random post re:fanfiction and pro-writers

[permetaform]

So, I wonder.

Sometimes I don't get pro-writers, and their virulent hatred towards fic. I think, perhaps is that they feel all defensive and threatened.

I wonder, because for me, fanfic is like singing; I don't sing all that well, and I don't sing professionally. But I sing because it gives me joy, I sing because I can't *help* singing. And granted, most of my singing is in the bathroom or in the car, but I'm not going around going "OMG COPYRIGHTS" to people who sing for fun, 'cause while I sometimes sing tuneless songs most of the time I sing songs made by professional songwriters/artists. And sometimes I do riff and trills and grace-notes to decorate the song because it's fun to. Because I can't help it, because it bring me joy. I make no profit from singing, and I would say that most people who sing don't do it for profit.

Will the anti-fic people wish to rail against karaoke bars now, too? For violating the copywrite laws of singers/songwriters?

This post brought to you by metafandom and silly people.

[edit] "pro-writer" in the context of this post is referring to those who are using it as their label instead of "anti-fic", in particular the group that thinks that writing isn't valid unless you're getting paid for it (or eventually getting paid for it), and that anyone doing it for free is at best absurd and at worst a thief.

Comments

[ranalore.livejournal.com]

Sometimes I don't get pro-writers, and their virulent hatred towards fic.

I think this sentence is giving a certain segment of pro authors more weight and power than they actually have or deserve. I know more pros who have no problem with fanfic than ones who do.

[liviapenn.livejournal.com]

Yeah, off the top of my head I can name at least five people *on my flist* who are published authors, who also write fic.

[permetaform]

This post was written in a fit of pique and when I said "pro-writers" I'm specifically talking about writers who rub the fact of their "pro"ness as proof of their validity above fanwriters. Specifically, those writers who think of themselves as "Profressional" first and writers second. I did not mean it as derogatory towards writers who obviously do not take this stance nor use that title as something to lord over and be protective of.

I'm sorry that I seem to disrespect my fellow fans through my careless words.

[liviapenn.livejournal.com]

Well, I hope I didn't come across as, like, trying to lecture you or anything-- I'm just being pedantic. ^_^

What's amazing to me how many "pro" authors will simultaneously sneer at amateurs who write for the pure love of writing, and also look down their nose at "popular" authors who write what sells. Hey, if the measure of literary quality is whether you're making money, then sexy vampire romance novels are the best genre of books in America, pornographic manga is the best literature coming out of Japan, and JK Rowling and Stephen King are the most talented writers in the world. *G* And I say this as someone who enjoys sexy vampire romance novels, pornographic manga, JK Rowling and Stephen King-- sadly, that's not how it works!

[permetaform]

=) is all good, I just realized that I stuck my foot in my mouth and moved to apologize for it.

And...you're right, I never realized that double-standard existed before. Wow...someone should use that argument the next time these debates come around!

[permetaform]

mmmm, I think it might be a syntax thing. When I'm saying "pro-writers" I'm specifically talking about writers who rub the fact of their "pro"ness as proof of their validity above fanwriters. Specifically, those writers who think of themselves as "Profressional" first and writers second. I did not mean it as derogatory towards you nor to writers such as shalott who obviously do not take this stance nor use that title as something to lord over and be protective of.

I am sorry if I hurt you in my careless and unspecific choice of words.