Over the various pandemic lockdowns, lock ins etc here in the UK I've been writing and posting novels on FB for people to read.
After a break where I burned out, I'm now writing again but this time the inspiration came from me having an itch to start playing Battletech again (computer game version).
My thinking is I post chapter by chapter as I did before, for anyone to read, but prior to this it's all been my own world, not set in someone elses game verse.
So, what are the requirements, is there an ownership thing I need to add, a sort of Battle TM not owned by me thing?
Any other restrictions I need to be aware of?
Thanks for any help provided.
Captain Jonah.
The fanfic boards are only a little looser than the rest of the boards, basically don't get too close to real-world politics or present-day political figures. If you're going to use indirect examples, make sure they're setting relevant or at the very least, file the serial numbers off real events.
don't attack other posters or start arguments and flame wars. (this is true whether writing, or commenting, I've had threads locked because people took seriously what was meant in fun, and then insisted on arguing instead of either dropping out of the story thread, or just accepting it's fiction and not their real life.)
If someone baits you, don't rise to it. Flame wars with trolls is like chasing pigs in mud-you get dirty, they enjoy it, you both get nailed by the mods because it's the rules for the WHOLE board-every thread and category.
If a Mod warns you, take it seriously. If you think it's unfair, appeal via PM. DO NOT discuss Moderation actions in the open, that's a good way to get hit with second, third, and bang you're banned. If you think you're being messed with, go straight to 'report to moderator' do not pass go, do not engage.
the mods here are reasonable guys, if one feels they have to lock your thread, you ask THEM, and if they answer, you accept the answer, because it's not done capriciously-a Mod won't single you out for special punishment because they don't like you, at least, not if they want to keep their status.
don't insult the following because it's a good way start an argument:
1. any other poster by name.
2. Battletech's staff of writers by name.
3. present day political figures and/or celebrities by name.
4. 3 includes common nicknames, substitutions in the mundane press/media, or present day political/social movements. If you want to do an aesop, make sure there's a few degrees of separation into a form consistent with the setting as you know it.
5. 1-4 are all about being civil and not starting fights. Don't start fights, don't get involved with fights, don't respond to people trying to start a fight.
6. Don't be a troll, don't feed the trolls, don't let yourself get dragged down to that level.
7. Fair use is fine, don't plagiarize. Parody is okay, direct word-for-word copying of copyrighted material while claiming it is original, isn't okay. Reprinting without permission published works in their entirety will get you banned, and likely slaughter any good rep you tried to build.
8. when using quotes, or sections, credit-where-it's-due. same for using song lyrics or anything else that's been paid for. IOW if you pull a paragraph out of, say, "Lethal Intent" or one of the novels, (or one of the published stories), cite the source and make sure everyone sees AND KNOWS you aren't stealing it.
that's all the ones I can remember off the top of my head. Basically it's your standard 'don't be like dick' rules.
