Suggestions for getting the point about writing fan fiction/taking requests?

Question

I've been writing since 2000 and from what I've posted online I've received both positive and negative feedback. But one thing though, on fan-fiction.net I've gotten requests from two users including writing a story about a pairing I have no interest in whatsoever. Two things I've tried to make clear with people who read my work is this, one I DON'T take requests and two, I don't want anyone writing fan fiction based on my stories or using my characters. Someone used one of my characters in a fan fiction story without asking me and I wasn't happy about it. I've posted on my main website regarding fan fiction involving my characters. One person said it seemed kind of harsh, I'll say this I don't want to see my characters doing anything that's off color like for example one of my dog characters falling in love with one of my cat characters. Plus, I know some authors have requested on sites like fan-fiction.net that people don't write stories based on ones they've written and/or using their characters.

Any suggestions for how I can get my point across about not taking requests or people writing fan fiction based on my stories?

Answer 1

Just make sure that your policies regarding requests and character borrowing are firmly and clearly stated before each story or chapter or on your profile.



If people request, tell them you don't take them or ignore them. If you see another author using a character confront them about it. Be polite, but firm in the fact that you wish they remove the work and not to use them without speaking with you first or not at all. If they refuse, petition the site to remove the work for plagiarism.

Answer 2

Just ignore the requests. You'll probably find those two users spam everyone they read asking the same question. My fandom has a reviewer who spams every single story based on the dub version requesting the same story but using the original Japanese names. Uh...no, if those were the characters I wanted to write, I'd have done it already.



I think you're making a ridiculous fuss about your characters. You have permission from the original writer to use the canon characters, do you? No, didn't think so. Posting messages about other fans not using your characters and writing fanfic based on your stories comes across as really, REALLY arrogant. Only the very lazy borrow other people's characters, and normally the fandom deals with them. Unless it's normal in your fandom, in which case, tough. You simply CANNOT say "I borrow other people's characters but nobody can borrow mine", not and be taken seriously. You are not better than other people. You are their fellow fan and writer. That's all you are.



If a whole three people in a decade have done things you'd rather they didn't, I really can't see the problem.

Answer 3

Honestly I think that you should be flattered that anyone likes your characters, and thinks that they are believable enough to write their own fanfiction about. You personally inspired them, and that doesn't make you feel awesome? But, if you still don't want them to use your characters, they are yours after all, then I would just personally call them out. Send them a nice PM, and post on your profile that this person is using your characters without permission. Usually your fans will take care of the rest ;)



As for the requests, simply send them a message saying that you don't take requests. You might lose one fan, but in the end that's not so much. But also take the time to explain that it's not personal, but that your creative juices just don't flow when you are writing about that specific pairing. If you are getting a lot of requests maybe just make up a blank letter that explains why you don't take requests and send that out to someone when they send you a message about doing a request.



Just make sure that you are very clear in your explanation, and don't be angry. People are just applauding you for being an amazing author, and that should make you proud. You still shouldn't do things that you want to do, but make sure that you are clear, firm, and gentle, and everyone will understand and be happier.