I'm sure it's been discussed here before, but I was curious if there are any rules or discouragement for a story that might be considered "fan fiction"? I ask because I was developing a story that involves the setting, but none of the characters of a commercially published work. Do you just need a disclaimer or should derivative works be avoided? I don't want to cause the site any trouble.
Thanks,
Melanie
Comments
I have seen
other fanfics here, all had disclaimers. Maybe it depends on the setting. The retcons are here. those would have to be a fanfic. But, I'm not admin, or an expert.
Depends on the source work it is related to IMHO
Some authors -- well more likely the corporation that owns the rights -- are REALLY protective to the point of paranoia. See the rights holders to any of Edgar Rice Burrors stuff such as TarzanTM.
Others are open universes.
BUT fair use doctrine still applies for parody in the USA so far as I know. Also if it is not for commercial sale, it is clearly labled AS fanfic and so on I don't see how they could have a case. Look at all the Star Trek and Star Wars stuff out there. Or Doctor Who for you Brits.
Erin is likely far better versed than most here as it is her site and she must be aware of risks to her is the writers here get naughty. I'd give her a PM and see what she says. Or a lawyer friend could be a good source of FYI. Hell, there is always Google and Wiki.
Best wishes, Melanie. OMG, I called you Sue earlier!
My brain is toast. Hum, toast might be good about now.
A fan as always.
john in Wauwatosa
John in Wauwatosa
One of the best...
One of the most enjoyable "fan fiction" stories I've read is here on this site (set on Anne MacCaffrey's Pern)... It was written under her original guidelines that allowed "fan fiction". (She no longer "allows" it, as her son is now writing stories.)
Some authors actively encourage fan fiction (Katherine Kurtz being an example.) Others actively discourage it (Mercedes Lackey).
If memory serves, Erin has no problem hosting the fan fiction, but I suspect she'd have to take it down if the author owning the universe requested it. (This is conjecture on my part.)
So - writing it is fine. If the author of the universe you want to use has open "rules" published, you're free and clear to post. If there are no rules published, you're taking your chances, but could be fine... If the author categorically refuses to allow "unofficial" fan fiction, then you're really taking your chances, and asking Erin to as well.
My 2 cents... (Which we all know is worth very little these days.)
Anne
As everything else here
Posting is the poster's responsibility. If I get complaints, I have to take any fanfic down. That's actually the law for copyrighted and/or trademarked properties. Being able to host fan-fiction without too much worry is one reason the site is set up to allow people to post their own writing. If I posted it, I would be responsible for the posting. As it is, I'm only responsible for hosting, so I can escape by taking things down if anyone complains.
Clear? Probably not. :)
Hugs,
Erin
= Give everyone the benefit of the doubt because certainty is a fragile thing that can be shattered by one overlooked fact.
= Give everyone the benefit of the doubt because certainty is a fragile thing that can be shattered by one overlooked fact.