Fanfiction is a popular cultural phenomenon which encourages fans to create their own stories set within the universes of their favorite films, books, games, and television shows. Two of the biggest platforms for this hobby are Archive of Our Own (Ao3) and fanfiction.net. This article aims to explore these two platforms and determine which of the two has been around the longest. While doing so, it will also delve into a comparison of their origins, features, user base, moderation policies, and perceptions.

The Origins

Fanfiction.net, colloquially known as FFN, was launched on October 15, 1998 by Los Angeles programmer Xing Li. This makes it one of the earliest internet platforms for fan-made content, boasting a wealth of stories across a wide variety of media franchises.

In contrast, Archive of Our Own (often abbreviated as Ao3), was launched more than a decade after FFN. Created by the Organization for Transformative Works (OTW), a non-profit organization established by fans in 2007, Ao3 entered open beta on November 14, 2009. Despite its relative youth, it has rapidly gained a sizable user base.

User Base

Fanfiction.net currently hosts millions of works, ranging from books and movies to games and cartoons. It boasts a diverse, multi-generational community of authors as well as readers appreciating a robust selection of fan-made content.

Archive of Our Own, thanks to its more straightforward tagging system and a certain level of openness in its content, has grown rapidly over the years. Currently, it hosts over seven million works and it’s counting. Its user base tends to be newer generations, drawn to the expansive libraries of content and the more lax content rules.

Features and Interface

Fanfiction.net’s website layout and design is relatively simple and straightforward allowing users to easily search for, read, and publish fanfictions. However, as compared to Ao3, the website interface could be considered somewhat dated.

Archive of Our Own hosts a contemporary, clean design with considerably more advanced features. The tagging and filtering system is especially lauded by users, who find it extremely helpful in locating works that align with their specific preferences.

Content Moderation and Rules

Fanfiction.net operates with a set of content rules that some have called restrictive. For example, it has less tolerance for mature content and restricts stories featuring real people, also known as Real Person Fiction (RPF).

Archive of Our Own, on the other hand, offers greater leeway to its writers. It’s worth noting that AO3 permits explicit adult content and Real Person Fiction (RPF), which adds to its popularity among certain fanfiction authors and readers.

Perceptions and Critiques

Fanfiction.net, due to its higher age restriction and content censorship, is sometimes seen as a more “family-friendly�site. Additionally, it's often seen as a starting place for new fanfiction writers due to its simpler features.

Archive of Our Own, with its more advanced features, is seen as a more liberating platform for writers. Users often praise Ao3 for its extensive filters that help in tracking down very specific content. Critics, however, argue about its lack of content regulation and point out the possibility of inappropriate content slipping through the cracks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both Fanfiction.net and Archive of Our Own have made significant impacts in the realm of fan-made content, it is clear that Fanfiction.net has been around the longest. Starting in 1998, it carved the path of online fanfiction culture, followed by AO3 in 2009, which expanded on this foundation, providing broader avenues for expression and creativity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When was Fanfiction.net launched? A: Fanfiction.net was launched on October 15, 1998.

Q: When was Archive of Our Own launched? A: Archive of Our Own entered open beta on November 14, 2009.

Q: Which platform has stricter content rules? A: Fanfiction.net has stricter content rules compared to Archive of Our Own.

References

1. “Archive of Our Own� Organization for Transformative Works. Retrieved 27 October 2021, from otwarchive.gitlab.io

2. "The history and rules of FFN". Fanfiction.net. Retrieved 27 October 2021, from www.fanfiction.net/guidelines

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