What is the point in disclaimers?
In fanfiction, that is. It's not as common on this site as it is on others, but I still see it from time to time. I've had to post them before, on sites that require them.
I don't really get it, to be honest. Most of the time they go something like, "Don't know [whatever band/band member(s)], nor do I have connections. This never happened, so don't sue." Or something about not 'owning' the band.
It's quite obvious you don't own them, and I doubt anyone that truely knows someone is going to sit around writing stories about them.
I'm not saying anything bad about people that post disclaimers, I'm just wondering why. Why do you do it?
No one is going to try to sue you for writing a fictional story. Do you honestly think your favorite band members are going to be looking around the internet and find your story and press charges if you don't post in it that it's not real? No. Nor will their managers/family/etc. If they even wanted to do it, they would have to sue anyone that's ever posted a story about them without a disclaimer.
As far as anyone thinking that it's a true story, well, I can get the point there, though I hope there isn't anyone out there....naive enough to believe anything along those lines. =/ Probably is though.
Anyway, this post was kind of pointless. Just curious. It's something that's crossed my mind a few times.
I don't really get it, to be honest. Most of the time they go something like, "Don't know [whatever band/band member(s)], nor do I have connections. This never happened, so don't sue." Or something about not 'owning' the band.
It's quite obvious you don't own them, and I doubt anyone that truely knows someone is going to sit around writing stories about them.
I'm not saying anything bad about people that post disclaimers, I'm just wondering why. Why do you do it?
No one is going to try to sue you for writing a fictional story. Do you honestly think your favorite band members are going to be looking around the internet and find your story and press charges if you don't post in it that it's not real? No. Nor will their managers/family/etc. If they even wanted to do it, they would have to sue anyone that's ever posted a story about them without a disclaimer.
As far as anyone thinking that it's a true story, well, I can get the point there, though I hope there isn't anyone out there....naive enough to believe anything along those lines. =/ Probably is though.
Anyway, this post was kind of pointless. Just curious. It's something that's crossed my mind a few times.
Posted on April 8th, 2008 at 07:00am
I only use it when it comes from books or movies, like you said. Like an inspiration. But when it comes to bandfic, I don't... Because, it's fan-fiction and any band member or what so ever try to sue you for writing it is really awkward person . Sure, they may be offended, but doode - don't take it that hard.
above the influence, April 8th, 2008 at 08:26:12am
I understand disclaimers for things that are copyrighted... such as movies and books. However, people don't realize that when it comes to bandfiction.. you don't need to put them. Bandfiction is sort of like historical fiction.
You can't copyright human beings...
The only reason I could see a disclaimer and "don't sue" is if they think they'll be sued for defamation or something. But fan-FICTION is obviously FICTIONAL. And that being said, no need for disclaimer. Unless someone sues you for writing about them in the first place - however a disclaimer wouldn't help you out there anyway...
Reverse Osmosis, April 8th, 2008 at 07:18:01am
Okay, lol. I can see where you do it from an inspirational point of view. Just the 'not owning' the band thing is kind of....obvious.
Geesecks., April 8th, 2008 at 07:13:48am
I use disclaimers and such in almost all my stories. In case I get inspiration from a movie or a book, I'll mention it there. It comes in handy once in a while. Plus, some people are unbelievably dim.
the lover., April 8th, 2008 at 07:11:51am
tehe i so agree
Zombehh., April 8th, 2008 at 07:02:25am