Parody and legality
Questions for those of the legal persuasion:
People have asked me when I'm going to "publish" my Lord of the Rings parodies. Some have gotten almost belligerent about it: "Why aren't they published yet??! What are you waiting for???!!" and so forth. :) I kind of figured I couldn't publish them, since they use names and plot points that I didn't create and do not own. But parody does usually get a free ride, doesn't it? Do you think I'd get into any trouble if I published them in POD form [print on demand--paperback, basically], and even earned a small royalty off them?
The idea that I'd be hurting profits of the real Lord of the Rings--books or films--is laughable, so I think I'd be safe. But it's the kind of thing I want to find out before I try it, rather than later; i.e., when receiving a "cease and desist" notice from New Line Cinema. ;)
If it *is* a good idea...well, then I'm going to need to hire one of you artistic types to design me a cover. And I'll need a good title. Hmm.
Righto. Thanks!
Molly
People have asked me when I'm going to "publish" my Lord of the Rings parodies. Some have gotten almost belligerent about it: "Why aren't they published yet??! What are you waiting for???!!" and so forth. :) I kind of figured I couldn't publish them, since they use names and plot points that I didn't create and do not own. But parody does usually get a free ride, doesn't it? Do you think I'd get into any trouble if I published them in POD form [print on demand--paperback, basically], and even earned a small royalty off them?
The idea that I'd be hurting profits of the real Lord of the Rings--books or films--is laughable, so I think I'd be safe. But it's the kind of thing I want to find out before I try it, rather than later; i.e., when receiving a "cease and desist" notice from New Line Cinema. ;)
If it *is* a good idea...well, then I'm going to need to hire one of you artistic types to design me a cover. And I'll need a good title. Hmm.
Righto. Thanks!
Molly