Original Fiction vs Fanfiction.

leaf's a buzzard:

Exactly.

And since nothing can be written without causing a reaction nothing should be written?

leaf's a buzzard:

You're making the assumption that I was only referring to blaming fiction for the negative things we do. That's not true at all. We all get inspired by works of fiction. Whether it be a book, a tv show, a movie, even a song.... after reading/watching/hearing it you walk away a changed person because of it.

No, actually I said "work of fiction" which includes, but isn't limited to, writing. I brought up fictional writing as it was previously discussed. But of course it extends to all forms, but I was probably too vague and didn't’t really get that across.

leaf's a buzzard:

The point I was making with that is that if we are inspired to do something like murder, or rape, we'll blame it on a work of fiction. These negative things are taboos in our society. If someone sees that same taboo in a work of fiction, they'll call out the work of fiction as if it was a person. Why? Because just as every other work of fiction, it has the ability to inspire people.

Yes, some will blame it on work of fiction, though I don't agree with your usage of "we" because it's a vast generalization, it's simply not valid to state that everyone would act the same when nothing proves it. Is it really a given fact that the reader will call out on the taboo in the written work?

leaf's a buzzard:

That would be a very extreme response, and not one that I agree with, but given the problem before it that is what some people would say. I'm only taking a look at this dilemma and playing a bit of devil's advocate. The very idea that I would be pro-censorship, after what I endured a few months ago is one of the silliest things I've heard in a very long time.

I have no idea what you might have been through that would make the idea that you would be pro-censorship the silliest thing you’ve heard in a long time. I can only discuss it given the logic presented in your post. Also, I said it seemed that way from how you presented it, not that it was a fact that that was indeed what you advocated for. if you are playing a bit of devil's advocate perhaps you would want to be more nuanced in getting that across because, at least to me, it did seem like you would argue censorship rather than illustrating the dilemma.

leaf's a buzzard:

You just answered your own question. Nothing can be done. I don't see how there can be a solution if nothing can be done..

I know that sentence was a bit vague and thus rephrased it to ” You stated nothing can be done about that some can get ideas which they turn into actions from reading something and I agree with you.” So what I mean is nothing can be done about the effect writing, for example, has on people. That can’t be changed and since it can’t be changed you’d "solve" that by having no form of writing at all, or at least have it very restricted. It's not a real solution but it was what it seemed you would recommend, for lack of a better word. However, after this post you made it seems like you’d just leave it at that some will write what they want to write and everyone has the potential to read it and respond and some will get ideas which they turn to actions and that nothing can or should be done about it?

leaf's a buzzard:

It's not a problem that can be solved, though. I don't think it should matter if it's sensitive, like you said, it's fiction. The problem is us. We won't let go of those associations, we will act on them, and we'll blame the works of fiction for making us do so.

Just because someone is too far gone to make their own decisions doesn't mean the work is accountable; it just means that person needs mental help because they're clearly crazy.

What's in a name?:

And since nothing can be written without causing a reaction nothing should be written?

Now you're getting to the heart of my point: there is none.

What's in a name?:

Yes, some will blame it on work of fiction, though I don't agree with your usage of "we" because it's a vast generalization, it's simply not valid to state that everyone would act the same when nothing proves it. Is it really a given fact that the reader will call out on the taboo in the written work?

It's a vast generalization beause "we" all expose ourselves to works of fiction. We don't all act the same, that's ridicuolous, but we all read/watch/listen to fiction. We don't expose ourselves to exactly the same works, and we all take away something different from those works, so we do indeed act differntly.

And that depends on the taboo. Non-heterosexual relationships are a taboo to some, but not to others.

What's in a name?:

I have no idea what you might have been through that would make the idea that you would be pro-censorship the silliest thing you’ve heard in a long time. I can only discuss it given the logic presented in your post. Also, I said it seemed that way from how you presented it, not that it was a fact that that was indeed what you advocated for. if you are playing a bit of devil's advocate perhaps you would want to be more nuanced in getting that across because, at least to me, it did seem like you would argue censorship rather than illustrating the dilemma.

The only point I've been advocated is playing the extreme in everyone's mind: the reasoning in which we chose to censor certain topics can also be applied to censor all topics.

