Fanfiction has become a massive movement online in the last several years, with countless websites, forums, and apps such as Fanfiction.net, Archive of Our Own, and Wattpad dedicated to the creation and sharing of fan-created stories. One popular target for these stories is RWBY, an animated web series created by Monty Oum. However, a controversial perspective has emerged stating that we should not write fanfiction about RWBY because Monty wouldn't have wanted that. This stance warrants a closer examination on multiple levels.

The Creator's View and Intentions

Monty Oum was a celebrated artist, known for his unique anime-influenced style and his love for originality. He emphasized moment-to-moment creativity, pushing boundaries, and his desire for fans to take inspiration from his work and foster their own creations. It is argued that fanfiction might infringe upon this intent, acting as a creative crutch instead of a starting point for original creations.

However, it's also noteworthy to mention that Monty was an ardent believer in the power of community and fan involvement. Fan works, including fanfiction, can be seen as an extension of this belief, contributing to the community-driven nature of the RWBY fandom. Therefore, suggesting that Monty would object to fanfiction may be unfounded.

Fanfiction as an Expression of Fandom

Fanfiction is a creative outlet where fans can explore alternate character arcs, plot developments, and world-building aspects that the original content may not cover. This freedom in fanfiction is key to its attraction, as it allows fans to actively participate in the fandom, rather than simply being consumers of the original work.

Denying fans the opportunity to write RWBY fanfiction essentially silences this channel of fan engagement. Instead of looking at the act of writing fanfiction as being disrespectful to the original creator, it can be viewed as a testament to the impact their work has had, inspiring others to create and add to that world in their own unique way.

Ensuring Respectful Fanfiction

While allowing for fanfiction, it is crucial that fans remain respectful towards the source material and its creator. Writing fanfiction with an understanding of the original plot, characters, and world can attest to the respect paid to the creator’s work. Derogatory, harmful, or explicit content, however, can tarnish the spirit of the original work and harm its image.

Thus, the emphasis should be on maintaining the respectful nature of fanfiction about RWBY, rather than discouraging it altogether. This serves to uphold Monty's creative intentions, while allowing fans to express their love for the work.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is essential to recognize that fanfiction is not a threat or disrespect to Monty's memory or the RWBY universe. Instead, it is an expression of affection for the work, facilitating deeper connections, and maintaining the series' community-driven spirit that Monty cherished. While we must proceed with caution and respect, writing fanfiction about RWBY should still hold its place in the fandom.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What was Monty Oum's view on fanfiction?
While there is no direct quote from Monty Oum about fanfiction, he expressed a strong belief in community creativity and involvement, which could arguably include fanfiction.

2. Is it disrespectful to create fancontent of RWBY?
Creating fan content, including fanfiction, can be seen as a deep appreciation of the work rather than disrespect. However, the content should not include disrespectful or offensive elements.

3. How can fans participate in the RWBY community while also respecting its creator?
Fans can participate by creating respectful fan works, expressing their ideas and interpretations while maintaining the spirit and essence of the original work.

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