Fanfiction, once considered a niche hobby on the outer fringes of mainstream literature, has been undergoing a radical transformation in recent years. With the proliferation of the internet, fan plays, fan-created stories, and fan interpretations that used to live solely in the margins, are now making their way into the mainstream gaze. Let's delve deeper into various facets of this phenomenon, across the boundaries of fanfiction becoming a mainstream source of amusement and art.
I. The Birth and Growth of Fanfiction
Fanfiction, or fanfic for short, is a term describing stories about characters or settings written by fans of the original work, as opposed to the original creator. These fan-written stories can stretch from simple alternative ending scenarios, all the way to full blown novels or even series. Fanfiction serves as an outlet for fans to reimagine the protagonists, settings, and plotlines of established works in ways that satisfy their unique taste or curiosity.
The existence of fanfiction can be traced back to the 1960s, during the heyday of Star Trek. Like-minded members of its fanbase began sharing their own imaginative takes on the series, often rewriting plotlines, exploring character relationships or 'shipping' characters in different relationships from those portrayed in the original show. Over time, fanfiction has grown exponentially, particularly with the rise of the internet and platforms dedicated to hosting fan-created content, such as FanFiction.net and Archive of Our Own (AO3).
II. The Emergence of Fanfiction in Mainstream Literature
The shift of fanfiction from fringe to mainstream has accelerated along with the evolution of the internet. Notably, certain fanfiction phenomena, like 50 Shades of Grey or After series, have managed to break out of the niche fanfic realm and become commercial successes. These works have dramatically reshaped the literary and entertainment landscape, and their success has led to more acceptance and understandings of fanfiction in mainstream culture.
A significant factor in the permeation of fanfiction into the mainstream is the advent of digital platforms that host fan-created content. Websites like FanFiction.net or AO3 have been instrumental in the rise of fanfiction, providing a convenient place for writers document and share their work. These platforms make it easy for fans of any content, be it books, movies, animes or video games, to access related fanfictions from anywhere in the world.
III. Perception of Fanfiction in Society
As fanfiction becomes more prevalent, the perceptions of this art form have begun to shift in various sectors of society. In the past, fancon was often derided as low-form layperson's literature, a cheap imitation of the original works. But with the success of fanfiction-derived books such as Fifty Shades of Grey and the After series, this perception began to change. Today, fanfiction is viewed as a legitimate form of expression and creativity, and an essential part of many fandoms.
Increasingly, traditional publishing houses are recognizing the storytelling merits in fanfiction. This evolution in attitudes towards fanfiction is also mirrored in academia. There's a growing body of scholarly research dedicated to studying fanfiction, its impact on popular culture, and its role as a valid form of literary expression. This has further helped legitimize fanfiction in the eyes of the public.
IV. Benefits and Drawbacks of Mainstream Fanfiction
There are several benefits to the phenomena of fanfiction going mainstream. One significant plus point is the exposure it provides to aspiring writers. It offers them a platform where they can express their creativity, improve their writing skills, and even gain a following.
However, there could also be potential drawbacks. The shift of fanfiction towards the mainstream could result in the commercialization of the art form. There is a risk that monetary considerations could taint the purity of the fanfiction world, and steer it away from its original objective of serving as a free space for fans to express their love for a particular work.
Common Questions About Fanfiction
Q1. What is fanfiction?
A1: Fanfiction is a form of literature where fans write stories based on characters and settings from original works. They can involve plot twists, alternative endings, or spinning off a completely new narrative.
Q2. How did fanfiction become mainstream?
A2: Fanfiction gained massive popularity with the emergence of platforms like FanFiction.net and AO3. It was further propelled into mainstream culture with the commercial success of fanfiction-derived works like Fifty Shades of Grey and the After series.
Q3. Is fanfiction eligible for publication?
A3: Yes, fanfiction can be published, provided it doesn't infringe any copyright laws. Some fanfictions have been successfully published and commercialized, but they've usually undergone significant modifications to original content.
References
[1] Coppa, F. (2006). A Brief History of Media Fandom. In: Hellek-son K., Busse K. (eds) Fan Fiction and Fan Communities in the Age of the Internet. Jefferson, NC: McFarland.
[2] Tosenberger, C. (2008). The epic love story of Sam and Dean: Supernatural, queer readings, and the romance of incestuous fan fiction. Transformative Works and Culture, 1. DOI: 10.3983/twc.2008.030
[3] Pugh, S. (2005). The democratic genre: Fanfiction in a literary context. Bridgend, UK: Seren.
Step into a new realm of companionship with Wemate AI! Create an AI friend that resonates with you through engaging chats, customizable designs, and immersive roleplay. Say goodbye to loneliness and hello to unlimited possibilities—explore Wemate AI now!