When is it plagerism?

[soup_borg]

First of all, sorry if this isn't the right place to post this topic.  Over the last month I've read tons of info regarding nearly every aspect of Klingon life, from startrek.com to whatever links I could follow from this site, most of it in the hopes of writing a Klingon story someday.  But when does this cutting-and-pasting become plagerism.  I mean, I found on Wikipedia this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klingon_Empire_%28Star_Fleet_Universe%29 and liked a few things enough to add it to a possible story.  I've also found a few things I liked on a few fan-based sites--when it comes to these is it a good idea to ask permission even if you're just borrowing a few things to help fill in some gaps?



SCPO Saleel Ki'kaal N'D'R, son of Do'Iteq
Chief Of the Boat, USS Antares
Obsidian Fleet Task Force 21-C

[Kehlan]

In general, it is fine to use information you find on the net - or anywhere else for that matter - providing you are not making money from it, but (and this is the important bit)  you must acknowledge the source.
So if you quote from wikipedia, for example, say so, including any information that identifies the article you are quoting from.
Plagiarism is when you don't do this, hence implying that you are the author of the given information and that is what will get you into trouble.

Kehlan

[Klythe]

    Or in this case since you are referencing the Starfleet Universe, crediting, and if you expect your derivitive work to be fairly high profile, contacting them first and asking permission is definately good form.   

    What is good about asking permission?   Most of the time your fellow fans are more than happy to let you use their ideas, and may even get excited about it and go further, such as exchangin links so you both increase eachother's visibility, and maybe even making themselves available if you have questions, potentially leading to future collaboration.

    What's bad?  There is the possibility the could say no.  Fans probably aren't as likely to do this as businesses, but it still happens.   But is this really all that bad?  Consider that if you are sucessful with your project then it's a metter of when they find out and not if.  Finding out where the problems are before you start is a lot better than having to deal with lawyers once they have figured it out.  And just because they don't give you permission, doesn't necessarily mean you won't ever be able to use it...  Keeping in mind I'm not a lawyer and that not everything you read on the Internet is true, but from my understanding Parodies constitute fair use under copywright law.   But this may very well be something that gets lawyers involved.  So unless you actually have Kang and Co. on retainer, you might wish to be very careful as to how you proceed.

[soup_borg]

I mostly plan to use the "stuff" I gather for SIMM posts or someday a short story.  I sure don't plan to publish "Orginal Klingon Stories by Saleel" ever, as long as I live...so, please, if you recognize anything I use as yours don't sue!   I'm a broke petaQ.


Question:  since we have to translate tlhIngan Hol, does that include petaQ?

[Abbot Nej vIt]

Saleel,

Since petaQ is an epithet, without a clear and direct translation, (And even if it did, these forums are supposed to be Kid friendly), it would probably be sufficient to note such...

(i.e.) petaQ {Klingon epithet}...

maj! {Good}...

[Klythe]

Question:  since we have to translate tlhIngan Hol, does that include petaQ?

    Since October 3rd, 2003.  Epithets are more of a judgement call as the context is usually quite clear.   But be very careful using epithets.  These forums are sponsored by the Klingon Imperial Diplomatic Corp, and all forum members are expected to behave diplomatically, particularly towards fellow forum members.  Epithtets are rarely considered diplomatic.

[soup_borg]

Good to know.  Honestly, I just throw out curses without understanding their true meaning, which is the reason I asked the question.  I won't repeat them here.

[SoplaHtaHwI']

When it comes to epiteths, I say do not use them. You can talk about them, but using them outside roleplay (yes, a Klingon should be allowed to swear in RP, IMO) is unbecoming of us attachés.
If you have to discuss them then the "translation" the Abbot suggests should be enough. The Klingon Dictionary and KLI don't do more, as far as I know...