otw_news | Links roundup for 16 January 2012

Here's a roundup of stories on fannish modification of canon that might be of interest to fans:

Electricpig posted about the best gaming hacks created by fans, comparing them to "fan-fiction: painstakingly crafted alternate stories, features and transformations born out of sheer love for the source material. In some cases they breed entirely new games in themselves."

While the gaming hacks are presented as something that create more fan interest in the original content, one journalist wonders if fansubs really do create a larger market for anime. "[M]any are arguing that it’s fans like me that are killing the industry. Just the fact that we watch— and therefore support— fansubs is enough." She then questions how both the entertainment industries and the journalism industry she is a part of are actually resisting marketplace demand rather than finding a way to satisfy it. "Things aren’t perfect in journalism. It’s significantly less profitable than it used to be, and it’s a lot harder to get work as a reporter...Maybe this means I should be more sympathetic to the anime industry. But from my standpoint, I don’t see a dying industry; I see a changing one."

In the case of E.L. James' new novel it is fans who are questioning fan actions. "[A] number of readers commented that the series, Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James, began as Twilight fan fiction. Some of the commenters went so far as to say there could be copyright infringement issues, because of the connection." James' publisher denied both claims of infringement and any real similarity to Twilight. "Twilight and Fifty Shades Trilogy are worlds apart, new readers are totally surprised it was ever a Twilight fan fiction story."

If you write or read fan fiction whether about Twilight, games, or anime, why not contribute your fandom experience to Fanlore? Additions are welcome from all fans.

We want your suggestions! If you know of an essay, video, article, event, or link you think we should know about, comment on the most recent Links Roundup — on transformativeworks.org, LJ, or DW — or give @OTW_News a shoutout on Twitter. Links are welcome in all languages!

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