[RANT] Fan Fic Authors

[Renkon Root]

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There's one in every fandom, a fan fiction author that you just wish would stop posting. And if not stop posting than at least learn a thing or two about composition, outlining and formula (and maybe pick up some humility while they're at it.) But of course they don't. And god forbid you ever submit a review or PM or communication of some kind critiquing them and offering any advice! Oh no, do that and you instantly get called a "troll" and reported for "harassment" (never mind that this is the first time you've ever messaged this author).

Well, anyway, there's an author like that in the Voltron/Golion fandom and she (he?, no, its gotta be a she) just posted a new story. Not that I'm against this, no. Every new story she writes offers her a new chance to grow as a writer and maybe she'll finally develop some of the above mentioned things she's lacking. But this story just doesn't belong.

It is a sequel to another fic that she just finished last week. It was a painfully drawn-out "romance" (81 chapters Jezus Christ!) and this new story features the protagonists' children as the main characters. But the thing is, all these children are OCs. I'm slightly annoyed by her lack of general skill as a writer and overly inflated ego, those things are characteristic of the age I have assumed she must be and while I find it very annoying, I don't let it bother me all that much.

But a story where the cannon characters have faded into the background and are nothing more than second and even third tier characters is just... It makes me want to ask why she's even posting it as a fan fiction in the first place. If its not about the actual characters from the show then why bother? Just change the place and people names and make it an original story. Post it on FictionPress and get a strong cult following from all the angsty teens and emo poets that populate it.

*sigh*

End Rant.

 

[cherub_Shagami]

I feel for you.

I think it is happening more and more often then it used to. Some of the stories are very creative with the use of canon character's children. I have seen several as well that should really stop being put out.

I don't know about you, but I have started to feel like the authors really want to create something new and original but are either unsure of themselves are don't yet have the self-esteem to go out on that limb. To be honest, using a setting that is already established with side characters you can fall back on can feel a little safer. I know I felt a lot happier with my writing when it was in someone else's sandbox. That, and some fans are just happy to get ANYTHING from an extended universe, regardless of how important they are in the new story.

I agree, if the canon characters are just second- or third-tier characters it is a stretch to call it a true fan fiction. Unfortunately, I think the term has been given a bit too much leeway over the years and has come to allow anything that has even the remote hint of a classic character.

At one point, though, he (or she) will get a rude awakening from someone that s/he cant ignore. As it goes, you can't run from bad news forever.  

[Ren LehCrow]

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