Ditto, Laburnum

How do I deal with a fic-idea "borrower"? by Laburnum on 2011-08-22 16:44:00 UTC Reply

This isn't a case of plagiarism exactly, but I think it may merit a polite poke. See, I have a fanfic that's fairly popular in the "Penguins of Madagascar" section. I mentioned in the author's notes that I'd actually really like to see other fics with a similar premise. I don't have any claim on the premise, because I stole it from the TVTropes' Wild Mass Guessing page and some Rule 34 fanart anyway ;) (In case you're wondering, it's the FTM!Julien one - long story behind the reasoning.) However, someone (who has repeatedly given me good reviews and faved my fic) has written a fic with that premise and included some scenes which are rather blatantly inspired by mine. They're not actually copy-pasted or anything, and I'm actually a little flattered that someone likes my work enough for this. However, since it's so obviously inspired by mine, would it be a good idea for me to gently poke them and ask for credit? If so, can anyone give me a hand drafting a polite note?

Here are the two fics for comparison.
Mine: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6715281/1/Princess
His: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7306972/1/Waithesa_what

Ditto, Laburnum by Laly on 2011-08-26 17:35:00 UTC Reply

Exactly that happened to me too! Somebody, I guess, liked the name and plot of my fic. I decided to click on it, *just* to see what it's about, and it's about the SAME THING EXACTLY, so I told her so, and she went all defensive, but in the end I got her to publicly announce that she had been *inspired* by me... and to check out my fic.

Mess with me.

So, basically, I'm saying to just gently prod them at first, not in a review, but a PM, because they get all angry you're makin' it public, then, if they don't respond, ask a bit LESS politely. If this goes on, review it. If that doesn't work and you're on the brink of tears as they continue plagiarizing, alert the FF.net builders for assistance.

-Laly :)
Borrowed fanon? by Aster Corbett on 2011-08-23 02:39:00 UTC Reply

Well, I have a fic that somebody wrote a spin-off of. It was a very blatant AU, but I guess that's why somebody spun off it.

She asked me beforehand, though.

Sorry I can't help more. I don't really know what I'd do in this situation. if somebody ever copied my fic, then I probably would never know.

My fandoms are just too big to ever detect a single copied fic in...
*awkward* by Aeidhryn on 2011-08-22 20:20:00 UTC Reply

Well, I kind of did the same thing, but asked the author before posting and got enthusiastic approval.

You might just wanted to say, "Hey, I think your thing was inspired by mine, next time you do it do you mind asking?"

Um, I'm not familiar with your fandom at all, so I probably can't help much... sorry.

There's only one thing left for me to do.

Have some chocolate?

Heh, thanks, but it's not a huge problem. by Laburnum on 2011-08-22 20:51:00 UTC Reply

Just a little annoyance. I will politely point out to the guy that it's general etiquette to give credit, but I won't make a huge fuss. I'll use a PM, I don't want to embarrass him.

He (or she) probably just didn't think about it. (nm) by Aeidhryn on 2011-08-23 01:22:00 UTC Reply

It's a guy, I've seen his profile. (nm) by Laburnum on 2011-08-23 08:46:00 UTC Reply