Forum: Author Hangout

If they aren't the author of the stories that appeared on ASSTR and there were only minimal changes, they may not last on this site long enough if someone complains and claims it to be plagiarism. On the other hand, perhaps it is the same person.

That is possible, but what is more likely, is that Lazeez has publicly stated that he approves of 'fan fiction' type stories. So while they shouldn't just repost the same chapters, it is allowable (and is even encouraged that they take the existing story in new directions. However, how one documents the story which occurred beforehand is entirely open to question, since it's Never been stipulated.

By the way, REP, if it's truly an 'OLD' ASSTR story, chances the original author is either dead, or unable to respond. So saying 'anything is allowed, UNLESS the original author files a complaint' is not only misguided, it's clearly NOT reflective of established copyright law in most countries.

Unfortunately that is not SOL policy.

Since I mentioned two different points in that excerp, I'm unsure which you're referring to, but if you're referring to the copyright law portion, that falls under Lazeez's 'FanFiction' exception, which has NOT be fought in the courts, largely because no one sees chasing small-scale postings by unnamed sources as being worth the substantial legal investment to prosecute (especially since most fanfiction work SELLS more of the original story, so as they say 'one hand washes the other'.

Still, the idea is to NOT repost the original story, but to create a wholey original work, based on an existing Universe/characters. There IS a clear distinction in that regard. If you notice someone doing that, I'd send them a private message, allowing them to voluntarily take the material down, but either cross post it to Lazeez or file an official complain when they don't rectify posting someone else's work.

Again, copyright ONLY protests the actual words on the page, NOT the underlying concepts or ideas. Titles or character names fall under the trademark violation umbrella, which is a whole different kettle of fish (i.e. you have to file for each NAME separately before you're offered ANY protects).

So saying 'anything is allowed, UNLESS the original author files a complaint' is not only misguided, it's clearly NOT reflective of established copyright law in most countries.

You are obviously smoking the funny stuff again for I have never said the above or anything remotely like the above.

ETA: If you go back and read LOAnnie's post, you will find that she said people are reposting stories that posted on ASSTR, not new stories based on the old stories.