h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Could I check to what extent something is considered plagiarism?

Is using one line from a copyrighted source (and acknowledging the source) plagiarism?

What about using the name of a character from a TV show? Is my nickname illegal?

OK those are probably silly examples but could some guidance on the boundaries be given please.

Thanks

Z

You can quote copyright material, but *only* if you are writing a criticism of that piece. So if you were writing an entry about Philip Larkin, you could quote some pieces of his poetry if they illustrated points in the piece.

You can't just quote something without a good editorial justification, though.

As for Nicknames, just avoid anything that's a trade mark (which may include TV fiction names). I'm sure your Nickname is fine.

Hope this helps.

Thanks Mark. Someone might want to check out my article on "The Lucas Critique" (A485480) which uses a quote from an Isaac Asimov novel. I feel it is perfectly jsutified since I am amking a point about the named Asimov work but it is not directly an entry about IA.

Z

Actually, I think I might have quite a good question for you here:

I'm currently writing a book, and it contains a character called Professor Chhristopher Tonks in it, and it's about this and that, blah blah blah, if you get my meaning.

Fact is though, I have posted as the persona of that character for a long time, and have incorporated some of the book's plot into my VR life. Now, seeing as I am the author of this material (and that it was invented before I began posting on h2g2), does this mean I'm infringing copyright. And does h2g2 get that non-exclusive copyright on work from my book, even when I already had copyright on it?

As you own the copyright, no, you're not infringing it. If you post bits of your book onto h2g2, then you will lose First Britich Serial Rights, but retain the copyright. But as for the name... I wouldn't worry about it. If you do worry, just change it.

Technically you retain the copyright on your name too, assuming you have the copyright in the first place... which you do. Although I met a genuine Christopher Tonks in New Zealand on my travels, so it's an interesting point who owns the copyright in the very first place...

Mark

Cheers Mark, very useful information.

Speculation

Although the BBC only has your word that it is your copyright and it may not be possible for them to check in all cases (all you have given them as identity is an email address) so if you quoted large amounts of your book it is still possible that it would get removed for violating the policy.

Z

Hmm...true, but if they want proof, they can send an e-mail to my address, ending in the same format as my website, where my work is most certainly copyrighted.
Or, I could post a simple webpage up on my domain, and tell them to go there, and all will be proven.

I don't think they'll bother with it though...