HANDS OFF!!

[harmony_bites]

Given this post by ginny_weasley31 that some on Potter Place are seeking to compile lists of "abandoned" stories to complete--and some members are supporting the idea that if they don't hear back from the author they're going to consider permission implied.

Well, just in case, because I'm not sure anyone is interested in my little ol' WIP.

1) Book of Shadows

Comments

[harmony_bites]

Is it under their auspices? I mean are the mods encouraging this? Or is it just that a member is suggesting it and saying she'd like to begin compiling a list?

I'm not a member of Potter Place, so I only know this from GinnyW's post and the comments and not by reading the thread.

[kribu]

I've only skimmed the digests (I'm very much a lurker there) but it seems the mods are quite enthusiastic about the idea.

Although as far as I can tell, the idea is to just compile a list of fics people consider abandoned (i.e. not updated for a long while) and would love to see continued, and try and contact the authors to find out if (a) the fic is actually abandoned or if the author plans to continue, and (b) if the author would be OK with someone else taking over or not.

I don't think they've actively encouraged anyone to go out there continuing fics that haven't been updated for a while, without the author's permission. (And the issue of permission, and the need to try and contact the author first, is something that has been mentioned quite constantly.)

[harmony_bites]

As I said, I'm getting this second hand really. If it's just to compile the list and ask permission--and the author is OK with it, than I think that's fine. But what I'd gathered from Ginny's post is that at least some are saying that if the author doesn't reply in a timely way, that's implied permission. That would worry me.

[shiv5468]

Southern is clear that permission should be sought.

Others appear rather more eager than that

[harmony_bites]

Then I'm actually fine.

The others who are more frisky about it though...

[shiv5468]

I think it's unlikely to work, and that it could get out of hand, and I'd not read any of them anyway.

If you're not writing, someone poking you to ask why not and seeking permission to carry on...well I know some people have left fandom with hugely stressful lives who just don't need to be pushed on this.

[harmony_bites]

well I know some people have left fandom with hugely stressful lives who just don't need to be pushed on this.

I know.

More than that, Kribu pointed out all the potential for wank. That fanfic is this world unto itself, and even if some authors might peek, they don't participate. Now imagine if we got fanfic of fanfic. If it was open season on everything from A Law Unto Herself to Seven Preposterous Things to Falling Further In--with various "completions." Er...not seeing this as making a happy fandom.

[shiv5468]

I think with some of the shit I know that people are going through even the slightest hint of a poke from the past would be too much. It really would.

OTOH I'm fairly sure theyv'e deleted all their contact information.

[kribu]

Yeah, I think some people might have said that. It started out from someone else's question regarding what the general etiquette with abandoned fics is, so a lot of people have chimed in with various views (as I said, I've only skimmed the posts though).

I don't think any of the mods, including the person given the task of compiling the list, have actually implied that would be OK, though. They seem to be just taking on the task of compiling a list of all the fics that have been mentioned, trying to contact the authors and letting the people know of the results.

[shiv5468]

Southern delegated it to her.

[harmony_bites]

Ugh.

Although someone told me the original purpose was to compile the list just to see what fics were abandoned, so that maybe people could contact author's and *ask* - with permission. So unless they're promoting doing it w/o, or saying permission is implied if they don't get a timely answer back, not a problem I think--even if I'd be dubious about it working well.

[lulabelle72]

They did the same thing within the past year, compiling a list, only at that time, the purpose was to contact authors and say that readers wanted to see their story finished. You got a little banner and a form letter of sorts encouraging you. I got one of those.

I also... *hems and haws*... have had some experience dealing with brandygirl. Long before anyone told me of her "past," I was having issues with her. I just ignore her completely now, and she seems to have moved on in the last six months.

Now, because I actually don't like discord, IF PP posted a message saying that the stories in the list were ONLY open to "finishing" if the original author authorized it, would that be enough? If they said that the author

[harmony_bites]

I didn't know she had plagiarized. Usually, that makes you radioactive in a fandom--so surprising she's a mod.

Now, because I actually don't like discord, IF PP posted a message saying that the stories in the list were ONLY open to "finishing" if the original author authorized it, would that be enough? If they said that the author:

A. Was contacted and replied with a definite "NO."
B. Was contacted but never replied
C. They could not find contact info

I'd be fine with that. As long as it was clear that an author not replying could be taken as implied permission.

And PS I also consider PP not to be friendly territory, but I think we ought to maybe put our two cents in over there anyway. (maybe -- I've had words with SW69 before, so maybe not me)

Oh, but you just have no idea. I don't want to feed wank on a public post, but really, putting me and SW in the same "room"? Nitro, meet glyceride?

Really not a good thing. So I'll stay away.

[shiv5468]

I've poked my nose in.