out-there-on-the-maroon:

dathen:

blurrycriticalroleposts:

I believe that this is an important input that needs to be shared.

Oh man I’m really glad he made this statement–it’s the only time I’ve heard fanfic be mentioned in a remotely positive light by the cast, and I’ve been kind of bummed out about it, so the timing of this is really good.  It did kind of bother me that the only time I’ve heard fic writers brought up previously is the “lol this moment is going to inspire all those wild horny writers” comments that constantly come up through both seasons, especially with the constant outpouring of appreciation they show for other creative fanworks.

 

I know creators in general feel they should stay away from fic to keep from absorbing other’s creative ideas, so think this is especially understandable for an improv show.  I know I wouldn’t want to mingle my own character headspace with dozens of slightly incorrect (or wildly incorrect) interpretations for the risk of jumbling it all together.  So even if I don’t expect them to read any of it in the least (and as a writer myself would honestly not want them to), but I’m really glad that appreciation is being expressed on any level.

Liam clarified this a bit here and I appreciate that a lot: https://twitter.com/VoiceOfOBrien/status/1027658176554983425

I don’t think he and the cast in general are aware of the history of fanfic and fandom culture and its interactions with creators. How many of us are fearful, anxious, or even angry when creators get close to fanfic or mention it at all. How many of us remember the days of “dramatic readings” where grown ass men jeered at the first tentative efforts of thirteen year old girls sharing their writing with friends online, sometimes doing this in large convention halls. How many of us just expect mocking, sneering, and targeted harassment when a creator stumbles across a fanfic, no matter how nice and kind the creator seemed before. How many of us expect our choice of support and enjoyment of the show, writing stories to share with friends, to be derided and shameful and something to hide at all costs. It’s great that the fanart is so lauded in this fandom, but that also means that fanfic is broadly kept hidden and many fans take that to mean it’s still a shameful secret that should never ever be discussed in public.

I’m so glad that young fans seem largely unaware of this history. But my stomach still lurches when I hear the cast mention fanfic and I don’t know if I’ll ever entirely trust creators about this kind of thing. I’m trying. I really am trying. But it’s hard to believe “well this time it’ll be better, trust me.”