Why Do Some People Abhor Fan Fictions Despite Their Purely Entertainment Purpose?

While the world of fan fiction is primarily a space for creative expression and practice, there are specific types that tend to draw strong negative reactions from the community. This article explores the reasons behind these particular forms of fan fiction that seem to upset many, offering insights into the underlying issues that contribute to this divide.

Understanding the Hated Forms of Fan Fiction

The reasons for dislike towards certain types of fan fiction often stem from a combination of controversy, lack of creativity, and repetitive content. Here, we delve into the specific types that are particularly contentious.

The Controversial Porn Versions

The first and perhaps most notorious category of fan fiction that garners intense backlash is the pornographic versions. Examples such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer (BtVS) rewritings that feature Buffy engaging in graphic sexual scenarios with vampires, or even more controversial content where Buffy is sexually assaulted by a group of vampires, can be extremely divisive. These works often take established characters from beloved TV shows and movies and thrust them into scenarios that many find offensive or inappropriate.

Uncreative Rip-Offs of Established Characters

Another category of fan fiction that is looked down upon are those that unoriginal and poorly executed. For instance, stories where characters from well-known franchises, such as superhero series, are inexplicably reimagined and given new, unrelated powers or backstories. Examples like Captain U.S.A. battling Grey Skull and the forces of Hades with a mischievous ensemble of rebranded heroes, such as Steel Man, Wondrous Woman, Greased Lightning, and Mega Blade, are prime examples of these unsuccessful re-writings. These versions lack the creativity of true originality and instead rely on simplicity, often leading to a sense of plagiarism and a poor representation of beloved characters.

Saturation of Repetitive Content

The issue of saturation in fan fiction refers to the overwhelming number of stories on a particular theme or conflict. For example, a multitude of Batman vs. Joker stories can quickly become overwhelming for readers. While it's great to see passion and creativity in writing, the sheer quantity can dilute the quality. Many of these stories may be poorly written, while a small percentage might be good. However, the fact remains that the average reader will not have the time or inclination to wade through countless stories to find the best ones. Thus, the quality of the content is often compromised.

The Detriment of Mary Sue and Mary Gary Characters

A special instance of hate towards fan fiction involves the presence of overly powerful and self-centered characters known as Mary Sues or Gary Sues. These characters are often very similar to the creators themselves, often with hidden, incredible talents and abilities that are unrealistic and unbalanced. Instances where a character can repair warp drives, for example, and somehow still have a perfect life, can be seen as an obvious lack of effort and true creativity. Such characters often stick out like a sore thumb in a world where characters should have depth and flaws, leading to further criticism and derision from the broader fan community.

The Impact of Fan Fiction on Creativity and Community

Despite the negative reactions, it's important to recognize that fan fiction serves as a valuable space for budding writers to test their ideas and hone their skills. However, the types described above can indeed foster a negative community environment, deterring new writers from sharing their work out of fear of backlash or criticism.

Conclusion

The world of fan fiction, while a vibrant and creative space, is not immune to controversy and criticism. However, with understanding and constructive feedback, the community can foster a more positive and supportive environment for all writers and readers to thrive.