The Hate for Fanfiction: Personal Opinions and Arguments

Is fanfiction universally horrible?

Some people, like myself, do not find all fanfiction horrible. However, a critical part of my personal stance against it is the modification of love interests and original content, which I find highly detrimental. One example that particularly irks me is the idea of Frodo and Sam as a gay couple in a story that was fundamentally about their unconditional friendship. To me, this kind of alteration is a step too far.

Exploring Next-Step Fanfiction

On the other hand, I am open to fanfiction that explores what might happen next, as long as it adheres to the established “rules” of the original story. These stories can be engaging and thought-provoking. For instance, stories that explore alternate scenarios or “ifs” can be interesting, as long as they are well executed and reasonable.

Is Original Content Superior?

Technically, all fanfiction is derivative, whether the original content was published by professional publishers or not. In my younger days, I read books that were later revealed to be 'inferior' plagiarisms of the originals. When the publication dates were revealed, it was astonishing to find that the 'copied' books were actually published first. Despite this, my opinion of the written content did not change.

The original book might have been the first version, which influenced my initial impression, but does that necessarily mean it is better? When it comes to fanfiction, it is often read second, leading to a preconceived notion that it is inferior. However, the quality of the content can still be high, and judgments can sometimes be misguided.

Personal Views on Fanfiction

Many people share my sentiments. I personally find fanfiction unoriginal, fanatical, and near-plagiarism that has little value in terms of both author and reader contribution. However, it is essential to remember that these opinions are personal and subjective. Although fanfiction can be a waste of time for some, it can also be a valuable tool for learning and creativity for others.

Most of the fanfiction I come across is not very good, particularly in certain fandoms. Occasionally, I might search through to find rare and quality stories, often avoiding stories centered around romance, original characters (OCs), or poorly written synopses. Despite the challenges, fanfiction has a place in the world of creative writing, even if it is not always appreciated.