Fan fiction, a genre almost as old as fiction itself, has come a long way from its humble beginnings in fanzines, evolving into a thriving online community deeply rooted in various entertainment franchises. Initially based on characters from television, literature, and movie series, fan fiction has experienced a digital renaissance with the advent of the internet.
In the past, fanzines were the primary medium for fan fiction, usually mimeographed or photocopied pamphlets focused on specific topics, often including fictional content. Notable early examples include “Spockanalia,” a fanzine inspired by the popular TV series Star Trek in 1967.
The advent of the world wide web revolutionized fan fiction, providing authors a broader reach and facilitating the creation of communities among fans of fictional series. Platforms like FanFiction.Net, Archive of Our Own, and Wattpad have emerged, enabling authors to share their works. Wattpad, for instance, was acquired by South Korea’s Naver for a substantial $600 million in 2021 and boasts a dedicated fanfic section.
Some fan fiction works start within the bounds of established franchises, but authors often rework them to ensure they don’t violate copyright laws, a process colloquially known as “filing the serial numbers off.” This allows authors to create new, distinct narratives inspired by the original works.
An exemplar of this transformation is “Fifty Shades of Grey,” originally inspired by the “Twilight” series. While it initially began as fan fiction, it evolved into a standalone trilogy and further into a successful movie franchise, grossing a staggering $1.3 billion in movie revenue alone.
Typically, fan fiction remains noncommercial, aligning with an ethos and norms that aren’t conducive to for-profit endeavors. Copyright owners, recognizing the passion of fans, often tolerate non-commercial fan fiction, appreciating the enthusiasm and creativity it fosters.
For instance, Paramount Global, producer of the Star Trek franchise, encourages amateur fan filmmakers to showcase their passion for Star Trek, provided the works are relatively short and non-commercial, and adhere to specified guidelines. This inclusive approach bridges the gap between creators and fans, establishing a sense of community within the fandom.
Seung Yoon Lee’s Story Protocol idea shares a similar essence with this approach, envisioning a collaborative intellectual property network that brings fans and creators together. While it’s a one-way communication at present, the concept of smart contracts aligns with this vision, allowing non-commercial works to coexist without infringing on copyright laws.
Fan fiction continues to evolve, transforming from a niche subculture to a vibrant online community, profoundly impacting how fans interact with their favorite franchises and how creativity thrives within the entertainment and media sector.