Poll: Fanfiction. Yes or no?

[Shaun Hastings]

And while he does wind up being the focus of the plot, I at least tried to downplay his OC powers so he wasn't some god among mortals who didn't even need help from the other characters.

That is such an insane problem with many of the Original Characters in fandoms today. I'm glad you said that because people need to learn that humans are, well, humans. Sure, some of them are stubborn and usually turn down from the aid of others to remain independant but this generally helps to their character development later on in the story. If a character is practically invincible to their foes and completely draws in everyone around them with, as Yahtzee puts it, Hollywood Version of flawed, it's not exactly a decent character that I'm going to love and remember. I have to see a change in the character, or else I'll just believe they went through that story or plot for absolutely nothing.

 

[Vianyte]

I read the retarded fanfiction for teh lulz.

Other than that, no.

 

[Riobux]

I think fan-fiction is very useful for a writer to develop his/her writing style. However, beyond that, I really don't like them. Although majority of my dislike may be based on the amount of sex/love-fuelled fan-fictions and ones done horribly wrong with a total disregard of established plot and personality created in the original source. If it's something interesting like Vincent Valentine between Final Fantasy 7 and Dirge Of Cerberus (I still kind of wish I did buy Dirge Of Cerberus partly because I really liked Vincent Valentine; but I still get the impression it's a bad game...) which is true to his actual personality and doesn't conflict with events in any official material based in "his world" then I fully support it, or if it's just something someone is experimenting with as a one off, go for it.

However, I really don't like even the concept of Harry Potter making out with Ron after discovering each other's love or a story about James Sunderland where he's part of a special-ops group. It just doesn't work.

 

[OrpheumZero]

That is such an insane problem with many of the Original Characters in fandoms today. I'm glad you said that because people need to learn that humans are, well, humans. Sure, some of them are stubborn and usually turn down from the aid of others to remain independant but this generally helps to their character development later on in the story. If a character is practically invincible to their foes and completely draws in everyone around them with, as Yahtzee puts it, Hollywood Version of flawed, it's not exactly a decent character that I'm going to love and remember. I have to see a change in the character, or else I'll just believe they went through that story or plot for absolutely nothing.

Then you probably would like the One Piece story I wrote, "From the Stars". Of course changing existing characters isn't entirely bad, if the original source material wasn't deep to begin with. I've actually embarked on a long process of adapting the game Steambot Chronicles into a fannovel, but have taken several liberties with elements of the plot; namely diversifying the main character's personality so that it incorporates elements of his Good/Neutral/Bad elements and makes him a unique character rather than "The ***hole playthrough, novelized".

 

[DarkHourPrince]

I AM a fanfiction writer and I can admit to seeing some of the most utterly disturbing things to ever cross the internet (anyone who knows the FFVII motorcycle 3-way fic will know what I'm talking about O_O) but it's not "pointless" as it can help fill in gaps that necessarily aren't explained in the series/game. I find it fun to share theories with people on character quirks and development created through fanfictions and doujinshis. It can give some great fodder for your own stories or role-plays. I'm extremely particular on reading other people's work but every now and then I get surprised. I've met some of my best friends through my fanfic writing.

 

[theironbat46]

Not usually. Mostly because fan fiction is has 4 options
1] an author putting themselves into that UNIVERSE
2] A very sappy or graphic love story
3] a mixture of 1 and 2
4] something pretty good. A few years ago I saw a Naruto fan fiction. Usually it's a bunch of dumb pairing, rape, drugs and high school. This was different. It actually had a good story to tell. It was 245 pages, so I read 2 pages then left. Really if your fanfic passes 13 pages, you might nee so mental health. This guy just wrote A BOOK, and he doesn't get anything but this: XD.

 

[Vrex360]

Sometimes, yes.

I mean sure, a lot of internet fanfiction is just wishful thinking and can be quite immature but I've read a few and I'm genuienly surprised that a lot of them are quite well written and well thought out. There was a rather amusing one I got sent set in the Halo universe where the Arbiter is back on Earth after the events of Halo 3 and is being confused by the concept of a 'Merry Christmas'.

