OK well it certainly looks as though I won't be contacting authors - too many varying opinions I think. But anyone else is welcome to! I do still think that this is a case of one author copying the idea of another, but I appreciate that perhaps it's not enough to be described as plagiarism. I know if I wrote the original and read the other on some other site I would think they had just copied my idea...

Susan Beth - you're absolutely right that it does make a fascinating way to compare authors, and good and bad fanfic. Pat's characterisation (and writing and style) is perfect, and the other author's... is... not.

Jean -

I have a sentimental weakness for the Avon-Cally "romance that never was"

me too - having just been re-watching various episodes I could go on about 100 tiny moments which I'm sure are entirely coincidental! Perhaps I will indulge myself on my website.. However I've yet to find a fic which really appeals to me on the A-C theme (I'm not sure if this is because I haven't looked thoroughly enough yet! And I don't think I'll attempt to write my own..)

Sally -

from the website, the second writer has a thing for badly written Avon-Cally stories

I attempted to read a couple of the other ones and basically had to give up, it was sacriledge having two beloved characters speak such things!

I see there is an area for feedback on the ff.net site, perhaps it might be worth leaving a speculative comment about the story similarities?

Isobel

------------------------------------------ Dayna: Avon why do you keep everything to yourself? Why so secretive? Avon: Perhaps I'm shy.

------------------------------------------

_________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp