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I have been somewhat less-than-enlightened as to how copyright works on this site, and it's made worse by the fact that I have a serious question to which I need an answer. 

I'm writing a storygame - I know that if it's on the site, the site's owner legally owns it, even if he doesn't consider it his or won't do anything with it. I'm fine with this. I want the storygame to be on the site for all to enjoy - as long as other people like it, I'm happy.

However, there's been a thought rattling around in my head about the possibility of it becoming popular, since I'm short of money and always thinking about these sorts of things. If enough people liked it, would I be legally allowed to produce merchandise based on it, and sell it online? (nothing major, just little stuff like prints and maybe craft items) And if I weren't, would I be able to somehow obtain copyright of the story and turn it into something else, like a visual novel?

Just feeling kind of frustrated here, since I haven't been able to obtain a satisfactory answer to this question.

Want the blunt honest truth? There's only about a 0.000001% chance you produce anything that someone is going to want merchandise from. If that's your only concern, stop worrying and start writing.

I know, but I'd like to know this now. So that if I go broke, I may or may not have a hobby to rely on for potential cash.

Also, note that I also mentioned the possibility of turning the story into something else later. I always want to keep this in mind when copyright is involved, because you never know...

There are far more profitable hobbies you could turn to in your hour of need. Essentially, you're saying that you can write so well, that people will happily fork over some of their sweat, some of their life for your idle musings.

Good luck with that.

Well I'm very sorry if I gave off that impression - it was not my intention. I merely had a question that I would very much like answered, please, and if you could skip pointing out how I'm such an arrogant jackass, that would be very much appreciated.

I believe you've been answered a few times, in this and the previous threads. If you want a more detailed answer, because you didn't like the previous ones and want to shake the magic 8 ball until it gives you one you like, I'll direct you to three resources.

Google

Wikipedia

Your local library.

They're there to help you.

My only complaint about the previous answers I was given was that they weren't in enough detail - I'm unfamiliar with the particular copyright laws concerned with this site, and want to know more. 

(you're still pointing out what an asshole I apparently am, but whatever...)

You know what, I've been having a really good day today, and I'd rather not ruin it with a forum argument - which I can see this is heading into. Can we just agree that I was being kind of full of myself by assuming it even might become that popular, and move on? Friends?

It's worth noting that copy write stuff only gets enforced if caught.

So unless alex finds out you're selling theses things AND somehow decides he deserves the profits, AND decides he deserves them so much he'll try and take legal action, nothing will happen.

So as long as I told him my intentions, it would all be fine?

Well, no that wouldn't matter lol. What matters is what he thinks about it. It'd range from him not caring, to him asking you to stop, to him demanding the money earned from it.

Based off of what I know of him, he shouldn't care, and if he does I don't think he'd do anything more than ask you to stop. If you want to earn money though there are plenty of sites you could post your story on to do so.

Okay - thank you so much. This has been on my mind a while. Now I can just focus on writing it.

Email alexp for more information. Us as members of the site can only tell you so much before directing you towards him. Do you have his email (also, can I give it out? Opinions?)

No I don't have his email, but it would be much appreciated if I could ask him. Maybe you could contact him to ask if it's okay for you to give out his email? 

Thank you for answering me, by the way. I'm very relieved.

Welp, I just saved writing a post by reading this xD

I hope Writing A Post is okay after that near miss

I don't know, his hair is trying to get away from him. Just look up Funny Trump

Dude I think you can probably rest safe in the knowledge that no one is ever, ever going to be trying to sell merchandise based on whatever wolves with swords fetish fic you're cooking up.

I say if Power Rangers can launch a franchise off whatever crazy fetish that started as, wolves and swords (or wolves with swords) can't risk the Big Man seizing their rights. You know, just in case. Just in that slim, slim case.

I did hear once that to be successful in any endeavor, one must always have an inflated sense of self-worth. :b

I'm going from memory here but I believe this was asked a few years ago, near when I started on the site.

I believe the response was that your writing is your own so if you became a successful author or webcomics producer the profits would be yours. I also think this as at any time you can remove a story from the site.