Should readers get permission to make podfic?

[jesse_the_k]

While I just argued that the act of podficcing adds "fannish value" to a work, I'm unsure that readers must obtain an OK from the writer to make a recording.

Since I'm a newbie, I did some research. While I don't think it's possible for a podfic to fundamentally change a source in the same way, I started with remixes, since there's the same "permission" issue there. It seems most remix challenges are based on a mutual remix: by participating in writing, each fan also permits their work to be remixed (with one "safe" work held inviolate).

The Fanlore Wiki told me:

 begin quote 
Though remixing in both fanfiction and vidding has become enormously popular, not all fans embrace the concept. [... snip ...] Though some fans feel any story is fair game for remixing, others believe that permission should be gained from the author first before using their work as a jumping-off point. Many fans feel it's hypocritical to reuse the original creations of the copyright holders in the canon while protesting that anyone should be allowed to remake their fanworks.
 quote ends 

Current metadata don't state whether the podfic's reader has the writer's permission. Would the absence, permission or refusal of writer's OK change how you'd choose or read podfics?

Comments

[juice]

Well, Ms Rosenblat's version was recorded a full ten years before the other (it's Blackstone, I checked to make sure). And honestly, anything she records would be superior to anyone else's version - she really is that good.

But to be honest, I hadn't put this much thought into the idea of rerecording, because, in my fandom at least, it's sort of understood that once someone records something, it's done and somehow theirs. It just seemed redundant to redo, especially as, as I said, I have limited time and so many I want to do. And then someone did another recording of one I had done without, as far as I can tell without asking her, saying anything to the author. And she didn't say anything to me either - not that she was obligated to do so, of course. I was both stunned and really hurt that she would consider my recording not good enough, and that reaction on my part reinforced my idea that rerecording is a bad idea. That's totally insecurity on my part - I'm not a prolific writer and don't do icons or graphics, but I podfic, and have been told I do it very well, so I feel like a one trick pony, if you will, and that's my trick, my way to contribute to fandom.

But I've been thinking over what you've said today, and I have to admit that yes, there are times when there is reason to rerecord. The reason I started podficcing in the first place was because someone recorded a story I adore and I cringed my way through the entire thing. The pacing was off, there were weird pauses for no reason in the middle of sentences, no expression in her voice - things like that. I soldiered through and when it ended I actually said out loud (I was alone in the room), "I can do better than that." I have frequently wanted to do my own version of that story, and have planned to do so even if I'm the only one who ever hears it, but again, there are so many other stories out there to do that it is a really low priority. And recently, there was another story I loved that was recorded by someone with an accent I find difficult to understand. In that case, I was actually upset that the story was "taken" but never considered doing my own version. And since I was so upset to run across (through sheer chance) that other recording of one I'd done, I am somewhat reluctant to risk hurting someone else's feelings. Then again, they may not care. If I ever did decide to do my own version, I can't imagine going ahead with it without talking to the person who already recorded it first.

This is why I rarely get involved in meta-type discussions. I tend to run on feeling and reaction and not delve too deeply into the reasons behind those feelings. I may have to think about this some more.

[anatsuno]

This was a really interesting discussion though; I hope you don't regret having it - I enjoyed it, and I'm glad to have gotten a better insight in your position. Happy thinking more, or not *g*, and happy recording! :)

[juice]

I'm definitely thinking more, and am polling people in my audio comm on LJ to get their thoughts as well, so thank you for the mind-opener. :)