It was just a stray thought. I'm not committing to any kind of solution or an answer to the dilemma.

What's in a name?:

I know that sentence was a bit vague and thus rephrased it to ” You stated nothing can be done about that some can get ideas which they turn into actions from reading something and I agree with you.” So what I mean is nothing can be done about the effect writing, for example, has on people. That can’t be changed and since it can’t be changed you’d "solve" that by having no form of writing at all, or at least have it very restricted. It's not a real solution but it was what it seemed you would recommend, for lack of a better word.

No, I wouldn't "solve" it at all. Where have I said I would solve this problem that I'm pointing out?

You're... literally putting words in my mouth. I'm playing with the situation, you're telling me I have to provide a way to fix it if I wish to discuss it?

the same dru.:

Just because someone is too far gone to make their own decisions doesn't mean the work is accountable; it just means that person needs mental help because they're clearly crazy.

If there is a solution, that would be it. Blame not the work of fiction, but the person who's acting wrongly. The problem with that, though, is that it tends to elevate the writer from any form of harm. What if the writer was the one that was mentally insane, rather than the reader?

What's in a name?:

However, after this post you made it seems like you’d just leave it at that some will write what they want to write and everyone has the potential to read it and respond and some will get ideas which they turn to actions and that nothing can or should be done about it?

Yes. That's exactly what I'm getting at.

leaf's a buzzard:

It's a vast generalization because "we" all expose ourselves to works of fiction. We don't all act the same, that's ridiculous, but we all read/watch/listen to fiction. We don't expose ourselves to exactly the same works, and we all take away something different from those works, so we do indeed act differently.

And that depends on the taboo. Non-heterosexual relationships are a taboo to some, but not to others.

Yes, I can agree that it’s most likely that everyone has been exposed to some form of fictional work. Of course it’s ridiculous to say everyone would act the same, yet that was what you seemed to be saying based on how you put it previously. And you’re perfectly right that it depends on the taboo, I absolutely agree with you there. This was, however, not the way it would seem from your earlier posts, that is all.

leaf's a buzzard:

The only point I've been advocated is playing the extreme in everyone's mind: the reasoning in which we chose to censor certain topics can also be applied to censor all topics.

It was just a stray thought. I'm not committing to any kind of solution or an answer to the dilemma.

Now I know that but you didn't’t get that message across earlier in your posts – at least not from my point of view.

leaf's a buzzard:

No, I wouldn't "solve" it at all. Where have I said I would solve this problem that I'm pointing out?

You're... literally putting words in my mouth. I'm playing with the situation, you're telling me I have to provide a way to fix it if I wish to discuss it?

They way you put your previous arguments seemed to suggest it, I didn't’t say (or at least I wasn't aiming at saying that) you actually meant it that way or had that point of view, I stated that it would seem, based on your arguments, that you meant it like that. I simply wanted you to clarify.

No, you don’t have to provide a solution. It was the way you phrased it all and the way you argued it which, to me, made it seem as if though you were talking about a solution of sorts rather than simply presenting the dilemma and the arguments for and against each sides of it.

I do apologize if you got the feeling I was trying to put words in your mouth, I was simply stating the way I perceived what you were saying.

leaf's a buzzard:

Yes. That's exactly what I'm getting at.

Alright, then we agree on this particular point.

I didn't realise this would become a philosophical debate. I write fanfiction because it's what I'm passionate about. I'm passionate about Simple Plan and A7X, therefore my stories revolve around them.

I see nothing wrong with writing taboo topics into fanfiction using real people, because I mean no offence. It's not meant to reflect reality, it's meant to reflect what I'm intrigued by. As long as such topics are written realistically and sensitively I see no problem.

^...topics tend to go that way when I'm involved. xD

Nothing wrong with what you're passionate about.

^You don't say? xD
And I do have a tendency to write the longest responses and pick everything apart and write line after line about every little thing. x]

The Pies Endure:

I didn't realize this would become a philosophical debate. I write fanfiction because it's what I'm passionate about. I'm passionate about Simple Plan and A7X, therefore my stories revolve around them.

I see nothing wrong with writing taboo topics into fanfiction using real people, because I mean no offence. It's not meant to reflect reality, it's meant to reflect what I'm intrigued by. As long as such topics are written realistically and sensitively I see no problem.

