Fan Fiction Section - Writers Forum

imrhati · 09-19-2006, 04:15 PM

i know fan fiction is a subject that tends to cuase many rants but bear with me. I think that adding a specific section for posting fan fiction would be beneficial to this site. Lots of people like to write fan fiction from time to time. Of course not everyone does, so those people can simply not go in that section.

Fan fiction is not true writing, but it is a good starter for people who are nto readt to completely build a world. i personally write it just for fun. One of the first things i was tuaght when i came here was that you shouldn't write to make money, you should write to have fun.

Lets hear peoples opinions, would you like to see a fan fiction section, or if not why? (i don't like fan ficiton isn;t a reason, just don't go to the section if you don;t like it).

NOTE: lets make this a positive debate please, just becuase you don't agree with someone is no excuse to call them an idiot.

Ilan Bouchard · 09-19-2006, 04:32 PM

Debates aside, I don't think there is enough demand on WF for a fan fic section.

Aevin · 09-19-2006, 05:02 PM

I personally would love to see a fanfiction section, but the issue has been raised before, and I've been overwhelmingly overruled. The people with the power to make the decision have already made it, it seems.

lisajane · 09-19-2006, 05:16 PM

There is demand, but no.

Selorian · 09-19-2006, 05:21 PM

The problem with fanfiction is that you're essentially infringing on the copyright of others. That opens not only you, but WF as well, up for possible legal action being taken. That risk is not something worth taking to satisfy the desires of a small handful of people. One lawsuit could end WF for everyone.

imrhati · 09-19-2006, 09:11 PM

Selorian you make a good point. I am not a legal expert, but i think that if you put in a disclaimer saying that any copyright infringements are the responsibilty of the writer and not the site. or somehting to that effect.

I understand where you are coming from though, and i would much rather live without a fan fiction section than a WF get sued.

Selorian · 09-19-2006, 09:48 PM

I agree, but if you provide a section specifically for work that is known to infringe on the copyright of another, I'm not too sure at how well a disclaimer would hold up in court. I'm no legal expert either, but that is how I see it. That would seem to be the promoting of posting of such work, wouldn't it?

Aevin · 09-19-2006, 09:56 PM

Still ... Places such as fanfiction.net and hundreds of individual fansites for games, movies, tv shows and other things have large collections of fanfiction and never get into any legal trouble. It seems unlikely WF would be sued, while such huge resources as fanfiction.net are untouched.

All the same ... It's clearly unwelcome here, not just by the admin, but the majority of the members. Though I find the "fanfiction isn't real writing" argument hollow, I think it would please a select few and offend many if it were allowed.

Mathazzar · 09-19-2006, 10:00 PM

I have what could be considered a fanfic posted here under the Fiction section, it's called Castlevania - The Darkest Sin.

I posted it hoping people would at least try reading it without judging it by the fact that it was based on a game (loosely).

Anyway, turns out it's not appropriate for this site so it'll probably be removed. I just find it a bit strange because there is some really good fanfiction out there and it seems a little unfair to discriminate against it.

Selorian · 09-19-2006, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dark Aevin

Still ... Places such as fanfiction.net and hundreds of individual fansites for games, movies, tv shows and other things have large collections of fanfiction and never get into any legal trouble. It seems unlikely WF would be sued, while such huge resources as fanfiction.net are untouched.

We actually don't know if they ever get into legal trouble. Also, how many sites thought it was ok to share music before the music industry and the courts decided to turn on them.

There is places for it, it just doesn't seem WF is one of them.

Selorian · 09-19-2006, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mathazzar

I have what could be considered a fanfic posted here under the Fiction section, it's called Castlevania - The Darkest Sin.

I posted it hoping people would at least try reading it without judging it by the fact that it was based on a game (loosely).

Anyway, turns out it's not appropriate for this site so it'll probably be removed. I just find it a bit strange because there is some really good fanfiction out there and it seems a little unfair to discriminate against it.

Your post is only a link to a story stored off-site. Those are fine, even if it is fanfiction.

My argument is for the legal reasons only. I have actually read many fanfics that I enjoyed a great deal.

Mathazzar · 09-19-2006, 10:14 PM

ah ok, my mistake; sorry

Aevin · 09-19-2006, 10:20 PM

Mathazzar,

Until someone says differently, I think the way you've linked to it is the perfect way of getting around the problem. How can WF get into trouble when the work isn't actually on the site?

I've left you a little comment. Your writing's good; please don't be discouraged by the rules here. WF really does offer a lot, even if fanfiction isn't allowed.

imrhati · 09-20-2006, 11:06 AM

Mathazar might be on to something, so it is no problem if the post is a link to another site?

Selorian · 09-20-2006, 01:45 PM

We've always allowed links to writing stored off-site. The only drawback is they seem not to get as many comments as work posted here at WF. It is a acceptable way around the fanfiction rule.