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

[kiricat2001]

No: HPFGUIDX 39039

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., "lucky_kari" <lucky_kari at y...> wrote:
> --- 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? 

Speaking strictly for myself, no, it doesn't.  I have read some of 
the posts regarding the differences between TBAY and FF, and I have 
to say, it looks to me like we're splitting hairs.  One of the 
reasons that I tend to skip a lot of TBAY posts is that I find if you 
jump into one in the middle of the discussion, it is very distracting 
to wade through the decorative prose associated with these posts.  
I'm not trying to insult anyone here, nor am I saying that TBAY is a 
bad idea - I'm just saying it doesn't work for me.  


> 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. 

Here's where I think we get to the hair-splitting thing.  People have 
their own thoughts, opinions and interpretations regarding the HP 
characters.  Based on those, people can create backstories in their 
minds about what may have occured in the past (Snape loved Lily) or 
what might occur in the future. (Redeemed Draco.)  A writer may 
decide to write the definitive Snape/Lily Hogwarts love story, 
complete with mushy dialog and foaming-at-the-mouth murderous Sirius 
who steps in trying to get rid of Snape for James and Lily's 
benefit.  None of which is in canon.  However, I think a well-written 
story could support this theory as well as any TBAY post.  If you 
don't buy the Snape/Lily thing, no story will convince you.  If you 
don't buy the Snape/Lily thing, no amount of theorizing will convince 
you, either.

Honestly, the only difference I see between FF and TBAY is that FF 
takes the theory and fleshes it out.

Marianne