The Difference Between TBAY and FF (WAS FF: Speculation; Fanfic is like TBAY

[lucky_kari]

No: HPFGUIDX 39031

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., "dicentra63" <dicentra at x> wrote:
> To Cindy's arguments on the differences between FF and TBAY, I'd 
like
> to add the following:
> 
> Perhaps the most notable difference between TBAY and FF lies in WHO
> and WHAT is being dramatized. 

Nods sagely. You know, I wonder if TBAY actually convinces people more 
than a straight-out theory? Fourth Man was meant very seriously, but 
having Avery hanging about, and people cramming into kayaks, lead many 
to think we were just joking. In FF, theories are put into believeable 
backgrounds. In TBAY, theories are surrounded by wildly unbelievable 
inventions. Whereas FF lulls a reader's resistances to sleep, TBAY 
flaunts things which will cause resistance. 

> Now.  I mean only to demonstrate a difference between FF and TBAY.  
I
> am not registering an objection to using FF in this forum.  If you
> want to *demonstrate* a theory using FF, go right ahead, as far as 
I'm
> concerned.  I just can't accept FF as a way to *support* the 
argument,
> whereas with a TBAY theory, I will, as long as the theory isn't
> bristling with yellow flags.

Demonstrating a theory from FF is, of course, well..... 

I've been thinking about fanfiction's function awhile, and I don't 
really think you can demonstrate a theory through FF. What you are 
doing instead is showing how a theory could work. I don't see Draco 
and Hermione in canon, so a well-written Draco and Hermione story 
would not convert me. However, suppose that one day - horror of 
horrors! - I say to myself - not likely - you know, Harry/Hermione is 
actually quite possible in canon. Being an R/Hr shipper, I would not 
be extensively thrilled. However, if I saw the possibility in canon, a 
well-written H/Hr fic might bring me around to *liking* the SHIP, and 
thus supporting it wholly. But a well-written H/Hr fic won't do the 
trick until I see any canon evidence for that SHIP. Do you get what 
I'm saying?

> --Dicentra, who is not going to write FF about Stoned!Harry, no 
matter
> how much you beg me to

The moment I saw Stoned!Harry, I remembered this fic over on the Sugar 
Quill called "Chain Smoking Harry." It took me a long while to figure 
out what Stoned!Harry really was about. 

Eileen