How do you cite a song in a story?
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sr71plt
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If you quote more than two lines of a song, you need the song owner's written permission, unless the lyrics are in the public domain. So most writers don't bother even "going there."
Passing phrase references can be referenced to either the title, the lyricist, or both.
snoopercharmbrights
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It depends how you want to quote it.
If you say:
She broke out into song, "Taken from the county jail, by a set of curious chances ..."
etc. then you are not quoting the song, you are reporting the character's action.
If you quote as reader guidance, for example as a quotation below a chapter heading, then attribution is always needed, if only out of courtesy to the reader who may otherwise go mad trying to find the source.
sr71plt
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Snooper is British and doesn't seem to recognize that U.S. copyright laws/practice differ from British ones. If you are writing for/in the American market, the intent of your content has nothing to do with it. The danger zone on infringement, by custom, starts at two lines. (There's actually nothing in U.S. law that let's you quote any part of a song's lyrics at all--there's just a custom of what is relatively safe to do.)
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AsylumSeeker
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It's Easier to Ask For Forgiveness Than To Ask For...
Permission.
Saw an article in the paper today, a mexican food chain trademarked the saying "Taco Tuesday" and a different chain began using it. The former asked the latter to stop using it.
In other words, what are the chances that the owner/creator will even know they are being quoted here? And if they are the first step will likely be a request for its removal before harsher legal action is taken.
I'm sure SR is right, he's very reliable. But in reality, I doubt it'd be noticed.
Just me.
Permission.
Saw an article in the paper today, a mexican food chain trademarked the saying "Taco Tuesday" and a different chain began using it. The former asked the latter to stop using it.
In other words, what are the chances that the owner/creator will even know they are being quoted here? And if they are the first step will likely be a request for its removal before harsher legal action is taken.
I'm sure SR is right, he's very reliable. But in reality, I doubt it'd be noticed.
Just me.
CopperSkink
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The issue with copyrights is money. I'm planning on being rather well-known for my clepto style of writing, so I keep in mind making sure that any idea or line I use that closely resembles/copies anyone else's work is clearly explained at the bottom of the piece.
If you're going to steal something, make sure you don't sell it, especially as your own work. If someone comes calling claiming theft, a citation somewhere in your work identifying the actual owner and a lack of profit for your work will leave you guilt-free. If not, the worst that will happen is that you have to take down the piece.
If you're going to steal something, make sure you don't sell it, especially as your own work. If someone comes calling claiming theft, a citation somewhere in your work identifying the actual owner and a lack of profit for your work will leave you guilt-free. If not, the worst that will happen is that you have to take down the piece.
sr71plt
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Whoa! If you acknowledge in the piece you knew it belonged to someone else--and went ahead and used it--you just sliced off one of the very few mitigating circumstances in the view of the law.
It may leave you feeling guilt-free, but it just made the violation worse.
CopperSkink
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I know; and I just feel so terrible about it, like every time I download a song without paying for it. That, and when I run a red light. I dont' use any illegal drugs, though... do I get any points for that?
Only in certain religions and the drummer from Metallica is telling on you right now.
A reader emailed me w/ the name of a song that she thought described the characters' transition. Coincidentally, I was stalled at a scene where the couple were dancing outside but I couldn't figure out how to add the music.
I just don't want to get called out for stealing a song, paying fines, and getting kick off a free porn story site. (do they have support groups for that?)
CopperSkink
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Oddly enough, Lars is my favorite drummer. Good thing for me I bought all my Metallica albums fair and square (no, I don't own that piece of shit between Reload and Death Magnetic).
As a reader, reading lyrics in a story doesn't make a very big impact on me when I don't know the song. In that sense, the best way I've seen someone use lyrics is when the words directly say what the author is trying to say.
i.e. Sister driving alongside her brother while he plays the song he gave her, that being "I wanna be your girlfriend, yeah yeah yeah, I wanna be your girlfriend yeah."
Going with something ambiguous like "lead astray the gazers the razors on your seducing skin" may just get you hatemail because there more than likely will be enough people that won't know what the fuck you're trying to talk about, in which case just say "such and such a song played while the two danced."
As a reader, reading lyrics in a story doesn't make a very big impact on me when I don't know the song. In that sense, the best way I've seen someone use lyrics is when the words directly say what the author is trying to say.
i.e. Sister driving alongside her brother while he plays the song he gave her, that being "I wanna be your girlfriend, yeah yeah yeah, I wanna be your girlfriend yeah."
Going with something ambiguous like "lead astray the gazers the razors on your seducing skin" may just get you hatemail because there more than likely will be enough people that won't know what the fuck you're trying to talk about, in which case just say "such and such a song played while the two danced."
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AsylumSeeker
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I will argue this point. This is Lit, a site maybe a few thousand people, mostly Brits, visit. I know you and I know what you say is valid, but would the powers that be quibble over what we do? Seriously, does anyone of note visit these hallowed halls? I think not.
You are intelligent and know all of the rules, but IMHO you don't know when to bend them. Just my opinion, which you may disagree with. Shakes, SR. Politely disagreeing but with no aggression.
