Fan Fiction at Triond - Could I get sued?
@leafygreens08 (754)
United States
August 3, 2008 8:46am CST
Are there any writers or lawyers out there that can help me? I was so excited about posting my very first story on Triond.com (Authspot) and so far, I have made all of 4 cents. Now I am told that even though the story is mine, I am using screen shots and references to the Everquest 2 game (locations, names, etc.)and that I could get sued by the Everquest owners.
Does anyone know if this is true? Fan fiction is very popular and there are sites everywhere on the Internet. Am I breaking copywrite laws now because I am earning money with this story? Can anyone help me with this?
This is the story in question.
http://www.authspot.com/Fan-Fiction/Akanon.182315
1 person likes this
5 responses
@MH4444 (2161)
• United States
3 Aug 08
Well, I am not a lawyer; but you should go to the site and get the free fan content. I did that for my site and they happily complied with it. Do not use anything without permission. Fan sites are definitely desired by any company and they will welcome you to do so. Disney was the only company that I know of that is a big one that actually sued somebody over content. 
1 person likes this
@leafygreens08 (754)
• United States
3 Aug 08
Free Fan Content? Where is that? Do you have a link or an example?
Thanks for your help!
@MH4444 (2161)
• United States
5 Aug 08
Most sites, all of the ones I am a fan of and talk about in my blogs and on my website; have fan content that is for promotion of their site. It is always located on the main site of whatever you are promoting or reviewing. You have to mention it in the article or review, and/or site as being either an affiliate, or not and affiliate of the company. In my case (see my web page under Tomb Raider and Sims 2 material); I am not affiliated with either company. I say that at the bottom of the page. (The "legalise" is on my web-page). I am however, and affiliate of other company's, and I say that on those pages. Hope that helps you understand what I meant.
@edgyk8inmomma (2157)
• United States
5 Aug 08
From my understanding, you are not breaking any laws as long as you give credit where it is due. If you included screen shots, saying they were your creation, that would be wrong. But if you included screen shots to enhance your content, in which you state where the screen shots came from, you are doing nothing wrong or illegal.
Once more, most sites like Triond, AC, and such that are editor monitored, will check over all submitted work to be sure there are no copyright issues before publishing them.
Best of luck to you!
1 person likes this
@leafygreens08 (754)
• United States
5 Aug 08
Yes, thanks! I agree. If you saw my link up above you will see there were screen shots but I used one of the tags referring to Everquest and I didn't take credit for the images. If I am sent a letter to stop and remove my story, I will, but I really doubt that will happen.
@paid2write (5201)
•
3 Aug 08
If your article broke the law of copywrite Triond would have rejected it. They do check all articles and will reject anything that doesn't comply with their terms.
I think the owners of Everquest would be delighted with the publicity. Many review sites and article sites feature games reviews, and they pay in the same way as Triond, so I don't think you need to worry.
1 person likes this
@Johnnypenn (237)
• United States
5 Aug 08
Yes, you are breaking it if you are getting paid. Fan fiction is a hobby that you DO NOT get paid for. Now, if you had different characters and place and names and what not, than you could simply claim inspiration. But in this case...
I say take it down and put it back up at Fan Fiction . net
You don't get paid and it's free.
1 person likes this
