We need a Fan Fiction section - Writers Forum

shadowseer · 11-28-2006, 07:23 PM

I am a huge supporter of fanfiction. I think it's a great way to warm up the writing muscle.

There are several reasons I think this forum should have a Fan Fic section. I will first state why I think Fan Fiction is a legit form of writing, then why it would be beneficial to have it here on WF.

I. Why Fan Fic (FF) is a legitimate form of writing

A. Writing FF takes an extensive knowledge of the Fiction they are writing about
IN order to write fan fiction well, the writer needs an extensive knowledge of the story. Whereas when creating original fiction (OF) you control everything about your world. You create it, it's all under your control. When writing FF you are constrained by the limits of the world the original author created.
I like to believe that each writer created his own world. FF writers are just visiting the worlds created by another. I LOVE reading FF when it's done well.

B. They offer credit to the original authors
Authors of FF give credit to the authors. If they were claiming that all the work was theirs, then I'd have a problem. HOWEVER, it's called FAN fiction. They're fans of the fiction and they're extending the universe that's been created.

II. Why it would be beneficial to have a Fan Fic forum

A. It wouldn't hurt anyone
If you don't like FF, then don't post in that forum. Just leave it alone. Adding a FF forum could expand our demographics and maybe even help FF writers venture into other forms of writing.

B. It could expand our community
We're always lookin for ways to expand our WF community, right? This could bring in more writers who like FF. Then it could help those writers expand their skills and expose them to other writing.

C. Not allowing FF is hypocritical and arbitrary

What is the name of this forum?

Writing Forums.

Um...isn't fan fic...gee i dunno...WRITING?? For the moderaters to say "well, we can have poetry ,short stories, essays, etc., but NO FAN FIC" is not only hypocritical, it's unjust and and an arbitrary decision.

Now moderators. If you can give me a legitimate reason as to WHY we can't allow FF or have an FF forum, then maybe I"ll go hmm, well, ok. But if you say it's because one of you doesn't like fan fic or some other bullsh*t reason like that, I"ll continue to fight for this thing until you allow it or ban me.

-shadowseer

Bika · 11-28-2006, 07:37 PM

Perhaps a search for fanfic threads and requests for a new forum for fanfic would be better than another thread on it.

Summary, however:
The general consensus (and not necessarily mine) appears to be that fan fiction is a) not really writing and b) could potentially bring legal action against this site, causing it to close.

i.e. Fan fic forum is not gonna happen Period

Edit. Maybe it will. Fascinating.

pgoroncy · 11-28-2006, 07:50 PM

As Bika said there are numerous threads about this already. The reason it has always been rejected is because of the threat of legal action against WF. If a lawsuit were ever brought against the site you can be sure the site would close shortly after. The risk in other words is simply too great to justify making this a part of WF.

However we do have a thread devoted to posting links to sites that do accept fan fiction:
http://www.writingforums.com/showthread.php?t=43913

Pawn · 11-28-2006, 08:43 PM

To slip, if I may, briefly out of character, I must say that I believe this issue to be ready for a fresh look.

Myself, I am quite impartial. Certainly I do not consider Fan Fiction literature in the same sense as original work, but I do find the label 'improper writing' somewhat bizarre. I for one have no interest in any system of literary classification that is more exclusive than it is inclusive.

While my knowledge of copyright law is not extensive, it is far from entirely uninformed. We have, as some have noted, recently acquired a Published Poetry forum. This forum entails the direct quotation of authors, something which must at least be recognized to as holding parallels to the proposition here discussed. I am not in the least concerned that the site would ever be targeted by legal action as a result. Unless someone has a convincing argument for the legal problems inherent in a Fan Fiction forum, I must consider them null.

The second matter is of course demand. On that matter all I will say is that if you support this move, drop a post in, rally some support. If this is a truly popular suggestion then it should at very least receive the open reception we would give any other.

Aevin · 11-28-2006, 08:56 PM

I've supported the posting of fanfiction here for quite awhile, and I've generally been overruled. I know other sites host solely fanfiction, and haven't been targeted by legal action. Fanfiction.net has a list of people who don't want fics made of of their work. If we could acquire that list, and cite copyrights for other artists, I can't see legalities being a problem.

The only remaining question is whether there are enough writers to keep a separate section populated.

So ... Pawn, consider this at least one expression of support.

pgoroncy · 11-28-2006, 11:15 PM

Thanks guys, now I look like a jerk.

Anyway, I just popped back in to say that contrary to my previous post I wouldn't oppose having fan fiction on the forum. I think the legal fears are probably a bit overblown. I don't particularly like to read it, but if others do that's fine.

Mike C · 11-29-2006, 12:49 AM

Jesus, next we'll be opening a creche.

Ilan Bouchard · 11-29-2006, 12:58 AM

Bika · 11-29-2006, 01:20 AM

This place isn't a creche??

Ilan Bouchard · 11-29-2006, 01:39 AM

Bah to everything everywhere.

Aevin · 11-29-2006, 01:41 AM

Off Topic:

I had to look the word up. You mean the "day care center" definition? Well that sounds just lovely!

*goes to open voting thread*

Stewart · 11-29-2006, 03:13 AM

I would ask the administration team to reject the notion of a fan fiction area. It's a terrible idea and will fill with crappy tales about Lost, Buffy, and Harry Potter.

Aevin · 11-29-2006, 03:23 AM

I'm not exactly seeing an outpouring of support for the idea. We're certainly open to it, but so far it appears not enough members would use it. Of course, if it's in its own separate forum, those who don't like it can neatly avert their eyes and mice from that area. *shrug*

Anarkos · 11-29-2006, 04:05 AM

So long as I can post fan-fic about obscure German snuff films which I haven't and will not ever watch, then cool. In fact, if we have a fan fic forum, ever, I'm going to make some up and write fan-fic about them.

WF: Giving fish bicycles since 2006!

Bika · 11-29-2006, 11:18 PM

I'd like to see a fan fiction section.
Those who feel threatened by it do not have to view it, like all other forums on this board.