A noncommercial fanfiction community
StoryBloom is currently operated as a free, noncommercial community for fanfiction readers and writers. The site does not charge users to read or publish fanworks. Noncommercial use can be relevant to fair use, but it does not automatically make every fanwork lawful; fair use depends on the circumstances of each use.
Writers are responsible for what they upload
Post only material you created, material you are authorized to distribute, or material you otherwise have a lawful basis to use. Do not present fanworks as official or endorsed by the underlying rights holder. StoryBloom does not determine in advance that every fanwork qualifies as fair use.
Plagiarism and StoryBloom reports
If another StoryBloom user copied your story or falsely claimed authorship, you may use the built-in report system. Include the StoryBloom URL, the original source when available, relevant dates, and a concise explanation.
DMCA notices
A copyright owner or authorized agent who believes material hosted on StoryBloom infringes copyright may submit a notice containing the information required by applicable law, including identification of the copyrighted work, identification and location of the allegedly infringing material, contact information, a good-faith statement, an accuracy/authority statement made under penalty of perjury, and a physical or electronic signature.
The StoryBloom operator has not yet configured public designated-agent details in this deployment. Before relying on U.S. DMCA section 512(c) safe-harbor procedures for a public hosting service, the operator should designate an agent, publish the required contact information here, and register the same designation with the U.S. Copyright Office.
What StoryBloom may do after receiving a notice
StoryBloom may review the notice, request missing information, remove or disable access to identified material when appropriate, notify the affected account holder, preserve relevant records, and apply its repeat-infringer policy.
Counter-notices
Where applicable, a user whose material was removed may submit a legally sufficient counter-notice. A counter-notice can have legal consequences, so users should understand the required statements and consider obtaining legal advice before submitting one.
Repeat infringement
StoryBloom may terminate accounts in appropriate circumstances when a user repeatedly infringes copyright. Copyright complaints and plagiarism reports are evaluated based on the information available and applicable law.
False or abusive notices
Do not knowingly submit false copyright claims, fraudulent notices, or copyright reports as a tool for harassment. Misrepresentations in formal copyright notices or counter-notices may carry legal consequences.
Operator checklist before public launch
The U.S. Copyright Office requires service providers seeking certain section 512 safe-harbor protections to make designated-agent information publicly available and register it electronically with the Copyright Office. The designation must be kept current and periodically renewed. The StoryBloom operator is responsible for completing those steps outside the application.
Not legal advice: This page is an operational workflow draft and should be reviewed by qualified counsel before a large public launch.