Have I submitted something I should not have?

[Guest]

I wrote a fanfic/homage using characters from Anne Rice's Beauty series, picking up characters abandoned in the story itself and speculating on what happened to them. A commentor took me to task for "stealing" -- although the story appears in the appropriate area for fan fiction (celebrities). I state at the beginning of the story that it is fan fiction and the author and name of the books on which it is based. Because this commentor does not allow feedback or contact, I deleted the comment on the grounds I do not allow anonymous feedback (I don't leave it and I won't accept it).

I know there is a lot of controversy for some about the whole genre of fan fiction. My question is this -- should I ask for the removal of the story? Have I trespassed too far, or have I stepped unholy feet on hallowed ground?

 

[Aurora Black]

I wrote a fanfic/homage using characters from Anne Rice's Beauty series, picking up characters abandoned in the story itself and speculating on what happened to them. A commentor took me to task for "stealing" -- although the story appears in the appropriate area for fan fiction (celebrities). I state at the beginning of the story that it is fan fiction and the author and name of the books on which it is based. Because this commentor does not allow feedback or contact, I deleted the comment on the grounds I do not allow anonymous feedback (I don't leave it and I won't accept it).

I know there is a lot of controversy for some about the whole genre of fan fiction. My question is this -- should I ask for the removal of the story? Have I trespassed too far, or have I stepped unholy feet on hallowed ground?

No, you haven't trespassed. Fuck that idiot and move on with your writing.

 

[cloudy]

Leave it.

It's only one person's opinion, and a rather cowardly one at that.

Don't let 'em get to you.

 

[Colleen Thomas]

I wrote a fanfic/homage using characters from Anne Rice's Beauty series, picking up characters abandoned in the story itself and speculating on what happened to them. A commentor took me to task for "stealing" -- although the story appears in the appropriate area for fan fiction (celebrities). I state at the beginning of the story that it is fan fiction and the author and name of the books on which it is based. Because this commentor does not allow feedback or contact, I deleted the comment on the grounds I do not allow anonymous feedback (I don't leave it and I won't accept it).

I know there is a lot of controversy for some about the whole genre of fan fiction. My question is this -- should I ask for the removal of the story? Have I trespassed too far, or have I stepped unholy feet on hallowed ground?

I don't write fan fic nor usually read it. So my perspective is probably a little more objective than some.

Fan fiction is all about taking characters or actors whom you like and putting them into situations that don't make it to the big screen.

It takes either solid brass cojones or a mind that is imparied to go to the fan fic section and castigate an author for stealing characters. that's like going to the IR section and castigating the author for having blacks and whited fucking or the gay male section to decry two guys getting it on.

I'd say you took the appropriate action. Delete the comment and put the commentor out of your mind. The only real caveat i would have is that you will probably see more of this kind of comment in fan fic. The characters are well known and everyone will have their own ideas of what their "further adventures" should entail. And if you don't go the way he/she sees it, they are apt to be stung. that's just one of the pitfalls you accept when you are working with really well known characters, I think.

 

[Selena_Kitt]

Someone recently told me that the Anne Rice "Vampire" fans have NO sense of humor about their obsession... they take her writing and the vampire worlds VERY seriously. It's like religion. They have a Star Wars and Trekkie's all-consuming obsession, but none of those fans' sense of humor and self-parody. I can see why an Anne Rice fan would accuse you of "stealing."

That said... do it anyway!!!!!! I am in the middle (if I ever finish) of doing a story that combines Buffy the Vampire Slayer AND Rice's Lestat and Louis for Earth Day... it should made them run in rabid circles and collapse, foaming at the mouth... can't wait...

 

[rgraham666]

You did nothing wrong, ink. Except sting the sensibilities of someone who has a thin skin.

 

[CopyCarver]

Someone recently told me that the Anne Rice "Vampire" fans have NO sense of humor about their obsession... they take her writing and the vampire worlds VERY seriously. It's like religion. They have a Star Wars and Trekkie's all-consuming obsession, but none of those fans' sense of humor and self-parody. I can see why an Anne Rice fan would accuse you of "stealing."

That said... do it anyway!!!!!! I am in the middle (if I ever finish) of doing a story that combines Buffy the Vampire Slayer AND Rice's Lestat and Louis for Earth Day... it should made them run in rabid circles and collapse, foaming at the mouth... can't wait...

This is true. Beyond that, Anne Rice herself is EXTREMELY protective of her work, and she seems to maintain packs of attack lawyers.

Some writers tolerate (or even appreciate) fanfic, and some don't. Ms. Rice subscribes to the latter view--strenuously.

 

[SEVERUSMAX]

I don't write fan fic nor usually read it. So my perspective is probably a little more objective than some.

Fan fiction is all about taking characters or actors whom you like and putting them into situations that don't make it to the big screen.

