Ann Perrone
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
For legal reasons, do you have to stay completely clear of fan-fiction related to your books/novellas? I'm wondering if you ever get a glimpse of their canonical and non-canonical writing? There are some quite inspired fan authors that we readers have the freedom to enjoy. I wonder what restrictions you have.
Lois McMaster Bujold
There used to be an alarming theory that writers should be required to actively extirpate fan fiction or lose their own rights, but really, about ten million fanfics have been written about Harry Potter, and no one (sane) is arguing that J. K. Rowling does not therefore possess her own copyrights. The concern, I think, belongs to a previous technological era. Nuisance lawsuits can happen to anyone, anywhere, for any reason, so I don't think pro writers are especially vulnerable.
Actual plagiarism in professionally published media is covered under a different set of laws and social rules.
Hollywood is another smoke, with a much larger audience having therefore a much larger number, if not necessarily percentage, of nutbars in it, and more money in play to attract predators and scavengers. Production companies are picky about clear rights for valid historical reasons.
Also, the boundaries are too fuzzy to sensibly identify. What about filk? Poetry? Alternate Universe or Crossover fics? Unlikely porn? The list goes on. I certainly consider filk fair game, for starters.
Note that there could be no restriction I can imagine on me reading fanfic in other fandoms... :-)
Ta, L.
Actual plagiarism in professionally published media is covered under a different set of laws and social rules.
Hollywood is another smoke, with a much larger audience having therefore a much larger number, if not necessarily percentage, of nutbars in it, and more money in play to attract predators and scavengers. Production companies are picky about clear rights for valid historical reasons.
Also, the boundaries are too fuzzy to sensibly identify. What about filk? Poetry? Alternate Universe or Crossover fics? Unlikely porn? The list goes on. I certainly consider filk fair game, for starters.
Note that there could be no restriction I can imagine on me reading fanfic in other fandoms... :-)
Ta, L.
More Answered Questions
Gelis
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Hello! I wanted to thank you first, you are one of my favourite authors. I discovered that I have trouble introducing miles to new readers. Cordelia's Honor works with women, but they want a Cordelia book after. Warriors Apprentice- a friend said, fun read, but she did not crave for the next book. it really had me thinking. Maybe Memory is a good start for readers who shy away from space opera?
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more