I also came across a Mass Effect one about the after events of Mass Effect 2 and Shepard attempting to reconcile his relationship with Ashley, who has arrived in his quarters in a cocktail dress. Again it wasn't amazing but it was still well written and while doubtlessly there were some fan wish fulfilment fantasies going on, it was still very well written.

So yeah, for the most part I think fan fiction is kind of silly but every now and then you find a clever or even quite well written piece out there that is all the more effective if you yourself are a fan of the franchise. I don't know if these ultimatley justify all the stories out there depicting Princess Peach sleeping with Sonic the Hedgehog but still I reckon for the most part, occassionally I can allow myself to enjoy them.
Guilty pleasures I guess.

 

[Betancore]

Depends. Most fanfics suck, but I will occasionally read fanfiction if the original author didn't finish their book properly or something. Or they died before they could finish a series. And someone actually ended up writing books by Kilgore Trout, a fictional author invented by Kurt Vonnegut, which I found kind of funny.

 

[Rakkana]

I read fan fiction extremely rarely. Haven't found a problem with it so far.

 

[Shaun Hastings]

Then you probably would like the One Piece story I wrote, "From the Stars". Of course changing existing characters isn't entirely bad, if the original source material wasn't deep to begin with. I've actually embarked on a long process of adapting the game Steambot Chronicles into a fannovel, but have taken several liberties with elements of the plot; namely diversifying the main character's personality so that it incorporates elements of his Good/Neutral/Bad elements and makes him a unique character rather than "The ***hole playthrough, novelized".

You know what? It's summer and hell, everything I've been reading is as bland as a bagel, not buttered or slightly toasted. Send me the link via PM and I'll give it a read! I know a little about the One Piece fandom, though I might have to Wiki some things in order to keep the plot straight in my mind.

Oh, fannovels I don't mind so much; I'm in the middle of the Assassin's Creed 2 novel and I really like it, other than the fact they changed Ezio's scar. But they've gone in more in depth with that which game didn't need and didn't incorporate, but could totally fit a book. In which it has done extremely well in. And I wish you all the luck with your fannovel! Things like that are so fun to write.

 

[OrpheumZero]

One Piece certainly has a fairly decent amount of interesting fanfiction, and I think it's because of the semi-episodic nature of the sagas. At least before the most recent ones, there was usually a good amount of time passing between one arc to another, and so some fanfictions can easilly fit in, basically like a filler. As long as it doesn't pair up any characters (or at least doesn't have them making out and clearly falling in love) they can be pretty good.

I won't deny I've written some romance fictions, but I at least try to make it feel like something that could happen (like a lost chapter) rather than "Luffy acts stupid, then declares he loves Nami". If anything, I try to play off the same interactions the characters have in the original material and make things happen from there as opposed to "suddenly, love!"

 

[VivaciousDeimos]

I don't think it's pointless. It's a good way of developing writing skills.

This is very true. Fanfiction, if used correctly, is an excellent tool for young writers. The world and the characters are already established and so the writer can play around with plot and focus on developing good storytelling and dialogue rather than the world building aspect.

The problem with fanfiction comes when people don't understand the point of it. When they use it to write out their own fantasies, or when they twist and derail the characters into people barely resembling who they were in the canon material.

 

[cheese_wizington]

3:10 To Yuma Ben Wade/Charlie Prince happy time?

Fuck yes I love it.

 

[OrpheumZero]

I don't think it's pointless. It's a good way of developing writing skills.

This is very true. Fanfiction, if used correctly, is an excellent tool for young writers. The world and the characters are already established and so the writer can play around with plot and focus on developing good storytelling and dialogue rather than the world building aspect.

The problem with fanfiction comes when people don't understand the point of it. When they use it to write out their own fantasies, or when they twist and derail the characters into people barely resembling who they were in the canon material.

I was actually thinking of bringing that poing up myself. I've been writing for nearly 10 years now, and have alternated between my first novel (which has understandably gone through several changes) and fanfictions over that time. Fanfiction certainly does help with developing one's skill without spoiling their dream project (or worse, having it shot to hell from critics) and thusly improving their skills by trying to craft a believable piece based on existing works.

