Is anything original anymore?

JessJackdaw 2017-09-13 23:20:12 UTC #21

I'm fairly certain if something was 100% original, humanity would be afraid of it and probably want to destroy it.

We like things that are familiar. If we can relate to it, we feel at ease. We like adventures but within the scope of the human condition. Anything too far gone might feel distant like a psychedelic experience, and potentially scary.

But yeah, everyone's got their own flavor of experiences to make the old stories we like interesting again. Don't beat yourself up over what's original or not. Humans just like taking innovation in baby steps. Its just how we roll.

indagold 2017-09-13 23:53:43 UTC #22

Original means it's distinct enough to be recognized as it's own independent piece of work even if it borrows from pre existing genres or tropes. So unless you're flat out stealing something your work is technically original in it's creation.

Then again we had a court declare this as an original IP so ummm...

NickRowler 2017-09-14 02:52:54 UTC #23

You can try your hardest to make your work avant-garde but at the end of the day, readers will tend to be drawn to things they find "familiar". Familiar aspects helps create genres and sub-genres.

However, there are some issues with some genres. Like when it comes to "monster collecting" stories. Because Pokemon is so popular, any other work that tries to be part of the same genre is seen as a ripoff.

I guess that is something you need to think about. Being inspired by another work and creating your own but having it be different enough that it will not be seen as a ripoff.

XzynderVexymous 2017-09-14 14:21:33 UTC #24

Yes and No. This convo goes on for too long.

Bosque 2017-09-15 05:46:03 UTC #25

Inspiration comes from everything and everyone, but we all are different, it's this the cause that I believe we all can be original in a certain way.

9outofPen 2017-09-15 15:46:27 UTC #26

Sure, I don't think there's any such thing as totally "original." No man is an island, so whether its other media or personal experiences, everyone is influenced by something. And that's not a bad thing. It's how we get genres.

I think what makes it stale vs. original depends on your intention. If you're purposely trying to imitate something, it will show, but if you're saying something from the heart that you care about, that will show too. I agree with @nobebocafe what matters is your voice.

shaylafarley5 2017-09-15 16:23:41 UTC #27

Yep, with out that creative spark from other creators my comics/stories would have never been wrtitten