Ethics Question For Free TF Content
 

Hey Everyone... need some opinions on this.

The other night I was chatting/RP'ing with a friend of mine. During our chat he said he's been downloading and altering TF fiction. Like, if he finds a story he likes, he will "replace" the main character's name with his name so he in fact gets to read/experience a TF starring himself.

I felt it was a bit problematic (to alter another artist's work); he argued that since he wasn't selling or profiting off it, why not? The stories are there to be enjoyed by readers for free in various places and he's doing that. (Also maybe a bit narcissistic?). But basically he gets away with not paying for a commissioned story. And that's where I was a bit uncomfortable.

What do you all say in the community? Is it okay to save free TF stories and modify them like that? Am I overreacting?

Re: Ethics Question For Free TF Content
 

As someone who writes TF fiction, I see no problem with it, as long as it’s just for his personal use.

Re: Ethics Question For Free TF Content
 

my feelings on that are so long as he doesn't post it without express permission, even publicly for free, then there's no harm. It's basically just a solo RP.

Re: Ethics Question For Free TF Content
 

I'd say it's okay as long as it is for personal use and not claiming he made them and posting the stories somewhere.

Re: Ethics Question For Free TF Content
 

Another writer here, and I'll echo the other commenters. Totally okay with me. If it's for personal use, he can alter it any way he likes. Just don't go posting my stories without attribution.

Re: Ethics Question For Free TF Content
 

As some one whose written multiple TF stories and an avid RP participant I see no problems. The truth is some of my first stories were ones others wrote but I felt the TF could have been more descriptive, so I added details to make them more enjoyable for myself. Never shared or posted elsewhere, just for me.

Therefore what your friend is doing is all good with me.

Re: Ethics Question For Free TF Content
 

Pretty much this.

Re: Ethics Question For Free TF Content
 

Same. And an interesting thing to do. But as long as it never gets posted or shared anywhere, it doesn't matter.

Re: Ethics Question For Free TF Content
 

long as you not making money off it. if someone pays me to make a thing then then that's theirs's to do with as they wish.

like when I do gift art for someone I will not upload it against their wishes

Re: Ethics Question For Free TF Content
 

I am going to go against the other writers. My stories are not for you to alter or modify. You do not have permission. My copyright exists beyond just your decision to profit or not from it. Objectively, I have no ability to stop you in private and I'm not foolish enough to try; but if you share such things then expect a take down notice. From a strictly ethical standpoint? It's mildly unethical, as your friend is not the one paying for the production of the content in the first place.

Re: Ethics Question For Free TF Content
 

Eh? We pretty much all said that. It's fine as long as they don't post it.

Re: Ethics Question For Free TF Content
 

Some said it's okay as long as they don't try to sell it, and that's not quite the same thing. So yeah, no one can really stop them from doing what they want privately. Posting those alterations, for profit or no, credited or not, would be objectively bad.