Similar to this topic.

Is it okay to pick up a series if the group "currently scanlating" hasn't released a chapter for over a year?

Does whether or not they are an active group change things?

What if you contact them and they don't reply back (because they're inactive)?

So yeah... I want to know opinions and more about scanlation ethics, but I also have a project in mind...

Thanks in advance!! (^-^)

Last edited by Dahlia1112 at 8:56 pm, Jan 3 2015

The rule many groups respect is to wait 6 months of no releases of that series before you can ask the group if they would be willing to give the project to you. This is if the group is active. Don't just take the project if the group is still active without asking! If an active group does not reply, I still wouldn't just take the project. There could be many reasons for a lack of response.

If they announce that they are defunct/inactive, that means you're good to claim that project, but should make other groups aware. A lot of groups claim project, whether previously another group's or entirely new, and announce having done so before releasing any chapters (sometimes because they're waiting for quality raws or intend to release multiple chapters at once). If the group is on hiatus and they refuse to respond to any requests, it becomes more of an issue.

Each group and each scanlator tends to have their own views and may be a bit different in terms of how long they wait, but the six month rule is what I come across most often, as well as the one the group I belong to adheres to.

Thank you so much for your super informative detailed answer!!


Just one question... What if they don't announce they are inactive, but are listed as inactive on BU (for not releasing within 6 months), and their website hasn't been updated for over a year as well?
But does keeping their website open mean they are planning to resume someday?
Thanks!!