Recently, I spotted my prompt in a published story

I shared a sci-fi prompt about time loops on a writing site. A few weeks later, I saw it used in a short story collection for sale. The author didn't ask or credit me, so I had to reach out. Take this as a warning to keep track of where you post your ideas.

4 comments

4 Comments

ninaowens3mo ago

At least your ideas are worth stealing. Mine would just confuse people.

spencer_coleman3mo ago

Ever think confusing ideas might actually be valuable? I once watched a friend pitch a business concept so poorly that everyone tuned out, but the core idea was solid. He later sold it for a decent chunk because someone saw past the messy presentation. That always stuck with me-clarity is overrated. Real innovation often looks like nonsense at first.

grays132mo ago

My uncle's old screenplay got stolen because he registered it too late.

the_wyatt3mo ago

Look at how common that prompt really is though. Time loop stories are EVERYWHERE in sci-fi. The basic idea of someone reliving the same day isn't something one person can own. Unless they copied your exact words and structure, it might just be a coincidence. The real WORK is writing the full story, not just having the spark.