Watch how quickly Val can backpeddle, duck, and run for cover

I've been reminded why I usually avoid offering my opinion on fannish activities outside my own.

Based on a post by an author on my flist, I posted explicitly stating that my fan works are not for profit and what I considered fair use of them. That was supposed to be the important theme of the post.

So much for trying to keep it focused on me and my opinions.

I'm tempted to go back and remove two other sections, but people have already responded and I try to avoid deleting what I've posted publicly - likely another mistake but I've always kept my writing and art posts public. The sections in question are the link to the Ebay listing and my statement that some other listed appeared to be the same. In addition, my opinion on a particular fanzine (which I have never named) asking me to participate could be (and probably was) misinterpreted and I have clarified it with an update.

It's worth stating again.

I'd also like to clarify that in the past fanzines were a vital part of a fan community that had few other outlets for collection and distribution. That has changed with the expansion of the internet and LJ, but the earlier 'zines are valuable and a tribute to dedicated fans.

There are legitimate fanzines for sale with appropriate credit and permission.

Please be very careful in accusing anyone of plagarism or theft or misuse. Make sure you have your facts straight and do your own checking, don't depend on anyone else's post to send you off on a witchhunt.

I am now backing away from this issue. Please be kind to each other.