Forum: Author Hangout

From a community, perspective, though, is it considered kosher to add on to a universe like that, years after the original author passed?

yes, because by having it open they've given authors permission to write in it. However, you shouldn't use their characters without their permission, but you can refer to them if you feel the need. Note: there are a few exceptions to that last sentence, because the characters involved are essential third level ones to the universe.

An example of an essential third level characters are the AIs in the Damsels in Distress universe, you really can't set a story in DiD after the the AIs were introduced without using the AIs as named, but you can't change their names or characters.

From a community, perspective, though, is it considered kosher to add on to a universe like that, years after the original author passed?

I don't see anything wrong with that, especially if the author opened it to other authors.

I haven't read anything from Karen Wagner after the original naked in school, and never heard anything about her since, and the naked in school universe is still one of the most active nearly 15 years after her posting.

We had a similar discussion, not quite what you want, not long ago.
I was in the minority (of one) stating the view if an author did not explicitly permit something while they were alive, then it's too bad.
Lazeez contributed the view that after a certain period he would allow some things. I could not see the relevance of the 'five year' period he mentioned as being included in the author agreement.
The short answer is ... ask Lazeez.

If nothing else, hopefully if authors keep contributing to the open universe, it'll keep it from being archived seven years after the original author died.

As long as the authors don't violate the nature of the universe, the way the original author outlined it, I don't see any drawback from that. His original work was there. The fact that other authors are still contributing is a testament to his work which helps keep it in the readers' attention.

I think for now I'll try to write it, and then if I post it (that is, if I finish it), then I'll start by providing attribution before getting attached to an illustrious universe. If enough people tell me to join up, I should be able to adjust it at that time.

I wouldn't worry. The author apparently created an open universe, expecting other authors to add to it. I'd still add the attribution, as that's recognizing that your work was inspired by someone else's, but beyond that, I can't see anyone else getting upset. If they do complain, then suggest they contact Lazeez and he'll set them straight.

Again, if it keeps the Universe from being archived behind a Premium wall, I doubt anyone will bitch much.

Baiting you is just too easy.

That's because you're excellent at that. You're obviously a Master Baiter ....

(I'll just be going now ... seriously, off to work. :) )

Surely a universe, being simply a collection of copyrights, is also part of the deceased's estate and subject to the same rules? If so Geek of Ages could apply to them for permission.

If a Universe here at SoL is open to other writers it's because whoever created the universe opened it and gave everyone permission to use their universe, so no further permission is needed. If it's a closed or limited universe, then things get a bit trickier.

Surely a universe, being simply a collection of copyrights, is also part of the deceased's estate and subject to the same rules? If so Geek of Ages could apply to them for permission.

OK, as suggested elsewhere those same executors or administrators may not even know that the deceased did write stories and might be confused - their problem!

Alas, a major problem here on SOL is that many authors either never admit what they write on the site, or their families simply don't care about preserving their heritage.

If the family wished to preserve their reputation, then surely they'd sign in at least in the seven years following his death. Even if they didn't have his password readily available, they could easily reach out to our great leader, possibly include a copy of the death certificate, and request a new password for the account.

Instead, most families either don't know about the authors' activities, or consider it a 'dirty little secret never to be mentioned, less everyone discover what a pervert grandpa was'. :(

If those families ever bothered examining his email, they'd realize the fan base the author had, which tells us they've probably never even glanced at them—meaning they're not about to notice any polite requests for permissions.

As far as the law is concerned—at least without a well-funded publisher with millions of dollars in potential losses at stake—your best bet is the ol' 'it's better to ask forgiveness after the fact than permission before it's done'. That's especially true because I seriously doubt that any author on SOL has ever filed a copyright application, meaning there's NOTHING to be achieved by bringing a copyright lawsuit to court, (no financial loss=nothing to recover), regardless of how they might feel about it.

In short, you've already got permission from the author to post your story. It's in everyone's best interests if you do, and there are NO negatives to doing so.

If so Geek of Ages could apply to them for permission.

That is the key to defining the problem. We know the Author's penname and most of us do not know the Author's real name. Without the Author's real name and contact information, there is no way to know who should be contacted.

Even if you do know the Author's real name, you generally do not have their contact information.

You may have had a valid email address, but the Author's family may not know the deceased used that address. If they did know the email address was used, they may have responded to any outstanding emails and then abandoned the email address. Thus any email you send to the family via that address will not be answered.