I KNEW one of the “risks” of putting all of my work online was that people could do things with it without my consent. And lo and behold, I found a college class in the Philippines that produced it for a class. Not only did they take my script, BUT they changed a character, added music, and added an ending monologue. AM I MAD OR UPSET?!?!
Nope. Not in the least. Actually, I’m thrilled about it. the reason I put my work in the world was to give peeps the opp to do something like this for them. Now, would it be cool if someone from the school asked if they could use it? Of course! And the people that I’ve worked with know that I’m that writer who’ll 97% of the time give permission to change things. But I totes understand. Maybe they’d be scared if I said No and couldn’t do it. Come to think about it. I have pulled a production from being done because of that so I DO have a modicum of integrity when it comes to my work. But maybe because of my health scare a couple of years ago, my perspective has grown and attitudes have changed.
If anything, I’m honored when anyone takes the time to 1) find my work and 2) get a group of people to actually PRODUCE something TOGETHER! Plus, this was for a school project. NOW… if peeps were getting paid because of my work… SHIIIIII…..! Time to lawyer up!
I think I always go back to the intention of why I put up my work on my site in the first place, what can I leave behind when I leave this place? Is my ego that big to be upset in the afterlife? Grateful for the opportunity to share a piece of me with anyone who took the time to read, listen, and play. I’d rather be pleasantly surprised about this than to hold onto anger or the need to be always right. That stuff is so exhausting. I can understand that in some peeps and frankly, having that rebellious attitude is sometimes the only way things get changed! But for me and at this place in my time, it isn’t for me.
So, if you’re from the College of Education from Jose Maria College in Davao City, Philippines and you had something to do with this video, MARAMING SALAMAT for being a part of THE FAMILY FRUCTUOSO! I am truly grateful for you, your time, and work you put into this. Thank you.