It's a flashpoint because the new rules forbid fanfiction of DLP Authors' fanfiction without explicit permission.

 

I have no idea why it's a problem. Don't post continued fics here for which you haven't received explicit approval, and don't continue fics from other authors on this website anywhere without permission if you want to remain a member of the DLP community.

Seems pretty simple to me.

 

I wouldn't exactly call this a problem, but it is hypocritical to do unto others as you ban others for doing unto you, you know. If DLP banned all fanfics where the copyright owner has not given an explicit endorsement for fanfiction, then it would be at least fair, even if harsh.

 

I think its that there are a few readers who want to see a continuation of some rather epic fics they have come across but whose authors have long since moved on from fanfiction, and do not respond to FFnet (or other service) communiqués.

So they come up with Rationalizations to justify their inner desires to 'continue' said work, regardless as to the rights of the original authors.

 

I'll throw in my two cents.

Why is fanfiction of canon different than fanfiction of fanfiction? Becaue it just fucking is. It's always been that way. Judging by some posts in this thread (and the original announcement thread), some people would like to change the status quo. Most people agree that SW prequels are shit. Some people like them. There are probably people who like them better than the originals. They'd like the status quo (Prequels Are Shit) to change, but it's not likely to happen. Why? Because that's how it is.

Everyone trying to argue this issue using smart words is, I think, missing the point. Is Taure right that fanfiction authors enjoy some form of copyright (or whatever it is he said)? Maybe, maybe not. Does it matter? Not really. Why? Because Original Authors are the benevolent Gods of the fandom community everywhere, just like Stan Lee is the Supreme Dude of Marvel. Yeah, they're real people that talk, eat and have bowel movements just like us, but we've always put them on the pedestal anyway. We're not gonna send them an email asking if we can write fanfic. Some of us would be happy if they punched us in the face. "JKR punched me in the face, can you believe it? I'm never washing my face again!"

Now we go down to the level of fanfic authors. This is a bit different. In the fandom, we're all (kinda sorta) peers. And yet, there are those whom we elevate above others because they made something awesome. It's the same with every community. Everyone on DLP knows who Taure is, or Minion, or Jon, or Swim, or Shezza, or all the other Members. Then there are people like me. Just ordinary members.

If I got into a fight with Sesc and we both did something shitty and blame was on both sides, I bet I'd get called out more. I don't resent that. I accept that. There's a pecking order on DLP and anyone who pretends there isn't is an idiot. Just as anyone who tries to swim against that tide is an idiot. Why? Because that's how DLP works.

Having or not having the author's permission isn't the most important issue here. DLP doesn't give a shit if you want to take Lionheart's stuff and "continue" it. We care about DLP. Raven is our resident God and if he says don't do something, you don't argue, you say "okay" and you don't do it, or you get the fuck out. The rules of DLP are clear.

As for non-DLP authors... Respect has been mentioned and it's a good argument. Respect is the foundation of any hierarchy in any community. So have some basic respect for the person who wrote that awesome fic you like so much, ask. If they give you the go-ahead, great. Knock yourself out, as long as you credit that author. If they don't respond, swallow your sad feels and leave that shit be. Respect the fact that even if it's been abandoned for years, it has its own little shrine in one corner of the fandom.

But what if you're not writing a continuation? What if you're just borrowing some building blocks and building your own story around it, with your own words? I say that's fine, but again, it comes down to respect. Say where your inspiration came from, maybe someone will click on the link and read the story that inspired you.

Hey, but what is the difference between a continuation and inspiration? I think that's a question only you can answer. Ask yourself: am I being a dick? Do I feel a little bit bad about what I'm doing?

Of course, there are people who are just human shitstains and they'll do as they please regardless. Often we can't do much about that. That's the way the cookie crumbles. But we can call them out and we'll always have our own corner of the Internet here on DLP.

TL;DR: Don't. Be. An. Asshole.

 

That's definitely my favourite response to this discussion so far. Nicely done.