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

[danceswithgary]

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.

Comments

[jlvsclrk.livejournal.com]

Sometimes I really don't get people. Your first post seemed quite clear to me and I don't see how it could be misconstrued. Oh well.

[danceswithgary]

It happens. Hopefully I've cleared things up. *sigh*

[loony-lucifer.livejournal.com]

Things such as this are exactly why i usually abstain from posting my opinions and heck, even keeping a real "journal" (with daily thoughts/feelings/events) around here too. *sigh* On the flip side, i've found that no matter how little you say, people can still take things the wrong way. Still, i am glad when others post about these things, even if i find it difficult.

I'm fairly certain i get what you're saying in that post. There are exceptions to every rule, and there are also times when people take advantage of a medium that was otherwise harmless.

[danceswithgary]

I just hope everything will calm down quickly. I don't want to end up with embroiled in wank for an opinion piece. Thanks.

[silvertoekee.livejournal.com]

Uh oh is someone bothering you because u stated your opinion? I do notice people sure get supper defensive if they don't agree and there posts start to turn nasty.

[danceswithgary]

I'm sure it'll calm down. :-)

[silvertoekee.livejournal.com]

Yep I bet it will and If not we can attack them with nerf guns :)

[timespirt.livejournal.com]

You have a right to your own opinion, and I saw nothing wrong with your post and I understood what you were saying very well. Don't beat yourself up and don't let anyone else either!

[danceswithgary]

It's settled down I think. I hit a hot button on the fanzine and I'll just avoid that in the future. Lesson learned. :-)

[timespirt.livejournal.com]

Hey,

Before there was fic on the net there was fanzines. I own a few of my own, but they became too heavy and cumbersome to carry around. I'd rather have the laptop or a small notebook to carry the fic on so I can read it anywhere. I was really hoping fics on disc would take off so I could just pop the disc in to read and they would not cost $30.00. More like 7 or 8 dollars. Very little cost involved in cheap data disc's? I promise I will keep mum on this as well so it will go away. Never give up standing up for your principles though!