1. Stacie

    Stacie New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2008
    Messages:
    3
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Lancashire

    folklore

    Discussion in 'Plot Development' started by Stacie, May 18, 2008.

    hi

    im attempting to write a piece based on local folklore. What im wanting to know is whether this is allowed freely or does permission need to be got or whatever to avoid possible future hassles.


    Please advise.


    also how closely to the folklore would the story have to be?
     
  2. Wreybies

    Wreybies Thrice Retired Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    May 1, 2008
    Messages:
    23,826
    Likes Received:
    20,815
    Location:
    El Tembloroso Caribe


    If the elements you are using are truly of a folkloric nature, I would have to assume that they fall into the public domain.

    When you say local.... how local, and how far back in time? Are actual people and places involved where you might have to answer to those individuals in the flesh?
     
  3. Stacie

    Stacie New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2008
    Messages:
    3
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Lancashire
    the piece i want to write is about fairies, some seemingly unnamed men and dates to the 19th century
     
  4. Sayso

    Sayso New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 11, 2007
    Messages:
    288
    Likes Received:
    11
    If you were writing about fairies in general then I don't see why you can't just go ahead with whatever you want.

    If you want to write about local folklore, then I personally would want to stick to the story as it's told and not embellish it too much as that would just dilute the tale as it's supposed to be.

    Writing about fairies is like writing about frogs; they've been around for years and everybody has a different tale to tell about them. You don't need copyright permission for writing about objects, only when you're using someone else's work.

    You might want to look up copywriting on folklore for further information, but as folklore is passed down through the years then nobody would know who the original story teller was anyway. I hope that helps. :)
     
  5. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2006
    Messages:
    19,150
    Likes Received:
    1,034
    Location:
    Coquille, Oregon
    it's 'copyrighting'... 'copywriting' is the act of writing copy... a 'copyright' is protection of your rights as the author of a piece of writing...

    as for asking permission, stacie, sayso is right in that 'folklore' has no single author/originator, so there's no one to ask...

    just be sure you don't use anyone's written version verbatim... for that, you DO need permission...

    all who want to write should familiarize themselves with the copyright laws... see the us version here: www.copyright.gov

    any country that's a signatory to the berne convention will have similar laws...

    love and hugs, maia
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice