) but the author most likely had intentions when writing such a story. If it inspires a story similar, then write another story (inspired by, but not connected to) the original.

To answer your actual question, get the author's permission, then write, but without it, your shit out of luck.

Q_C

 

[Jenny_Jackson]

There was a thread on this about a month ago. As I recall the thoughts were to leave someone elses writing the fuck alone unless he gives you the ok to proceed.

Assuming he does give you the go-ahead, you still need to put in an acknowledgement at the beginning of the story giving the original writer credit.

There are so many ideas for stories, there really isn't any need to pick the brains of anyone else. Now pick up your crayon and write your own shit.

 

[Guest]

My advice to you is to write your own stories, don't borrow from someone else's hard work.

Some of my work was never intended to have a "Chapter 2", and I would be damned ticked off if someone decided to continue it.

Same sentiment, definitely.

I've seen a few stories recently that people have either slightly rewritten an author's work or do add-on chapters. Without permission, I think it's a shitty thing to do, even it's paying so-called homage to a story that is loved.

Seriously, write your own story, the1rob with characters you've created and sweated/cried/lusted over. After all, you do have the desire to write something why not it be your original work?

 

[the1rob]

Agreed

I'm with dark on this one. I know the point wasn't to get advice other than what was asked (I believe such advice is called criticism) but the author most likely had intentions when writing such a story. If it inspires a story similar, then write another story (inspired by, but not connected to) the original.

To answer your actual question, get the author's permission, then write, but without it, your shit out of luck.

Q_C

I was chewing on this issue last night for a while. I agree that without the author's consent, I cannot continue the story arc. If someone did that to me, and it wasn't in the same vein or style that I had written, I'd be pissed too.

Stepping on someone's toes is definitely not on my Things-To-Do list.

So if I get a "No", or simply no response, my only option is to write a new world from scratch, and go with "variation on a theme"



the1rob

 

[the1rob]

There was a thread on this about a month ago. As I recall the thoughts were to leave someone elses writing the fuck alone unless he gives you the ok to proceed.

Assuming he does give you the go-ahead, you still need to put in an acknowledgement at the beginning of the story giving the original writer credit.

There are so many ideas for stories, there really isn't any need to pick the brains of anyone else. Now pick up your crayon and write your own shit.

Ummm...Yeah....Very eloquently put.

It was a legitimate question; no need to go gut-punching.



the1rob

 

[Guest]

Ummm...Yeah....Very eloquently put.

It was a legitimate question; no need to go gut-punching.


the1rob

That's just Jenny's brand of charm.

It's good that you asked, good that you have the class to not tread on others as you find your own writing ideas.

Best wishes.

 

[colddiesel]

There was a writer once who got virtually all the plots for his non historical work from other writers.

His name was William Shakespeare