Can I Rewrite Someone Else's Story and Post It Online?

The question of whether one can rewrite and post someone else's story online has been a topic of much debate. It all comes down to the intertwining issues of copyright, plagiarism, and ethical writing practices.

A Re-Introduction to the Concept

Consider the simple example, "knock yourself out" and "Abi gezunt!" - although these phrases sound almost identical, they are fundamentally different. If you modify one specific part of a paragraph, you create a brand new original work. For instance, if you write, "type these words and end this line right here," and your friend writes, "type these words and end this line right here," these are two entirely different works. Even if you've borrowed the same idea, the execution - the formatting, context, and presentation - are your own.

Plagiarism and Copyright Basics

Plagiarism and copyright protect original works from unauthorized use. Copyright law grants authors exclusive rights to control how their work is copied, distributed, displayed, or performed. Plagiarism, in contrast, is the act of taking someone else's ideas or words and passing them off as your own, which is unethical and illegal.

Copyright does not only cover the exact text; it also protects the overall expression of the work. This means even if you change some words or parts of the story, if you take a substantial portion of the original work, you may still be infringing on the copyright holder's rights. Moreover, you must be careful not to use names, specific locations, or other unique elements that directly reference the original work.

Using Existing Stories for Creative Adaptations

There is a theory suggesting that only 36 basic stories exist. In other words, every story that has ever been written is just a variation or combination of these core stories. This theory, although ancient, can provide a defense against accusations of plagiarism if you're working with a well-known story. However, it is still advisable to ensure that your version significantly differs from the original in terms of content, structure, and expression.

Anthony Hope's novel "Prisoner of Zenda" and Edgar Rice Burroughs' "The Mad King" serve as interesting examples. While both were bestsellers, Burroughs' book was shorter but more exciting. Burroughs took the same idea and made it his own, changing and adapting the story to make it unique and compelling.

Ethical Considerations and Advice

Even if you manage to legally adapt a story, the ethical implications should not be overlooked. There is a reason it is your friend's or someone else's story, and tampering with it can be seen as ungrateful or disrespectful. It’s often best to respect the original work and let it lie.

In the end, if you have an idea for a story, develop it from scratch. Use the inspiration from other stories to spark creativity, but be sure to express it in your unique voice and style. This way, you can avoid the ethical pitfalls and ensure your work is genuinely yours.

Conclusion: If you wish to adapt and post a story online, do so ethically and creatively. Understand your legal obligations and respect the original author. If you tweak the story enough to make it unique, you can share it with the world in a way that honors both the original inspiration and your own creative vision.

Keywords: Plagiarism, Copyright, Creative Adaptation