Hmm....

[hils]

I don't know why I'm writing this Iron Man fic. Other people have done the same story, and much better than me.

I'm kind of doing it for myself more than anything but now I've got that niggling voice at the back of my head telling me that I'm going to get accused of plagiarism again.

I suppose I can always just finish it and not post it.

Comments

[ceci2176.livejournal.com]

People can't really accuse you of plagiarism for using a similar idea as someone else (there are what, 32 basic storylines in all storytelling?), especially not if it's already part of the 'verse. The thing is just to be original in other ways, like dialogue and descriptions, and you should be fine.

[hils.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I know, but it happened before and I just feel anxious now

[ceci2176.livejournal.com]

Well, you weren't guilty then (and it was a clear case at stop_plagiarism, wasn't it?)...nor are you now, I'm sure. If you want to keep it to yourself that's fine, but perhaps the rest of us will miss out on a great story if you do....

[hils.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I was cleared by stop_plagiarism but I'd really rather avoid going through anything like that again.

I'll see how I feel once I get finished :)

[ceci2176.livejournal.com]

The only way to completely avoid that is to not post to anyone but yourself, but where's the fun in that? Not that I should talk who primarily write for myself and worry about how my work will be received...esp. when it comes to original fic.

[hils.livejournal.com]

I'm usually ok to be honest, it's just because I've read a couple of fics that are a bit similar to what I'm writing that's making me feel antsy

[ceci2176.livejournal.com]

Ah. We all draw inspiration (and steal *eg*) from various sources. My suggestion is that you don't read any more before writing your story, and if you still worry about it you could add an author's note or something.

What's the story about, anyway?

[hils.livejournal.com]

It's just a missing scene from the movie

[danceswithgary]

Every time I think about that accusation, I see red. The fact that it's stopping you from writing is appalling. It wasn't plagarism then and, knowing you, it never will be. Please don't let that idiot control your writing. *HUGS*

[hils.livejournal.com]

I'm really trying not to, because I don't want to give her the satisfaction of winning, but it was such a horrible experience I really can't help it :(

[selinamoonfire.livejournal.com]

Someone else has probably done a similar story, but not the same story. Plagiarism is directly stealing from someone else. If you stole the story word for word or plot element for plot element, then yes there could be a case.

I have a few thoughts on that accusation that I won't post here, but I will email to you if you want. Just let me know.

According to a writer I respect very much, there is only 7 plot lines for ALL stories. All works of fiction are a variation of those 7.

If we didn't write similar things, what would we write? How many original ways would there be to get Clark and Lex together? How many ways can you use Red!K and it not be stealing? And if it's a scene within the movie, there's only so many ways you can go without going AU.

If you're content with the story and your betas aren't saying "OMG you copied " then it's good. Don't let one angry fan make you give up writing.

[hils.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I got over my angst and posted the fic in the end but thanks for your supportive comment. I was just feeling a bit wibbly today :(