Robin Hobb, pseudonym of Margaret Astrid Lindholm Ogden, is a bestselling author best known for her fantasy novels, especially the Farseer Trilogy, Liveship Traders Trilogy, The Tawny Man Trilogy, and the Rainwild Chronicles. As her works have increased global readership, fans are increasingly drawn to write and publish fanfiction based her universe. However, the question arises: Does Robin Hobb allow fanfiction?

Robin Hobb's Stance on Fanfiction

Robin Hobb has made it evident on a number of occasions that she disapproves of fanfiction based on her works. On her official website, she logically lays out her viewpoint against fanfiction and why she believes it's a form of copyright infringement. She states that it's not just about legal rights but also about disrespecting her control and vision over the characters and the world she created.

That being said, Hobb acknowledges the creativity of her fans and encourages them to channel this energy into creating original work of their own. Thus, while she doesn't support fanfiction based on her work, she is a strong advocate for originality and creativity within her fan base and beyond.

Fanfiction: A Platform Analysis

Fanfiction.net and Archive of Our Own (AO3) are two popular platforms where fans often publish fanfiction. Fanfiction.net has been in existence since 1998, making it one of the longest-standing platforms. On the other hand, AO3, run by the Organization for Transformative Works, is a newer but rapidly growing platform. Both offer a wide variety of fanfictions for numerous fandoms and are generally welcoming towards writers seeking to explore their favourite characters and universes in depth.

While these sites offer a free space for individuals to share their stories, it's essential to respect the wishes of the content creators, such as Robin Hobb. AO3, for instance, has guidelines about respecting the wishes of authors who disapprove of fanfictions of their work. Since Robin Hobb has clearly stated her views on fanfiction of her work, it's most respectful for fans to heed her wishes within these platforms.

The Great Fanfiction Debate

The debate on whether fanfiction is a form of copyright infringement or a tribute to the original work continues among authors and fans alike. There is a significant camp that views fanfiction as a platform for amateur writers to improve their skills, fostering creativity and keeping the fandom alive.

However, another school of thought, which Robin Hobb subscribes to, considers it an infringement upon authors' creative rights. The fact that fanfiction often involves borrowing the original author's characters, settings, and plots, poses questions over its legality and morality even if it's not used for commercial gain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Apart from Robin Hobb, which other famous authors don't approve of fanfiction?
A: Other famous authors who have spoken out against fanfiction include George RR Martin, Anne Rice, and Diana Gabaldon.

Q: What exactly is fanfiction?
A: Fanfiction is a type of writing wherein fans of an original work write their own stories using the same characters, settings, or world. It's a form of transformative work and is usually published on online platforms.

Q: How should fans respect authors' views against fanfiction?
A: Fans should respect an author's wishes not to have fanfiction written about their work by not engaging in such activities, and by discouraging others from doing so as well.

Conclusion

While the world of fanfiction offers creative freedom for fans to explore familiar universes, it's crucial to respect the perspectives and wishes of the original creators. Pertaining to Robin Hobb, she has unequivocally stated her disagreement with fanfiction based on her books. As admirers of her literary genius, fans should respect her stance, while channeling their creative energy towards creating unique stories of their own.

References

Hobb, Robin. 2014. "On Fanfiction." Robin Hobb. https://www.robinhobb.com/blog/posts/36829

Rowling, J.K., John Tiffany, and Thorne, Jack. 2016. "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child." Pottermore Publishing.

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