Form of Plagarism? - Writers Forum

lockeknows · 10-14-2005, 05:39 PM

I was wondering if writing a story based on a song that is not your's is a form of plagarism, and all I am gonna do with it is post it on here. What do you think, is it okay?

Lord Raiden · 10-14-2005, 07:02 PM

I wouldn't think it would be. What's the story going to be about? Obviously it's going to be based around the song, but in what way?

mammamaia · 10-15-2005, 10:04 AM

titles aren't covered by copyright, so if that's all you're using in your piece, you're ok... if you include more than a few words or single line of the lyrics, it gets dicey... whether you only post it here or attempt to publish it, you could still be infringing on the songwriter's copyright... best to play it safe and check the rules 'n regs at loc...

www.copyright.gov

hugs, maia

Lord Raiden · 10-15-2005, 12:44 PM

One way to get around the stickyness of plagerism is to note your sources when writing and do all the quote requirements. That immediately puts credit where credit is due and saves your butt from getting in trouble.

lockeknows · 10-15-2005, 11:39 PM

It is called "Bible Song" by Sara Evans, and I was planning on putting one part of the song in and write a section, then another part and write a section, and use the whole song. I was just gonna write it about some girl, but now I am thinking into making it into a Lost fan fiction about kate
-Todd

Hodge · 10-16-2005, 12:16 AM

You have to get permission to put actual song lyrics or poems that haven't reverted to public domain (or open copyright—whatever it's called when the author has been dead for 30 or so years). Usually, artists/bands will ask you to pay a one time fee to use their material. Sometimes they'll let you do it for free.

Wani · 10-16-2005, 05:26 AM

I'll example you with thievery:
The sun's a thief, and with his great attraction
Robs the vast sea; the moon's an arrant thief,
And her pale fire she snatches from the sun;
The sea's a thief, whose liquid surge resolves
The moon into salt tears; the earth's a thief,
That feeds and breeds by a composture stolen
From general excrement: each thing's a thief.
"Timon of Athens" (4.3.420-7)

Is not all art, to some degree, a form of plagiarism?
Opinions?

mammamaia · 10-16-2005, 09:53 AM

as i often tell folks, there are only 3 original stories and they were painted on the walls of their author's caves... and everything written since, is just creative plagiarism...

however, there are laws against plagiarism in the legal sense, that must be taken into consideration by writers, if they want to avoid annoying-to-serious potholes along their road to success...

btw, hodge, in the us, it's the author's lifetime plus 70 years, for most copyrights...

Anarkos · 10-23-2005, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lockeknows

It is called "Bible Song" by Sara Evans, and I was planning on putting one part of the song in and write a section, then another part and write a section, and use the whole song. I was just gonna write it about some girl, but now I am thinking into making it into a Lost fan fiction about kate
-Todd

Great idea, that way you're plagiarising not one but two sources!