Use IMs in stories

[KokopelliRises]

A while back, when I was fairly new to Lit's discussion boards I found a topic about using instant messages in stories. I have done a search and can't find it. Does anyone know the (legal) technicalities of using instant messages in stories?

 

[intothewoods]

Ok, I'm curious. What do you mean - using the term IM? The text of an IM?

 

[KokopelliRises]

Yes, the text of an IM. I was thinking along the lines of a conversation I had with someone.

 

[horsie_gurl]

Just thinking about it now. I dont think there would be any legal technicalities.

Definately make sure the screen name you use in the story is not someone's actual name. I would suggest making the sn on a program just to make sure it is yours and no one else can use it (doesn't mean you actually have to use that program or talk on that screen name. just to get it out of the way)
And i wouldn't use any actualy Instant Messaging program's names. Like don't say "I used AOL Instant Messaging" i dont know what kind of copy right crap could be on those, just be safe and either say the general "instant messager" or make up one. Why not?

Hope this helps.

 

[SesameStreet]

Make all the names completely fake including the name of the messenger. Names like Yahoo Messenger or AOL Instant Messenger are CopyRighted. other than that I can see no problems with using the text portion of the IM.

 

[Seamus123]

Perhaps getting the other person's permission, just in case? Although I can't see there being a problem unless it's something really slanderous.

It is, isn't it?

 

[KokopelliRises]

Thanks...

Thanks all of you who responded. Now all I have to do is get the permission of the person I IMed with, because I'm sure that's the right way to go about doing that.

Any other tips anyone else can think of on the topic of using IMs in stories would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Seamus123]

Perhaps try to tighten up the grammar and spelling etc? I think it depends what effect you're going for, really. If you want 'ideal world' IM, like.. as in the adverts you see, where everything it spelled perfectly, then that would be good. However, if you want realism, then keep it as it is, or throw in more colloqualisms. But I wouldn't try to overdo it, and make it sound like a conversation between Eminem and 50 Cent or something.

 

[KokopelliRises]

Both of us involved in the conversation use pretty standard English in IMs, so grammar and spelling aren't really an issue, and it reflects our personalities pretty well, but thanks for the tip Seamus.

 

[Seamus123]

No problem! I've been in a seminar today that was dealing with grammatical and colloquial issues, and we all had a good bitch about the tutor afterwords so it must be on the mind today.

 

[KokopelliRises]

I imagine. I've had days like that.

 

[Seamus123]

My tutor: 'Wow, would you look at that. Your description's not 110% realistic and totally structuralist? Your dialogue doesn't sound like it's from the Victorian era? Well, shit me, son, i'm afraid i'll have to shred your story!'

 

[KokopelliRises]

My tutor: 'Wow, would you look at that. Your description's not 110% realistic and totally structuralist? Your dialogue doesn't sound like it's from the Victorian era? Well, shit me, son, i'm afraid i'll have to shred your story!'

I have had some teachers like that and heard of professors just as bad.

 

[Seamus123]

It's a bit infuriating when they're being so close minded and ignorant about mine (and others) work, just because it doesn't agree with their personal preferences. They should be able to put that aside in the classroom.

 

[KokopelliRises]

Unfortunately many teachers of all kinds teach from their personal preference and forget what they're really there to do: open the minds of their pupils.

 

[SweetErika]

Are you planning on putting it in Letters & Transcripts?

Is the bulk of the story a re-published IM transcript?

Even if the spelling and everything looks pretty good, you'd still be wise to work with a Volunteer Editor, IMO. It's amazing how many mistakes and issues that decrease readability we don't catch ourselves as authors.

And, Seamus, I had to laugh at your comments about class; my hubby spent a year at Swansea, and was quite shocked and dismayed to find the teaching style and such so different there. Professors gave him horrible marks for not using "proper English spelling and grammar" and having the audacity to share independent thoughts in class and essays (both were fine by American standards, of course). Come over here, and you'll be shocked at what a breeze it is to interact with faculty most of the time.

 

[Seamus123]

Thank god for that! Most of my tutors are fine and totally open to new ideas and styles of writing. I have one tutor from California who is an absolute legend.

I just have one tutor who is very very rigid, and if you don't seem to conform to total realism within your stories, you're automatically a few marks down the scale. Which I think is tremendously close - minded of him.

 

[KokopelliRises]

Are you planning on putting it in Letters & Transcripts?

Is the bulk of the story a re-published IM transcript?

Even if the spelling and everything looks pretty good, you'd still be wise to work with a Volunteer Editor, IMO. It's amazing how many mistakes and issues that decrease readability we don't catch ourselves as authors.

Yes to the first question and it will be to the second. I haven't actually started writing it yet, I'm still in the putting my ideas together stage. I'm a spelling and grammar freak, but real issue is what needs to stay and what needs to go, content-wise.

Thanks for the suggestion about working with a volunteer editor. When I get to a stage that I've organized all my thoughts, I'll be sure to do just that.

 

[helix27]

Sounds interesting. Looking forward to it.

 

[KokopelliRises]

In case anybody is wondering...

The story that I was thinking about writing when I posted this is written and on Lit.

http://www.literotica.com/stories/showstory.php?id=298776

Take a peek at it. I decided to do a slightly different format than I was originally thinking about doing.