I'm a 21 year old college student, studying media and design.

I got this account when I was 12, and was submitting fanfiction from day one. While the quality of writing was regrettable to say the least (so regrettable that I've since deleted all of it), it was a wonderful outlet. I still consume tons of media, and love dreaming up situations around all of my favorite characters, exactly how I did almost 10 years ago.

But an education in media has lead to some knowledge that I want to share with the world of fans; intellectual property. This is an issue that was brewing when I was an active member here, and it is still going strong. The basis is this: many of our favorite characters are owned by big corporations who make tons of money off of marketing them. Despite the fact that fan-based works provide a social circle, creative outlet, and constructive environment, there is a strong effort to stop fan-works, including fanfiction, from being spread over the internet. There are threats of legal action, large lawsuits, etc.

Do not let these threats get to you.

Our culture is created because of culture sharing by fans. We are evolved from that which we consume, it is a basic human right.

There is an organization called Creative Commons to try and make creations public again, allowing for the freedom of fan expression. Support creativity, support fanworks, and support creative commons.

I urge all fanfiction writers and readers to research this issue as best you can, because you are at the heart of a war, and if you don't educate yourself, the money-hungry culture-gobbling corporations will win.