ext_2815 ([identity profile] cirrussundog.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] otw_news 2008-01-07 11:24 pm (UTC)

"You owe the writers respect for creating an ORIGINAL (TM) world!"

Without going into a long yadda-yadda, all writers are influenced by other writers, so no world is entirely ORIGINAL (TM). And I do respect writers for the particular versions of classic tropes they create. In fact, I often show my respect and passion for their work by writing fanfiction.

"You're acting like spoiled children!"

Am I? Did I make a silly face, stomp my foot, and say "Read MY way or the HIGHWAY"? If I had, I would apologize. Of course, none of that has anything to do with my writing fanfiction, which I try to do with an adult's effort and care.

"Bad fan stories will make people not want to buy a writer's work!"

First, most people don't even read fanfiction unless they've already encountered the original work, giving them a chance to form their own opinion. Second, there's a lot of good fan stories - or ones their readers think are good - out there. Wouldn't that make people want to buy the writer's work? Third, bad fic writers are often fierce fans, buying (or watching) the original work and encouraging others to do so as well. Fourth, there's this little thing called the back button that works well when reading bad stories online. I wish there was a button that gave me my money back for bad tie-in novels.

"You're raping me!"

Unless I'm under some strange mind control, no I'm not. If what actually happened is that I hurt your feelings by writing fanfiction, that's a pity. Really. But I still don't think such writing is wrong nor do many other folks.

"It's trademark infringement!"

I'm no lawyer, but I was under the impression that my original work was under copyright, not trademark. So I think I'll wait for someone with a bit more legal knowledge to talk over this part of the question with me, thanks.

***

Wow, fighting paper tigers is hard work. I think I got a papercut on number four, there! *g*

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