Also, you're quite correct about how many authors seem to have no clue about the source material, or blantantly ignore crucial facts and events just to stroke their egos and 'fanwank' their personal scenerios, something that should only be used if the story is meant to be complete parody, Alternate Universe, or an adult themed romp where dead characters are magically still alive.

 

[Gigaguy64]

I don't really enjoy them.

The majority of them are just people changing what they didn't like about the story and making everyone a Gay or Lesbian couple.

There have been some good Fanfiction but, most of the ones iv seen destroy the characters.

And most of them are so badly written i cant even tell wtf is going on, and when i can i wish i couldn't.

 

[Misterian]

Just wanted to get people thoughts on fanfics. Personally, I love it, I'm big on reading so it opens up a whole new world for me. I write it too, so check out HopefulMemories at fanfiction.net

Small world, I'm known in FF.net as Captainwii.

Personaslly, I don't see much of anything wrong with fanfics, it's where I discovered my talent for writing, and I've been in fanfic writing for around 2 to 3 years now.

I think their are some ethics one should follow in writing them, however.

The main thing is to show some respect for the francise you're writing about, that way any fellow fans will know you understand why people like that specific series, that's what keeps fans in fandom together.

But if you like to mock, satire, or deface a francise and write a certain fanfic for that purpose, you should at least be honest about it, and be prepared for the potential of angry reponses by fans.

 

[Gigaguy64]

I usually hate fanfics because they focus way too much on self insertions and stuff. I don't read things written about a character I like to read about the author, I want to read about the character.

Also, I've once read a fanfic about Ridley and Samus from Metroid in high school, dating. And also, Ridley had horrible acne in extreme detail, and got Samus pregnant...

.....

Spoiler: WTF?

I thought "Dark Yagami" was bad.....but....ill never get that image out of my head...

 

[child of lileth]

I usually hate fanfics because they focus way too much on self insertions and stuff. I don't read things written about a character I like to read about the author, I want to read about the character.

Also, I've once read a fanfic about Ridley and Samus from Metroid in high school, dating. And also, Ridley had horrible acne in extreme detail, and got Samus pregnant...

.....

Spoiler: WTF?

I thought "Dark Yagami" was bad.....but....ill never get that image out of my head...

That picture made my night. lol

Yeah, the fanfic was awful. It was forever long, and like, the guy that wrote it just went into so much detail in all the parts you just don't want it. And I'll never be able to forget the 'conception scene'. I guess that's what I should call it. Space gargoyles and humans just don't work together, but this guy made it happen. lol

 

[Gigaguy64]

I usually hate fanfics because they focus way too much on self insertions and stuff. I don't read things written about a character I like to read about the author, I want to read about the character.

Also, I've once read a fanfic about Ridley and Samus from Metroid in high school, dating. And also, Ridley had horrible acne in extreme detail, and got Samus pregnant...

.....

Spoiler: WTF?

I thought "Dark Yagami" was bad.....but....ill never get that image out of my head...

That picture made my night. lol

Yeah, the fanfic was awful. It was forever long, and like, the guy that wrote it just went into so much detail in all the parts you just don't want it. And I'll never be able to forget the 'conception scene'. I guess that's what I should call it. Space gargoyles and humans just don't work together, but this guy made it happen. lol

Wow.
That's just....geah.

That guy must be either a Mad Genius or a psycho, because i don't even know how that could work.
Considering just one thing, Ridly is at least 10 times the size of Samus...

I hope i can get that image out of my brain before Metroid:Other M arrives...otherwise im not sure ill be able to play it.

And im gad that pic made ya laugh, iv been waiting for an excuse to use it.

 

[child of lileth]

Wow.
That's just....geah.

That guy must be either a Mad Genius or a psycho, because i don't even know how that could work.
Considering just one thing, Ridly is at least 10 times the size of Samus...

I hope i can get that image out of my brain before Metroid:Other M arrives...otherwise im not sure ill be able to play it.

And im gad that pic made ya laugh, iv been waiting for an excuse to use it.

Yeah, he had enough details to explain exactly how all that still worked with all the size difference between both of them. I think as long as you don't actually read that fanfic, you'll still be able to enjoy the game.