Continuations and Adoptions

[Lord Raa]

I don't know if you know this, but I've put most of my back catalogue up for adoption/continuation by other authors.

I did this officially a few weeks back, and now I've had the first request.

I was about to agree, but then I thought to myself:

What sort of person is this?
What have they written before?
Can they continue the themes and tones of Final Straws that were laid down?
Will they make a good job of my story?
Will it drag my already questionable reputation down further if it looks like I approve of this writer?

All important questions, don't you think?



[quote="Name: Phoenixir
Profile: <a href=']
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Subject: Final Straws

Hello Lord Raa I quite enjoyed Final straws and would like to adopt it. Please? rsvp? sincerely The Reaccepted Red Reaper

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[/quote]

Now, I don't want to come across as a snob or elitist prick, but I don't think this person is suitable from what I read of their work.

How should I let this person down politely? Do I say something like "Your writing style is ten years too young to continue my fics?"

I'll be honest, that's not a million miles away from the truth, but saying that would make me sound like a complete bell-end.

By the way, if someone here wants to pick it or any of my other fics up, then do let me know.

 

[PCHeintz72]

Dang... did not know you did that...

Like you said, any one picking up stories by another author have to really meet a few criteria.

1. Will the story *actually* be continued. bevelie it or not, I have come across just that where a author was given permission to continue, it was reposted, but never continued.

2. Is the author experienced enough to continue it in a style, that may be different from their own, that can match or exceed that of the original author.

3. If they want to continue it, in what direction is it to be continued, will any notes or outlines by the original author be followed.

If the answer to either 1 or 2 is no, or the answer to 3 is either not known or in a completely different direction than intended... then I would say having that person continue it might be a bad idea.


As for letting them down easy... I'm not good for such advice, except to say simply tell them of the reservations and why you feel the match (of them to the story to continue) is not really a good one.

 

[WizardOne]

Now, I don't want to come across as a snob or elitist prick, but I don't think this person is suitable from what I read of their work.

How should I let this person down politely? Do I say something like "Your writing style is ten years too young to continue my fics?"

I'll be honest, that's not a million miles away from the truth, but saying that would make me sound like a complete bell-end.

By the way, if someone here wants to pick it or any of my other fics up, then do let me know.

"Hey mate, I had a quick read of your work, and I'm not sure that your style of writing would work with what I want for the fic. I do like your *insert something here about his writing/idea's that you liked* but I don't think your style of writing quite fits the intentions that I had when I began writing. Thanks for expressing interest."

Something like that I guess?

 

[Avider]

Personally I don't think you should care and just tell him to do whatever he wants.

What you're against is giving him approval, so just don't.

 

[da_fox2279]

Personally, I rather liked what fan-author Alan Harnum wrote once:

"We have found your submission completely unworthy, and deeply resent the minutes of our lives wasted in reading it. Not only did we hate your fanfic, but we have also come by extension to despise you personally, as well as your immediate family, your descendants (theoretical or actual) and your pets."

Gotta admit, it gets right to the point.