Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Mini Project 2


At first, I had planned on gathering information about the significance Fan Fiction had on people (via interviews) and then placing the information on some type of online archive that anyone could access. However, due to a virus that got onto my laptop, I ran out of time to have even a chance at doing this.

Then, I realized I could easily attach the information I'd gathered onto my video from the first mini project. Since I only had a day left to do this, I was pressured. Still, I got it done and, frankly, am proud of the finished piece.

What makes me really feel satisfied after finishing this video is that I was finally able to put my thoughts about Fan Fiction into words. Before, I only had emotions and when I tried to explain it to people I couldn't do so in a manner which brought its significance justice.

I succeeded in this video. I was capable in finally answering someone who asked why Fan Fiction is so important.

I was not only able to gather opinions from my peers, fellow writers, and some academic point of views but also my own. I saw many different points of view that I've never thought of before.

I never realized that there are probably some authors out there who don't like the thought that readers are changing the plot they worked so hard on.

I also never realized how serious the possible copyright battle could be if someone takes offense to Fan Fiction. It really makes me pause and wonder if us Fan Fiction readers/writers are just on borrowed time or if we could possibly win a court case.

I can't wait for the next project because I have a really good idea in my head and I want to know what the outcome will be.

Monday, April 1, 2013

Mini Project 1: An Introduction To FanFiction


When I first began this inquiry project, I knew that I wanted to focus on Fan Fiction in some manner. I realized almost immediately that not as many people as I thought know what Fan Fiction is. So for my first mini project I decided to dedicate some of it as an introduction of sorts.

However, I always thought that there weren't that many academics who have spent time to research Fan Fiction in any way. Thankfully, I found one and read some of the blog posts he's made involving my topic. Some of it is what I used to think of as common sense (this is in regards to the copyright). At the same time, I learned more detail (and also felt slightly insulted when Fan Fiction writers were referred to as "amateurs") involving these topics.

I also realized the significance Fan Fiction has to me based on how it changes the original plots to something that may or may not be close to the original.

Then there was the fact that Fan Fiction opened my eyes to some topics of discussion as well as things I've never noticed or processed in the original works. For example, a minor character may become an important one in a Fan Fiction and that character may develop into something incredible or even have such significance to chance the plot entirely.

I've learned a lot in the past week through research and actually thinking through what I've always accepted as Fan Fiction Common Sense 101.

Now, I know that there are many people that do not have the same interest in Fan Fiction as I have. Therefore, I've decided to make this video for those who have no knowledge about Fan Fiction at all. Hopefully, it's adequate.

Still, I tried to show the feelings and emotions I get when a character I love chooses to do something else entirely in a Fan Fiction than what they did in the original plot. I love the mystery of not knowing what the Fan Fiction writer will decide. Do they already know where the plot is going or will they actually take on some of the advice of the reviewers?

Hopefully, the music and some of the words I have in the video convey this.

I kept the significance this topic has to me more at a subtle level just to keep as much bias as possible away from this important introduction. That's why I leave the copyright information with two questions that could lead to an interesting debate.

Anyways, I've read Fan Fiction for almost 7 years now (yes that is straight through - no pauses in between) and I've learned how to spot a diamond in the rough. How to spot the ones that affect me just like any other good book would. I've caught myself crying or perking up in bed. I've caught myself laughing at jokes and all types of humor. This is my main hobby and it's so addicting to me that I almost refuse to do anything else to replace it.

Ever since I've begun reading Fan Fiction, I've opened my mind more to how much a writer can have the freedom to write as well as debates that come up in some stories. This is only a window into the community of Fan Fiction and I can't wait to open the door for the next mini project.