Deluded ramblings · 5:52pm Jun 14th, 2013
Honestly, I was just sick of looking at that last blog post, so I figured I'd post something with no particular topic, just to vent on a few unrelated subjects. Or maybe just one. Let's see how it turns out.
One thing I've noticed lately is that my friends have started to become increasingly... frustrated might be too strong a word, but they're beginning to find it odd that after four years of writing, I'm still doing fanfiction. That's not to say they disapprove; in fact, I partially inspired a good friend of mine to start writing himself. But they began to raise some interesting questions for me, chief among them being: why do we write fanfiction?
There are probably a number of reasons to do so. Some writers want to get their writer's craft polished before trying something original, and so turn to an outlet where they don't need to go through all that tiresome work of character creation, world building and all that. Some simply want to continue the fantasy of something they really liked, just in their own direction. But there's a few writers here that don't seem to fit into either of those. They're usually the better ones, whose fics often challenge and sometimes completely disregard established canon, or take bold steps into building territory that was previously loosely defined. Several of the fics featuring Changelings immediately come to mind here.
These sort of authors aren't trying to avoid world building and character creation, and they likely aren't trying to extend the fantasy. So, when they clearly have sufficient skill to write something original, why do they persist with the "lesser" art of fanfiction?
Maybe they're just too lazy to switch, or they've gotten used to it and have trouble breaking out of the mould. Maybe they're only still here because, let's face it, fanfiction about miniature equines gets far more attention and feedback than a random tale on Fictionpress. That's why I imagine some of the better authors are still here. It can't be admiration and followers. Once you pass seven hundred followers or so, the feature box is a guarantee for every new story. So at that point, getting featured isn't much of a goal. And once you have that many followers, their number gets a little meaningless too.
But then, fanfiction or original fiction really don't have many differences. They both share the same core principle, which is to tell a story. That's why most people write to begin with. It's not for fame, or for appreciation. If you've told a story, one that makes you feel good to look back on, then you've done your job right.
I'm getting a little corny here, aren't I? Well, if I still have your attention (unlikely), I'll mention an issue that for some reason, not a lot of people seem to be aware about. That issue is shark finning.
Shark fin soup is a delicacy in China, and often used for important ceremonies, like weddings. Now, normally, I have very few issues with tradition. But this is one tradition I wouldn't mind seeing eradicated. The simple issue is that sharks are in major trouble. Major being a worldwide population decline of at least 90%. It's gotten to the point where researchers are having trouble finding and tagging enough sharks to count on two hands. And yet, the Chinese mafia are pulling them out at unthinkable rates. And that's not to mention the fact that they only care about the fins. They just haul the shark out of the water, cut the fins off, and throw it back in to drown. Or bleed out. Whichever comes first.
I'm going to be honest here. I'm having to exercise every ounce of self-control I possess to not fill this section of the post with profanities. Those who know me personally know that I'm extremely difficult to anger. But this is one issue that, to be honest, makes it extremely difficult not to grind my teeth. If I had my way, every ship so much as suspected of shark finning would be scuttled without warning. But of course, it doesn't work that way. And, since nobody will listen to me until I get my Bachelor's Degree (and they probably won't listen to me even then), I have to content myself with spreading awareness with what little influence I have.
So for those of you with the patience to read this far, thanks for paying attention. This was a rant, plain and simple, and none of you had any obligation whatsoever to read it. I'd love to leave you with something, but this is going to take up too much space as it is.
For the moment, thanks for sticking around. Fan out.
It's not just sharks caught for their fins. Many more die as by-catch along with other creatures like turtles or dolphins, even smaller whales, in the nets of those swimming fish canneries that scour the oceans.
This won't stop as long as people think about the sea as a bottomless barrel you can't take too much from. And I have serious doubts anyone will manage to start a lobby for a face full of teeth like they did for whales and dolphins.
Another sad story from planet earth.
China generally doesn't give two shits about the environment. Lots of Chinese do, but those in power are generally apathetic to that kind of thing. Just google chinese traditional medicine and prepare to rage yourself into a coma. Tons of chinese still believe eating tiger penis will make your penis bigger.
But about that other stuff, I take issue with one thing you mentioned:
That is not true. I just posted a new fic and it is not and probably won't be in the feature box. I'm almost certain there is a length requirement. All you have to do is write a fic above 6k words and it is generally featured with 20 likes and 100 views. Follower count helps, but it is by no means a sure fire way to get in the box. Neither is clop, for that matter, though most days beg to differ.
Anyway, I can't say why good authors stick around, but i can list my reasons:
1. it's easy. the worlds and characters are already here. all you have to do is think up something interesting to have happen to them. and keep them in character.
2. attention. this one may be shallow, but dumping original fiction onto fiction press is like hoping someone will notice your spit in the ocean. this site is more concentrated, and everyone is generally here for a specific thing: ponies.
3. all that 'cheesy' stuff you mentioned. it is fun to have a story to tell, tell it, and have others enjoy it.
Amen brother, I'm going into Marine Conservation when I leave uni and I'm motivated to do all I can as an individual to change it. I just hope it won't be too late...
1144544
I don't even want to know where that idea came from. Who would even think that was a good idea?
1145258 ancient chinese who didn't know any better.
I feel the same way, just take the boats, scuttle them, and don't give a fuck about the fishermen. Actually I have that opinion with a lot of things.....suspected drug house? Corrupt Politician?