I tend to turn most things into philosopical debates. Especially those, like fan fiction, that falls into the category of moral. The arguments for or against its existence all come down to moral since there is liberty of the press on one hand and people's feelings to consider on the other hand. Freedom of the press is regulated by law (breach of the press law) and calumny is punishable. But apart from the regulation by law everyone only have their own moral to go by. (If a written work hasn't been published, and thus is not included by the law of freedom of press, it still falls under the law of freedom of speech which regulates texts that only are accessible through technology and breach of that law is partly regulated through freedom of the press and breach of the press law.)

I, personally, don't have a problem with fan fiction if it's written sensitively and without the intent of, somehow, solely profiting off of the fame of the person the character/character are modeled on, through writing that can be considered hurtful or slanderous, without regard for that it may hurt or upset. I do, however, understand that other's may have a problem with it since what I consider to be morally acceptable isn't something everyone else necessarily agrees with. But I mean, if it should always be taken into consideration how everyone may interpret something and be upset or hurt by it nothing could be voiced. So there you have it, I suppose. Unsolvable dilemma.

And here I go again with my long responses. x] All in all; I don't mean to dictate what anyone here can or cannot write so I'm sorry if you took it that way. It's great if you write what you're passionate about, I think that's a good reason to write anything, really.

I understand where you're coming from, but I think the simplest solution is for people to just not read it. I know saying that may sound flippant, but really, no one is forcing them to read it. If it makes them uncomfortable there are plenty of stories out there that are not fanfiction about real people.

I don't think a person's discomfit should give them the right to say 'you shouldn't write that because I think it's morally wrong'. There are plenty of other stories out there.

This is just people in general not either of you, by the way :).

^Well, "don't like, don't look" isn't really a solution, it's just a way of trying to get around the dilemma. But I agree with the feeling.

You know, I agree with you that what someone else thinks is morally wrong shouldn't dictate what can or can't be written. Like I've been saying, freedom of speech and freedom of press says I can write almost anything I feel like. Will I take into consideration it may upset someone? Yes. Will I refrain from writing it/making it public? No. It's impossible to make sure no one is offended so I'm not even going to try. If i have something I believe is worthwhile I am going to share it. Should I be more considerate or should those who disagree be more tolerate? Who decides and why?

But I really do think I've gone way off topic for way too long now so maybe I should just leave it at that! xD

I've just noticed that these days I've found myself having more inspiration for my fanfic stories. I have no idea why, I just feel like I'm enjoying them more. I mean, a couple of years ago I wasn't really into fanfiction. Even a few months ago I preferred writing drabbles just from my own imagination.

Now I feel like I'm on fanfic overload

I prefer FanFictions, although I still love Originals :)

Fanficitons just seem to offer me more inspiration as you have a vivid idea of the charatcers characterists and such...

@ What's in a name?
I don't think you went off topic, it's still very pertinent to the fanfiction v original fiction topic.

@ The Pies Endure
Ah, that's good then! :) Because I often tend to as much as I always try not to!

It's kind of...frustrating, I guess, that there's this automatic assumption that because a story is fanfiction, it automatically gets more readers/subscribers/feedback than a story that's original fiction simply based on the fact that it's fanfiction. I've been writing fanfiction ever since I started writing online fic (over ten years ago), and I can testify that that's not the case. Maybe if you're writing in an extremely popular fandom, but I've always written in unknown/unheard of/nonexistent fandoms, and for me, it's even more difficult to get noticed as a writer and gain readers because:

a.) There's that section of people that only read original fiction.
b.) Most people that will read fanfiction are hesitant to read anything outside of their fandom.

I've always written my fanfiction in such a way that it can be read as original because I've always written in unknown fandoms, and the only way I could ever expect anyone to understand my stories was if I provided all the background information and true character development, so it's not like anyone has to even have heard of my fandom to comprehend/enjoy any of my stories.

