Fan Fiction: Against

[rolanni]

Robin Hobb has posted a cogent rant here. Link from pegkerr

I know that some folks on my friends list write fan fic, and may thus not agree with Robin's points. If you feel compelled to disagree with them here, please be polite and rational. Posts deemed impolite, irrational, or both, by Eagles Over the Kennebec Management will be deleted.

In the service of Full Disclosure and Fair Warning, I do agree with Robin's points. Scott Lynch (link also from pegkerr) does not.

Comments

[janni.livejournal.com]

I agree with her on the "copyright has nothing to do with whether you make money off the fic argument."

The rest ... I'm surprised to find I disagree, mostly. People begin learning to write from a lot of different directions. I think fanfic can be one of them.

I mean, making cakes from mixes can be the first step to becoming a professional chef, too. You just can't continue making cakes from mixes; if that's your goal, eventually you have to move on.

[janni.livejournal.com]

if that's your goal, eventually you have to move on.

"that" being "to become a professional chef."

[rolanni.livejournal.com]

"that" being "to become a professional chef."

Got it *g*

[rolanni.livejournal.com]

People begin learning to write from a lot of different directions. I think fanfic can be one of them.

I agree that there are many ways to learn to write -- and I even agree that writing in the style of an author you admire may be one of those things.

Where I start to get bent out of shape is when that work is published (which means, posting it on a website, printing it in a fanzine and the ever-popular etc.).

[janni.livejournal.com]

I feel ... mixed about publishing fanfiction online. My understanding is that it's a muddy area, legally, and I don't think we've really worked it out yet, though I also think it only makes sense to respect the author's wishes until we do. And probably after, too.

The problem with the online world--and this doesn't affect the legality--is that it feels like you're quietly sharing with a few friends, when really you're shouting to the whole wide world, or that portion of the wide world that goes looking.