[HPforGrownups] Re: The Difference Between TBAY and FF (WAS FF: Speculation; Fanfic islike TBAY

[Hana]

No: HPFGUIDX 39037

I think the one thing that has been overlooked/glossed over/misunderstood (your choice ;)) in the discussion of TBAY and FF is that while both present different theories as to what might be possible in the past/present/future of the HP universe, TBAY sets out to prove the theory with canon while FF sets out to explore the idea around canon.

For example, even when using narrative as the main writing format for TBAY, it's still basically a case of saying "here's my theory and it might be a possible explanation because of a) b) and c)".  

FF on the other hand is more of a situation where the author is saying "what if <this> happened.  How would people react?  How would it change things from canon?" etc.  

In both situations the same theory or "what if" might be covered, but TBAY is an ~arguement~ that tries to persuade the reader while FF, as a general rule, presents and explores the idea without actively arguing the point.  This isn't to say that a fic couldn't be written to actually argue a theory, but, for the most part, I don't think that's the main goal.

To use a metaphor, it's like taking a walk in a forest -- the TBAYer would give reasons why their particular path is a good one and worthy of plotting on a map while the FF writer walks down the path because it might be nice to explore even if no one else is really interested in it.  Both hope that people will follow their path, but they have different expectations of what the followers will get out of the journey.

The TBAYer wants to convince first and entertain second while the FF writer wants to entertain first and convince second.  Both entertainment and convincing points are necessary to both genres, but the degree of importance depends on the type of writing.  So while there may be a lot of similarities at the core of TBAY and FF, the ultimate goal is different thus separating the two into very distinctive categories.

And on the entire "Fanfiction is subversive" thread:  
SUBVERT: 1. to bring about the complete downfall or ruin of (something existing by a system of law, etc.) 2. to undermine the moral principles of (a person, etc)
SUBVERSIVE: 1. liable to subert or overthrow a government, legally constituted institution etc. 2. a person engaged in subversive activities.
(Collins Dictionary and Thesaurus, 1992)

Was this how the word was originally intended to be used in connection to fanfiction?  If so I have to completely disagree with its use.  Fanfiction simply explores an option that has some canon basis but breaks from canon by its nature (though some stay very close to canon).  It is in no way trying to convince readers that it is better than JKR's canon story, nor is it trying to replace JKR's plot.  

If it bothers you then, by all means, ignore it.  I'd rather someone ~didn't~ read my stories than read them and be upset by them.  I figure, if you don't like my path or my methods of exploration then don't follow me and find a path that you ~do~ like.  In the end everyone will be happier that way.

---
--Hana



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