1. Introduction

Fanfiction, a form of alternative fiction created by fans of a particular television series, film, or book, has always been a cornerstone of fandom. From its humble beginnings in Star Trek fanzines to its current popularity on sites like Wattpad and Archive of Our Own, fanfiction is a powerful tool fueling fan engagement. Until recently, it was a harmless, creative endeavor. That was until unforeseen collaborations started wreaking havoc in fandoms.

This piece delves into the unsuspected downside of fan collaborations in fandoms and how it, unfortunately, ruined mine. Pull up a chair and engage with me on this unexpected journey.

2. The Appeal of Fanfiction

The appeal of fanfiction lies in its limitless narrative possibilities. It grants fans an avenue to keep their beloved characters alive long after the original source has ended. It also affords the writer control to tweak aspects of the original narrative, create alternative universes, or delve deeper into characters' backgrounds.

What's more, fanfiction creates a communal space for interaction among fans. You are not just a passive consumer of the original work; you are an active participant shaping and molding it in unimaginable ways. This engagement fosters deeper connections within the fandom.

3. The Rise of Collaborative Fanfiction

Collaborative fanfiction, as the name suggests, involves multiple users co-authoring a single piece. The goal is to involve the diverse perspectives of the fandom in one complex piece. Collaboration can take various forms: one person might create the plot, another the character arcs, and another the intricate world-building. The popular app and website Wattpad provide a platform for such collaborations.

Wattpad, a free online storytelling community, hosts millions of user-generated stories spanning various genres. With collaborative features, Wattpad plays its part in encouraging a wave of co-authored fanfictions. While this might sound appealing, it harbors a dark side.

4. The Unraveling of My Fandom

I was part of a thriving fandom centered around a popular animated series. I regularly engaged in fanfiction, reading and writing alike. That was until a collaborative project spiralled out of control, splitting the fandom into contentious factions.

This collaboration promised to be the definitive piece within our fandom, involving various prominent fanfiction authors. Unfortunately, differences arose due to competing views about character development, plot progression, and overall tone. This discord planted the seeds of toxicity within our fandom.

5. The Shattering Impact

The once harmonious congregation of fans began to break apart. Fans took sides, aligning themselves with different factions of authors. As each faction waged war on the others, the fandom that I once loved became a toxic battlefield.

Once a space for creativity and camaraderie, the fandom had become a platform for toxicity and endless disputes. The collaborative fanfiction, instead of uniting fans in a holistic narrative, had fragmented them.

6. Lessons Learnt

Collaborative fanfiction, while offering diverse perspectives, runs the risk of discord due to varying interpretations and preferences. Fandom communities, in an attempt to broker peace, can instead end up creating unintentional rifts. This experience has taught me to tread softly in fandom collaborations to prevent unintended fallouts.

Moreover, it emphasizes the need for clear communication and mutual respect within collaboration ventures. As fans, we must remember the joy of fanfiction lies in the shared love for the original work, not in the division it might cause.

7. Future of Collaborative Fanfiction

Despite the negative experience, the power of collaborative fanfiction is undeniable. If carried out constructively, it can foster a sense of unity and mutual respect among fans. A clear articulation of expectations and respect for alternative perspectives can strengthen rather than destabilize fandom communities.

In closing, while a collaboration might have ruined my fandom, it hasn't extinguished my belief in its potential. Our fandom's tale serves as a cautionary tale, but also as an opportunity for future projects to avert a similar fate.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is fanfiction?

Fanfiction is a form of alternative fiction created by fans of a particular television series, film or book.

2. What is a fandom?

A fandom is a subculture composed of fans characterized by a feeling of empathy and camaraderie with others who share a common interest.

3. What is collaborative fanfiction?

Collaborative fanfiction involves multiple users co-authoring a single piece, involving the diverse perspectives of the fandom in one complex piece.

References

No references were used in the compilation of this op-ed. All the experiences and perspectives shared in this article are a direct result of my personal journey within a passionate fan community.

Explore your companion in WeMate