When writing fan fiction, it’s important to understand the difference between derivative and transformative works. Derivative works are works that copy the work of another author or artist, usually with slight changes. Unlike derivative works, however, a creator of transformative fan fiction has full authorship rights. This means that the creator able to sell their work without requiring permission from the original creator.
Transformative rather than derivative
Transformative fan fiction is often easier to classify than derivative fanfic, especially when it’s based on a character with a small background or no personal life. This type of fan fiction often introduces new elements and storylines that add to the character’s life. In addition, these works generally have a larger audience, and are more likely to receive an approving audience than derivative works.
Many AUs use characters from popular media, but change their lives in interesting ways. For example, Buffy becomes an army soldier, Angel becomes an enemy spy, or Sam Carter becomes a slave in Ancient Rome. Another example is when Jack O’Neill becomes a prefect investigating a murder. This type of fan fiction is often free, and may contain elements of the original story.
The Kripkean view, which favors the “constructive” view of fanfic, is also problematic. It favors a more permissive view of transformation, but it is also overly liberal, and can imply worlds that cannot exist. And it overlooks constraints imposed by users.
Fair use of copyright laws
There are a variety of ways to comply with copyright laws in fan fiction, and the first step is understanding what constitutes fair use. Fair use involves a wide variety of scenarios, including discussing a work or parodying it. However, most fan fiction does not fall into a fair use category.
The Fair Use Doctrine protects the rights of authors and creators of fan fiction from subjected to infringement suits. It helps maintain a vibrant community of fan fiction authors, as well as protects commercially published works. Among the factors that determine fair use are the nature of the work, and the effects on the market for the original work.
Fair use may be possible when creators use the original work in an innovative way. However, it is not appropriate when the reorganization of elements that would otherwise protect is not sufficiently transformative. Fan fiction may violate copyright laws, which is why it is essential to respect the rights of the original work.
Moreover, fair use laws are not always obvious online. For instance, the case of Salinger v. Colting involved an unauthorized sequel to Catcher in the Rye using the same characters. If you want to write a fan fiction piece for commercial purposes, you should make sure you adhere to copyright laws. It is possible to get around copyright laws in fan fiction through fair use and general permission from the author. But before you get start, be sure to learn all you can about copyright laws.
Fan fiction is often subject to infringement lawsuits. The original author of a fan fiction work can file a lawsuit for copyright infringement if they find that the fanfiction author used the original work without permission.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying can take on many forms in fandom. Some examples include publishing someone’s real name, address, e-mail address, and employer. Others may publish fanvids and make death threads, or gang up against someone, such as by posting negative feedback. Regardless of the form, it is important to be aware of the risks and consequences of cyberbullying.
Some fanfiction can be graphically sexual, which could be dangerous for young readers. This content could give kids the impression that predatory or incestuous relationships are acceptable and normal. This is why parents need to discuss the dangers of fanfic with their children. If they are concerned about cyberbullying, they should talk to their child and seek guidance from a parent or school counselor.
Crossovers and tropes
Crossovers and tropes in fan fiction often involve characters from two different fandoms. Some crossovers involve characters from two different genres, while others involve elements of two fandoms coming together. Some crossovers involve a character from one fandom traveling to a different fandom.
For example, the forced proximity trope occurs in fan fiction that focuses on the relationship between two people. This trope first appeared in Star Wars and Star Trek fanfiction, but it has found a home in a wide variety of fan writing. A fan of Star Wars may be familiar with the trope Bunkies, which first appeared in Against the Sith #4 in 1979.
Another popular fanfiction trope is the one-bed trope. While it is a common trope, there are a few distinct differences between one-bed fic and other fan fiction. The one-bed trope has been around for many years, and it is very effective in relationships and plot devices.
Alternative universe crossovers are another type of crossover. This type of crossover takes characters from a different story world and sends them down completely different paths. Fan fiction writers can even create characters that not featured in the original work. It is important to note that these crossovers do not mean the stories are canon. Some crossovers have nothing to do with the source material. So, when a crossover occurs in fan fiction, it is usually a fictitious crossover.
Sources of fan fiction
The term fan fiction refers to writings that have created by fans based on a particular work of literature. While some fanfic is simply derivative, there are numerous examples of works that are completely original. For example, the Sherlock Holmes novels by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle have inspired countless literary adaptations. There are also many successful novelists who have created literary retellings of the novels by Jane Austen. Fanfiction can classify based on its subject matter, style of writing, and circulated form. The origins of fan culture dated back to the 1970s, but it was not until the early 1990s that academics began to study it.
Fan fiction may wrote for therapeutic purposes. For example, one type called “vent fic.” This kind of fan fiction can often derive from a popular book or film. But even though a fan’s stories may be based on a fictional book or film, the author may wish to include personal information about the characters and their relationship.
Fanfiction also published in other forms. It can take the form of an alternative history or a sequel. It may even be based on a fictional series. Sometimes it is based on a popular television show, film, or comic book. Sometimes, fan fiction written by professional authors, but it is often a personal expression.
Fan fiction also fits in the category of non-infringing fair use. According to the Stanford University Libraries, fair use involves “limited imitation.” Such works may comment on a work, parody it, or transform it in some way. If the author does not request overt permission from the copyright holder, a fanfiction does not infringe.
