[FFML] Continue dead or abandon fics by other authors.

[skychan]

It is time for my two cents.

*Cent number one.*

Treat any fanfic author at least as well as you would tread the creator of
the original work.

You might not get around to asking them permission but you damn well better
be sure to credit them as the original writer.

Several times I've seen people posting on the opinion that creating a
fanfic of a fanfic or writing an additional or different ending is stealing
and plagiarizing.  That is nonsense.  It is only plagiarism if you write
that extra content, *and pass it off as your own work.*

When we write fanfic, everyone knows that the original source isn't ours.
Its a given and a staple, and some people still write disclaimers to make
it explicit.  If you are writing fanfic fanfic, then make sure you put in a
disclaimer, crediting the original fanfic author.

*Cent Number two.*

Give communication a chance, and respect someone's wishes if you can.

It generally is easier to talk to a fanfic author than the original works
creator.  So if you can, ask permission.  Some writers have explicitly
requested the community not write fanfiction, some have explicitly said it
is okay.  I think it is fair to default to it being okay to write
fanfiction.

Treat fanfic authors the exact same way.  I think it is absurd to require a
fanfic author to proactively state somewhere that it is okay for other
fanfic authors to write fanfic about their works.  Unless they politely
have asked us not to, then the assumption should be that it is alright, as
long as you remember cent of thought number one and credit them.

But also because it is much easier to communicate with us than original
writers I also think you should at least seek permission.  You should then
consider their view at least as seriously as you would that of a
professional if they request you not.

Writing fanfiction when asked not to, of either original works or fan works
shows disrespect for those authors.  It can still be done, but it is
disrespectful.

Writing fanfiction of either original works or fan works when there is no
ability to contact the creator should not be seen as disrespect.  It is in
fact the highest form of flattery.

and those are my two cents.
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