There's a story idea that I've been fleshing out for a long, long time, but I don't really feel like posting it because I simply know it will get next-to-no reads because, even though it's practically an original fiction, it has that one fandom character that makes it fanfiction. There's not even a real fandom for this show because there are literally no stories for it anywhere online at all

It's frustrating that people make that assumption because I come across tons of original fiction stories that get more reads/recs/comments than my own fanfictions despite being littered with grammatical errors and a stereotypical plotline. I'm not knocking any OF writers, but I definitely don't think it's fair to assume that fanfic writers basically have feedback and readers handed to them on a plate. I work my ass off on my stories, I'm the most well-known writer in my fandom, and I've written the most stories in my fandom, but I still get no feedback at all

I write original fiction only (I have ONE Hunger Games-based oneshot posted) and I'm proud of it and it's gotten good feedback. Someone's asked if they could review it in the Magazine. (It's not happened yet, but I get how life is.) I love all stories here from One Direction fics to tragedy to Teen Wolf stuff to parody work. I'm not picky about what I read, just what I write.

I'm not bashing fanfic authors anymore than i saw sparks. is bashing OF writers, but I do think it's easier to get feedback on a fan fiction if you advertise it, put it everywhere, comment swap on it, than it is with original fiction.

@ good apollo.

I'm not saying this to be snarky or rude or anything or to make it out like fanfiction writers have it so much harder, but when comment swap was first implemented, I ran all of my stories through it, racked up a good 100 comments on my end, and just about every comment I received in return was using the 200 characters to bash my fandom, and I had to report them. That's not a problem that OF writers have to deal with.

I advertise my stories like crazy, I use every means on the site to get them out there, but it doesn't really help if you don't write in the handful of fandoms that are popular at any given moment. More people are willing to read an original fiction than they are a fandom they've never heard of because they assume that, since they're not familiar with the fandom, they're not going to understand the story.

It's been awhile since i visited this thread. But even after my last post which was over two years ago, I still say that I prefer Fanfiction over Original Fiction because, not that I'm lazy and want to use familiar pre-existing characters, but I can test out some pretty good plots on my favorite fandoms a bit and possibly make a transition to OF but I like getting inside the heads of the premade characters and using my OCs to see what makes them tick.

I have nothing against OF. I just find it easier to write FF then OF due to personal reasons. I enjoy reading OF more than FF most of the time though because by reading some OF, I can sort of pick up some writing tips from people and possibly test out different writing styles while developing my own voice.

i saw sparks:

I've always written my fanfiction in such a way that it can be read as original because I've always written in unknown fandoms, and the only way I could ever expect anyone to understand my stories was if I provided all the background information and true character development, so it's not like anyone has to even have heard of my fandom to comprehend/enjoy any of my stories.

Thank you for doing that. Seriously. I stay away from reading fanfiction because I'm always afraid I'm not going to understand what's going on, or who the people mentioned are. I'll read any story, OF or FF, so long as I can understand what's going on.

i saw sparks:

@ good apollo.

I'm not saying this to be snarky or rude or anything or to make it out like fanfiction writers have it so much harder, but when comment swap was first implemented, I ran all of my stories through it, racked up a good 100 comments on my end, and just about every comment I received in return was using the 200 characters to bash my fandom, and I had to report them. That's not a problem that OF writers have to deal with.

I advertise my stories like crazy, I use every means on the site to get them out there, but it doesn't really help if you don't write in the handful of fandoms that are popular at any given moment. More people are willing to read an original fiction than they are a fandom they've never heard of because they assume that, since they're not familiar with the fandom, they're not going to understand the story.

Man, I can't believe people would post comments just to bash the fandom. If you don't like the fandom, don't read it!

I know what you mean about having a hard time getting readership though. I post in forums, do comment swaps, always post updates, even make banners and a story layout, but still I don't get a lot of readership. I work really hard on my OF, and I don't know what else I can do to get more people to read it.

I don't write fanfiction because I love to make up every aspect of the story. I did in the beginning, but now I prefer writing OF. I just want to find great stories, any stories that are well-written on mibba.

mercuryskullbunny:

Thank you for doing that. Seriously. I stay away from reading fanfiction because I'm always afraid I'm not going to understand what's going on, or who the people mentioned are. I'll read any story, OF or FF, so long as I can understand what's going on.

I can understand where you're coming from. I'm a fanfiction writer, and when I have to read a story for comment swap or a contest or whatever that's written in a fandom I'm not familiar with and the author provides no backstory or description of the characters, it definitely frustrates me.

I feel like character development is crucial whether you're writing fanfiction or original fiction.