zoebeth (![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} zoebeth) wrote, |
I guess the decision would depend on several things, mainly 1. the fandoms you write, and 2. the content of your stories.
1. Some companies/authors are more friendly to fandom and look the other way most of the time (Papa Lucas). Other folks are not so tolerant (Anne Rice). Keep in mind that, whether the company/author/creator is tolerant or not, what you are doing is still technically illegal. Hell, our icons are technically illegal. So I guess the best you can do here is find out what the fandom in question's tolerance level for fan activities.
2. If you write sexual situations in your stories, you might want to do some research on obscenity laws in this country. In a nutshell, the Supreme Court refuses to define obscenity, leaving that up to individual communities. Therefore, what is not considered obscene in New York might be considered obscene in Ohio - it all depends on the community standards. It doesn't matter that pornography (and yes - fan fic with sex is technically pornography) is legal, if it exists, then I promise that someone somewhere finds it offensive. What does that mean? Law enforcement officials can use this loophole to bust pretty much anyone they want under the obscenity clause. Sure you can fight it and perhaps win, but you are going to loose a lot of time and money and suffer a great deal of humiliation in the process.
I am not suggesting you stop showing your work to the world. I am only suggesting that you educate yourself as to the legal ramifications associated with what you are doing. For the most part, I wouldn't worry too much about the copyright issues - you are not charging money for your work. However, if you include sexual activities or situations in your stories, it might do you some good to do some research.
1. Some companies/authors are more friendly to fandom and look the other way most of the time (Papa Lucas). Other folks are not so tolerant (Anne Rice). Keep in mind that, whether the company/author/creator is tolerant or not, what you are doing is still technically illegal. Hell, our icons are technically illegal. So I guess the best you can do here is find out what the fandom in question's tolerance level for fan activities.
2. If you write sexual situations in your stories, you might want to do some research on obscenity laws in this country. In a nutshell, the Supreme Court refuses to define obscenity, leaving that up to individual communities. Therefore, what is not considered obscene in New York might be considered obscene in Ohio - it all depends on the community standards. It doesn't matter that pornography (and yes - fan fic with sex is technically pornography) is legal, if it exists, then I promise that someone somewhere finds it offensive. What does that mean? Law enforcement officials can use this loophole to bust pretty much anyone they want under the obscenity clause. Sure you can fight it and perhaps win, but you are going to loose a lot of time and money and suffer a great deal of humiliation in the process.
I am not suggesting you stop showing your work to the world. I am only suggesting that you educate yourself as to the legal ramifications associated with what you are doing. For the most part, I wouldn't worry too much about the copyright issues - you are not charging money for your work. However, if you include sexual activities or situations in your stories, it might do you some good to do some research.