It takes either solid brass cojones or a mind that is imparied to go to the fan fic section and castigate an author for stealing characters. that's like going to the IR section and castigating the author for having blacks and whited fucking or the gay male section to decry two guys getting it on.

I'd say you took the appropriate action. Delete the comment and put the commentor out of your mind. The only real caveat i would have is that you will probably see more of this kind of comment in fan fic. The characters are well known and everyone will have their own ideas of what their "further adventures" should entail. And if you don't go the way he/she sees it, they are apt to be stung. that's just one of the pitfalls you accept when you are working with really well known characters, I think.

Or attacking people for writing a gay incest scene when the title and description clearly indicates that twin brothers are going to fuck each other. Happened to my slave and me.

 

[SEVERUSMAX]

I don't write fan fic nor usually read it. So my perspective is probably a little more objective than some.

Fan fiction is all about taking characters or actors whom you like and putting them into situations that don't make it to the big screen.

It takes either solid brass cojones or a mind that is imparied to go to the fan fic section and castigate an author for stealing characters. that's like going to the IR section and castigating the author for having blacks and whited fucking or the gay male section to decry two guys getting it on.

I'd say you took the appropriate action. Delete the comment and put the commentor out of your mind. The only real caveat i would have is that you will probably see more of this kind of comment in fan fic. The characters are well known and everyone will have their own ideas of what their "further adventures" should entail. And if you don't go the way he/she sees it, they are apt to be stung. that's just one of the pitfalls you accept when you are working with really well known characters, I think.

I am just starting to branch out into it, so I understand the reluctance. I just decided that the power trip would be cool, which is what persuaded me. The idea of controlling celebs' fates was too much temptation to resist.

In any case, it's an erotic story. Far from the sort of thing that a fan should get pissed about, especially Anne Rice. Her stories are not exactly G-rated.

 

[Selena_Kitt]

This is true. Beyond that, Anne Rice herself is EXTREMELY protective of her work, and she seems to maintain packs of attack lawyers.

Some writers tolerate (or even appreciate) fanfic, and some don't. Ms. Rice subscribes to the latter view--strenuously.

Huh. Anyone ever gotten a letter from Anne Rice's lawyers for writing fanfic? :x

 

[Guest]

If I understand how it works from a legal standpoint, if I earn no money from the story and it does not compete with the original work, nor defame or deride the author, there isn't a lot that's actionable. I might be mistaken, but I think there is a requirement to prove damage.

Ok, I think I'm over the momentary sting of the remark. I know the story is now damaged as far as voting goes, but I'm hoping that other people will at least enjoy it as it goes along. I"m planning it as a series.

If I get a cease and desist letter, I'll let everyone know.

 

[Colleen Thomas]

If I understand how it works from a legal standpoint, if I earn no money from the story and it does not compete with the original work, nor defame or deride the author, there isn't a lot that's actionable. I might be mistaken, but I think there is a requirement to prove damage.

Ok, I think I'm over the momentary sting of the remark. I know the story is now damaged as far as voting goes, but I'm hoping that other people will at least enjoy it as it goes along. I"m planning it as a series.

If I get a cease and desist letter, I'll let everyone know.

The only group I know who gets raw on fan fics is, surprisingly enough, Disney.

Most of the copyright owners recognize a fan base is a good thing, and as long as the fan author isn't making money off their ideas, they pretty much follow a live and let live philosophy. Some exception for works that disagree with the author's own sensibilities of course.

 

[CopyCarver]

Huh. Anyone ever gotten a letter from Anne Rice's lawyers for writing fanfic? :x

Actually, yes. I have no idea whether it's ever happened to any Litsters or not, but there have been legal actions against several sites. Writer's Digest magazine carried a small article about this several months ago.

 

[CopyCarver]

If I understand how it works from a legal standpoint, if I earn no money from the story and it does not compete with the original work, nor defame or deride the author, there isn't a lot that's actionable. I might be mistaken, but I think there is a requirement to prove damage.

Ok, I think I'm over the momentary sting of the remark. I know the story is now damaged as far as voting goes, but I'm hoping that other people will at least enjoy it as it goes along. I"m planning it as a series.

If I get a cease and desist letter, I'll let everyone know.

That is indeed the legal standard. It is extremely unlikely you'll get hassled in any way beyond an occasional flame. If you do hear from the lawyers, they can't do much more than pontificate.

 

[Selena_Kitt]

I know the story is now damaged as far as voting goes, but I'm hoping that other people will at least enjoy it as it goes along. I"m planning it as a series.

Just RCVd it... remember, if they gave you a "1" it should be swept... eventually... hang in there, and definitely do a Part 2!

 

[FallingToFly]

Huh. Anyone ever gotten a letter from Anne Rice's lawyers for writing fanfic? :x

Nope. Haven't gotten one from Laurell K Hamillton either, or J.K. Rowling, or R.A. Salvatore *smirks and thinks of all the things a drow can be used for* or H.I.M oor Colin Farrell for my abuse of Alexander.

