The Future of Hanfic [RANT]

Warning: This is a rant.

So, I haven't actually posted on h.net in about a year, and I haven't frequented the site in over a year. I have logged on from time to time out of boredom, or to check things out, but it is no longer a place I regularly visit. That aside, Chelsi usually keeps me informed with the goings-on at the site. And, oddly enough, I still pay to be a member there.

Within the last few weeks, apparently there was a ban set on h.net against the mention or discussion of fanfiction.

Lord knows why someone thought this was a good idea. It goes along with the other threat that basically read that fans weren't to be in the same building as I, T, Z, or anyone connected to them, even if that's not what they did mean.

I'm not sure what they are thinking with these rules really, but I could care less. Because they aren't happy with the fiction doesn't mean I'm not going to write it. If they are paying my bills, we'll talk, but as long as I'm paying part of theirs, I'll do as I please.

Yes, some fanfic is weird, albeit, slightly psychotic. It's racy at times, and depicts situations which most wouldn't like to experience, but most authors are dilligent to point out that it is indeed fiction, is not true in any way, shape or form, etc. And, many times, the names are the only things in common with the real people in question. I know in my personal writing experiences, I don't think I, T, or Z necessarily act or behave in any way in which the characters do. I don't care about that, it's creative liberty, artistry, and it's a free country and that's allowed.

This just aggravated me, because fic has been around as long as they have. In fact, hanfic writers were pioneers in the fanfiction writing phenomenon. And, over the years, the number of people writing, particularly writing good fiction has declined significantly.

They are trying to control things of which they have no control, and it is laughable that they should even attempt to do it. In a time when they are recording a new album, their focus should be on positive relations with their existing fanbase rather than alienating more of them. Almost ten years in, if people haven't jumped on this wagon yet, it isn't likely they will with this new album.

Don't get me wrong, I still like the band, but these days, I'm only here for the music. And the disenchantment is setting in.

In other news..... Chelsi and I are still working on the upcoming story.

Would you all like some short stories in the mean time?

Comment with your thoughts, whatever.

Rock on,
Tiff