autographedcat

altoidsaddict has a fascinating essay on fanfiction and RP, and why people engage in it. The conclusions he reaches are interesting, and a lot of food for thought.

Comparing fanfic to original writing is not quite like apples and oranges. It's more like grapefruit to tangelos. Okay, so fanfic is writing - but it has a different purpose than original writing, and to urge fanficcers to stop wasting their time and write something original ignores that the act of writing is almost incidental. (Yes, yes, you who are about to object, you're precious, creative stars in the galaxy of craft. Just a sec.) How I communicate to a reader as a writer is drastically different in purpose from how fanficcers communicate with other fandom folk. Yes, they have a lot in common - but the primary purpose is different, the human motivations are different, and that changes everything.

Go read the whole thing. It's chewy crunchy thoughtfood.

Mr Tumnus: [as Aslan is about to swat a fly] Mr. Secretary, Narnia abstains, courteously.

[Aslan raises a huge paw at Tumnus, then draws back]

Aslan: Mr. Tumnus, [pause, then roars] WHAT IN THE NAME OF TASH GOES ON IN NARNIA?

Mr. Tumnus: I'm sorry, my lord, but the simple fact is that our legislature has never sent us explicit instructions on anything!

Aslan: NEVER? [slams paw onto his desk] That's impossible!

Mr Tumnus: My lord, have you ever been to Caer Paravel?

[Aslan shakes his head "No"]

Mr. Tumnus: There are four thrones there, to seat the two sons of Adam and two daughters of Eve who are to rule all of Narnia. But the four thrones have been empty for a very long time. With the result that nothing ever gets done. [turns to the Congress as he returns to his seat] I beg the Congress's pardon.

Aslan: [grimly] My sympathies, Mr. Tumnus.