3 ms·
Sometimes, authors take their influence and create something greater (as Tolkien did with MacDonald), and sometimes the derivative work doesn't understand what
by jkingsbery 6y ago
Sometimes, authors take their influence and create something greater (as Tolkien did with MacDonald), and sometimes the derivative work doesn't understand what made the original great so falls flat.
Also, to say Tolkien re-arranged things is true as far as it goes, but look at how much he re-arranged: he used his knowledge of several languages to create several other languages; he used his knowledge of several myth systems; he used his own personal experience in war.
- dougmwne 6y agoYes, that seems like a harsh perspective. We are all rearranging preexisting symbols, information and experiences to create something new. If a program is made up of preexisting syntax, is it not really new? If a person is made up of preexisting atoms, are they not a new person? Is this comment derivative because it's a rearrangement of existing words? Would it help if I invented a new Florgunob or does using preexisting letters invalidate my creation? I don't intend to tear down the grandparent, but I thought their perspective was surprising and it brought up the philosophical meaning of newness and what constitutes creation for me.