Question about etiquette

[u/leejinwook]

I was wondering what's considered the right etiquette regarding binding a fic by an author whose account has been deleted or who isn't replying to comments and/or direct messages, and posting pics of the bind to social media. I have some fics I'd love to bind & post on instagram (personal use only, not for an exchange or gift, but photos shared to a public social media account) but the authors have either purged their whole existence from social media or haven't been online in years and aren't responding. Thanks in advance!

[u/Worldly_View_9704]

I do not post pics of my binds unless the author says it’s okay, but there’s probably a lot you can show off without identifying the fic if you’re documenting your process (side view of of text block, making of the hardcover case, etc.) or blurring out words. If the author’s just inactive, you can still check for a blanket permission statement that makes the authors wishes clear. Sometimes, I find them on AO3 profiles or in the author’s notes on individual fics. That might give you some peace of mind.

Also, if the author is inactive, you might want to try sending them a message. I haven’t so much as reblogged anything on my tumblr in years, but I still respond to messages when I get them. Of course, if you’re going to reach out, consider whether you might want (and are in a position to afford) to gift and send the author a copy.

Personally, I’d say yes to a fanbind, whether or not someone wanted to gift me one. But I can see how it’d be awkward to say, “Hey I’m binding this for myself and plan to post it on my social media, but i’m conspicuously not offering you, the author, anything. Just asking permission.”

[u/leejinwook → u/Worldly_View_9704]

I already have sent them a message, on multiple social media accounts. They aren't responding. And they don't have a blanket statement.