Although it wasn't Alexander who got abused in that one... just his horse.

 

[lindiana]

If I understand how it works from a legal standpoint, if I earn no money from the story and it does not compete with the original work, nor defame or deride the author, there isn't a lot that's actionable. I might be mistaken, but I think there is a requirement to prove damage.

Ok, I think I'm over the momentary sting of the remark. I know the story is now damaged as far as voting goes, but I'm hoping that other people will at least enjoy it as it goes along. I"m planning it as a series.

If I get a cease and desist letter, I'll let everyone know.

Celebrity or Fan Fiction is certainly allowed on literotica. I am doing a series on General Hospital, which airs on ABC which is owned by Disney. Literotica puts the following on all celebrity stories:

"The stories in the "Celebrity" section of Literotica are all fictional parodies - none are true, nor are they approved of by the celebrities named in the stories. Authors write these fictitious stories about famous people for the same reason that Larry Flynt made fun of Jerry Falwell, because they can. The Supreme Court of the United States, the country where this site is located, has ruled that parodies involving famous people are perfectly and totally legal under the United States Constitution. The specific case law on this was decided in the case of "Hustler Magazine, Inc. et al. v. Jerry Falwell" in 1988. No harm is intended toward the celebrities featured in these stories, but they are public figures and in being so, they must accept that they are fair target for parodies by the public. We believe in the first amendment, and more broadly, in the basic principle of free speech and this section may push the boundaries of that principle, but the United States Supreme Court has approved of this type of material. We believe that the Supreme Court was correct in their decision."


Whether YOU live in the USA or not does not matter, it is were www.literotica.com is based so that is the jurisdiction it falls under.


On a side note, I went thru this on ebay when I was selling in game credits for Star Wars Galaxies which is owned by Sony. There is an internet company hired my megafirms like Sony that just watch the net all day long for trademark infringement. Ebay ended my auction and sent me an email as to why. I protested their decision, Ebay advised me to get in touch with the watchdog company, I did and they never responded. So I just started selling them under another name.

 

[Guest]

That is indeed the legal standard. It is extremely unlikely you'll get hassled in any way beyond an occasional flame. If you do hear from the lawyers, they can't do much more than pontificate.

I can frame it -- ooooo!

You know, some people have gone on to publish their "fan fic" as legit fiction -- there are a few dozen books that "sequel" Jane Austen's work, and Laurie King has a whole series that uses Sherlock Holmes. Others have used Holmes, too, over the years -- he's quite popular. Those are the two that come to mind.

I suppose picking works in the public domain is the smarter course

 

[lindiana]

I can frame it -- ooooo!

You know, some people have gone on to publish their "fan fic" as legit fiction -- there are a few dozen books that "sequel" Jane Austen's work, and Laurie King has a whole series that uses Sherlock Holmes. Others have used Holmes, too, over the years -- he's quite popular. Those are the two that come to mind.

I suppose picking works in the public domain is the smarter course

And don't forget one of the most famous examples of fan fiction...the supposed sequel to Margaret Mitchell's "Gone with the Wind", "Scarlett"...published by some romance writer.

 

[Aurora Black]

There have also been a bunch of unofficial "sequels" to Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" with a certain level of... spice to them.

 

[SEVERUSMAX]

Nope. Haven't gotten one from Laurell K Hamillton either, or J.K. Rowling, or R.A. Salvatore *smirks and thinks of all the things a drow can be used for* or H.I.M oor Colin Farrell for my abuse of Alexander.

Although it wasn't Alexander who got abused in that one... just his horse.

Don't tell Shang about that one.

 

[Boxlicker101]

Ignore the commenter, doubly so since it is anon. Most of the stories in the Celeb category are fanfic. This is a "No harm no foul" kind of thing.

 

[Guest]

There have also been a bunch of unofficial "sequels" to Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" with a certain level of... spice to them.

OH yes -- one in particular was just re-released under a new title. I bought it when it was a self-published book under the title "Bar Sinister".

I loved it the first time, and found myself giggling the second. Some romances are just not intended to be read twice -- at least, beyond the good parts

 

[Just-Legal]

To the poster who mentioned J.K. Rowling - her attack lawyers had a period about... a year? 18 months? ago of sending out droves of Cease and Desist letters, so be careful...

 

[Aurora Black]

OH yes -- one in particular was just re-released under a new title. I bought it when it was a self-published book under the title "Bar Sinister".

I loved it the first time, and found myself giggling the second. Some romances are just not intended to be read twice -- at least, beyond the good parts

I wanted to buy that one! I remember reading an Amazon review on it, and someone mentioned a scene where Lizzy had to sit on a pillow because of Darcy's "enthusiasm" the night before.