I really don't get it. A lot of the serial spin-off series novels (X-Files, Doctor Who, Star Wars, Star Trek) are basically fan fiction. It's where many people get their starts. Hell, the strength of someone's fanfic alone has been enough to land them a legit writing job.
I can see an author asking people not to write fanfic based on their creations, and I even respect that. I don't write Vampire Chronicals fanfic, or Pern fanfic. Most fanfic I've written or been involved with has been based on television shows, in any case. Harry Potter is the one current exception.
I believe I'd find it flattering if there were people interested (or obsessed) enough with my creation to write fanfic based on it. But I'm also very jaded, and inured to the drivel and madness that fandom cranks out each day. I think I'd be more bummed out because I wouldn't be able to participate or read in my own self-created fandom out of fear that I would be accused of plagiarising my own intellectual property. And I'd probably hate how my characters would be portrayed half the time, but I'd never forget where I got my own start. I've been writing fanfiction since grade school, before I even knew what fanfiction was.
It's really a touchy subject. I hope, above all else, that fandom demonstrates a deep love and appreciation for the original creation. That's how I approach it, anyway. I'm interested in hearing how you feel about the subject.
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I can see an author asking people not to write fanfic based on their creations, and I even respect that. I don't write Vampire Chronicals fanfic, or Pern fanfic. Most fanfic I've written or been involved with has been based on television shows, in any case. Harry Potter is the one current exception.
I believe I'd find it flattering if there were people interested (or obsessed) enough with my creation to write fanfic based on it. But I'm also very jaded, and inured to the drivel and madness that fandom cranks out each day. I think I'd be more bummed out because I wouldn't be able to participate or read in my own self-created fandom out of fear that I would be accused of plagiarising my own intellectual property. And I'd probably hate how my characters would be portrayed half the time, but I'd never forget where I got my own start. I've been writing fanfiction since grade school, before I even knew what fanfiction was.
It's really a touchy subject. I hope, above all else, that fandom demonstrates a deep love and appreciation for the original creation. That's how I approach it, anyway. I'm interested in hearing how you feel about the subject.