From: Nightman <nightman@provide.net>
Subject: [FFML] [Advice/Discussion] Disclaimers/Copyright
Even though I'm using some characters & situations created by another
person, I'd say at least 90-95% of my fanfic is my own original work. As
such, while it wouldn't be legit of me to SELL it since it has
derivative elements, at least the original material is still under my
copyright, correct? So doesn't that mean that I have the right to
control it? To prevent it from being reposted without my permission and
(most importantly to me) to forbid it from being MiSTed?
Well...how do I put this into perspective...
A fanfic...is a fanfic...is a fan's...fic...right? It's not for anyone to
even come close to say how much of a fic is his or hers. All we can get
from writing is the acknowledgement that our efforts to put those ideas in
our heads into actual writen words was appreciated...one way or another.
Only the unwritten law of the internet...or as humanity calls cyberspace
ethiquette...will give us any amount of 'control' over what ever we send out
of our computers. You realize that by sending something over the internet
digitally means that you are aware of the public sporadic ignorance of
proper ethiquette.
Now, I don't know about being MSTed. I always see it as a give and get
relationship. You give some of your ideas...eventually, the response will
come. Bad or Good, you could always ignore it...at least appreciate someone
read it. Readers that respond are so scare nowadays, I sometimes wonder if
those that constantly read my fics ever realize that I need feedback too.
fics. I'm trying to figure out how to forbid it in my disclaimer with
enough 'authority' that it sticks, but without sounding like a flaming
jerk.
Just say, 'No MSTs please...' if you truly hate this reply format. Then
delete one if someone did write one to you.
I was thinking of using something like the disclaimers Chris Davies
uses, where I get the 'incorporating original characters & (materials)'
bit right up front but I'm just not sure where to go from there. "I
forbid this fic from being MiSTed without my express permission!!" just
isn't doing it for me.
Yes, you could do that. But the other side of the coin will show that
you're not really proud of what you have written...or at least confident in
your own talents. Remember the parable...
So, what do you guys think? I'd like to see this discussed & debated on
the FFML, but if anyone wants to specifically talk to me about my
personal situation, please email me directly.
Something like this had been banned for like...forever here...but people ask
nicely, they get nice responses...^_^
=-=-=-=-=
"Keiichi, please. You do it much better than Asuka does."
"Ok, one last time, Bell."
"Thank you."
"Fly me to the moon..."
Florencio B. de la Merced, Jr.
E-mail: fmerced@pworld.net.ph
Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Temple/3641
Member: FFML FFIRC FFML Synopses List Team
Author of some of the most entertaining fanfics of these animes...
Ranma 1/2, Oh My Goddess!, Tenchi Muyo!, El Hazard, Neon Genesis Evangelion
If you don't believe me...who cares? ^_^