Subject: It's on one of Araeph's Lists. Here ya go.
Author:
Posted on: 2008-07-17 10:02:00 UTC
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Would it be wise to discuss the PPC in an academic essay? by
on 2008-07-16 23:36:00 UTC
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Hi, all - I need some advice.
For a paper I'm currently taking at uni, the semester's major project is a long essay on a non-fiction subject of our choice. I know it sounds ridiculous, but I think I can make fanfiction as a community phenomena my subject - which, quite frankly, would make my day, because of all the topic ideasI've had so far, it's the only one that really sparks my interest.
In the course of researching I would be doing a lot of research, including surveys, which I may offer to everyone here, if you're interested in helping, but my main issue at the moment is whether or not it would be wise to talk, however briefly, about the PPC in a rather offical essay. I'm going to write a section on the legality of fanfic itself, and defend it, but Tungsten Monk's recent withdrawal has made me cautious; I don't want to get anyone, including myself, in trouble, and the PPC is a much smaller and more specific group than fanfic writers in general.
So I ask you; is it wise?
I'm pitching the idea to my professor in a day or so, and nothing's final yet anyway, but I'd like your opinions on the matter.
Thanks in advance,
- Sedri -
I have approval! by
on 2008-07-18 06:30:00 UTC
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My English professor just approved my topic choice! *throws a party*
I'm off to start structuring the research and the focus. I'll make new posts if I have any favours to ask.
Thanks again, all! *hugs*
- Sedri -
you could also another collaberative canon... (Plugplug) by
on 2008-07-17 13:31:00 UTC
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...Eric Flint's 1632 series.
He takes the very best fanfic for his previous novel in the series and incorporates it into the plot of the next. he also has it published AS CANON!
He also allows people to download his books freely without cost.
http://www.baen.com/library/
Just click "The books" on the left side panel.
Neat huh?
Also an alternate list.
http://www.webscription.net/c-1-free-library.aspx -
That's fascinating by
on 2008-07-17 23:28:00 UTC
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Baen, I mean. I really, really admire that guy's principles. Thanks, Finch!
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Anyone know where that essay is? by
on 2008-07-17 09:01:00 UTC
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There was an essay written a couple of years ago about us for a uni paper. I have been tring to find it, but I have lost the link.
Any one else have it?
Leto - It's on one of Araeph's Lists. Here ya go. by on 2008-07-17 10:02:00 UTC Reply
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*hugs* Thank you (nm) by
on 2008-07-17 23:21:00 UTC
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Hmm. Well, I'm definitely comforted. by
on 2008-07-17 06:59:00 UTC
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I suppose that I mostly felt I needed your consent before deciding to do something like this. I don't particularly fear that we're all going to be dragged into court, but in my experience, it's always better to ask.
So thanks, all of you. And yes, I'll definitely keep you lot involved in it; you probably won't be able to shut me up after I finish it - I'll be too happy. You'll certainly get a link, Tomato. ;)
In direct response to Nesh and Pads: No, I don't particularly care if my professors give me strange looks, because if nothing else, I'll be remembered as someone who's passionate about writing and precision. And I like this one; he seems quite open-minded - actually, in the first class he told us that since he has to read about twenty thousand words at the end of semester, we'll get better marks if we're interesting. He certainly thought it had potential when I gave a very brief sketch of fanfiction a few weeks ago. Besides, that's why we have a very early session devoted entirely to topic approval.
Ah, I ramble. I suppose I'm just relieved. Thank you, guys.
(Of course, if anyone has more to say, don't let the finality of the above line stop you. I'm always interested.) -
my experience of uni and the PPC by
on 2008-07-17 02:03:00 UTC
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...is that they don't actually check up on these things. If it's one particular module of your course, the odds of whoever's teaching you taking a dramatic interest, seeing what's happening, and pulling a load of lawyers on fandom's head in the name of creativity are minimal. If you were, for example, basing a Phd on a fanfictiony topic that relied heavily on the PPC, you'd be drawing a little more attention, but even then, the prospects of negative legal impact are slim; the greater worry would be having a tutor who objected in some way and thus marked you down. And if you're concentrating on the phenomena aspect rather than anything else peculiar to the fanfiction world, as a paper it works, and there would also be little basis that I can see for problems with your tutor.
And certainly, if you're choosing the PPC and related phenomena, your surveys and whatnot should be thrown this way. -
I wrote about Trekkies for my sociology final. by
on 2008-07-17 01:29:00 UTC
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The final was on a subculture of our choice; I devoted a paragraph to fanfiction. I think it's entirely plausible, as long as you back everything up with data and you have your professor's blessing.
We will want to be seeing this essay. It sounds cool.
I say go for it! -
well, it occurs, we can vouch for that ... by
on 2008-07-16 23:56:00 UTC
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and so as I see it it's a legit topic for an essay. The police aren't going to break in here with the thumbscrews and yell 'put down the novels!' after reading your essay :)
I'm also reasonably certain that other people have talked about the PPC in school/uni projects before and it has been fine.
I'm all for it. What do others think? -
Yes, other people have done. by
on 2008-07-17 01:36:00 UTC
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I don't remember who, but there have been a couple of people who have done surveys and such on the Board for school projects.
As I see it, the only real question is, do you care if your professors know what you do in your spare time?
~Neshomeh