JK Rowling faces (another) Plagiarism suit

[srmom]

I think "originality" is something of a red herring here. There are precious few books (or movies), I think, that can claim to be truly "original." (Depending on whom you read, there are only between 7 and 20 basic plots out there.)

Exactly.

If this case wins though - I would encourage the heirs of the writers of "Dark Shadows" (anybody remember that? Barnabas Collins and crew ) to sue the Twilight writer Stephanie Meyer. And while they're at it - Charlene Harris, the writer of the "True Blood" books (and HBO). Because, clearly they came up with the Vampires living among us concept first (oh wait, Bram Stoker's heirs might have first dibs).

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by srmom

If this case wins though - I would encourage the heirs of the writers of "Dark Shadows" (anybody remember that? Barnabas Collins and crew ) to sue the Twilight writer Stephanie Meyer.

So funny you mention that. We were playing Table Talk with the kids at supper a few nights ago. The card my son pulled described how The Guiding Light was the longest running TV show (heh) and why soap operas came to be called soap operas. The question for everyone to answer was: If you created a soap opera, what would it be about?

Son, thinking he was being oh-so-funny and original (see -- still on topic), said it would be about "vampires and other undead."

"Been done already," I laughed. Then I filled him in on Barnabas Collins and crew.

[PM_Mama00]

Originally Posted by Low C Sharp

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Worst_Witch

I read this series back in the 80s. A boarding school for witches, surrounding a heroine and her two close friends, a snotty aristocratic enemy from a prominent magical family, Potions class, etc.

If I'd written the series, I probably would have at least tried suing JK for giggles...but I suppose she's already pretty rich. And I'm a pretty big HP fan.

I remember that movie. I think Fairuza Balk was in it?

eta: yes she was! http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092239/