Recently, I've been thrown back into the world of Neil Gaiman, probably to balance my mind around Ancient Greece and Campbell's studies, and as my friends can tell you that, when my interest is piqued, I become sort of obsessed, turning and returning to one subject until I tire myself and admittedly everyone else around me with constant talk of the subject until it finally goes out of my system.
image from Wikipedia
image from tvtropes.org
Anyway, re-watching Gaiman's Good Omens formed another question in my mind when I stumbled across some enthusiastically made videos on YouTube claiming fiercely there is something of homosexual relation between Aziraphale and Crowley, leading to some noticeable load of fan fiction about the subject apparently.
image from tumblr
Regardless of what I think of the matter -and is it really important? Really?- the more important question at least in my own head was that why people show interest in reading or even writing fan fiction in the first place?
Someone on of those videos spoke strongly opposite such an act, describing it offensive even, because they saw it like saying to the original writer that the fan writer has actually seen the second-hand production as a more complete version of the original. Otherwise, what was the reason for writing?
Leaving those pieces that are actually filling some gaps left in the original narration intentionally or by an obligation of sort, is it really that offensive? Personally, I ever manage to lift my novel off the ground and someone loves it to the degree of writing a piece out of it, although I might have a little of shock seeing my character out of someone else's perspective, I'd be deeply grateful. Doesn't this all mean a connection has been established?
After all, can I claim a character is mine because I made him or her? When I present a work to audience, can I claim it to remain mine exclusively? Is such a claim even possible? After all I can't be in other's minds, bending them to the exact of my own imagination. Is it even possible to ask for appreciation without giving room to fantasies and interpretations?
If yes, then isn't it a verdict somehow, imprisoning a creation to its writer? Can't it be said that when a work is out, just like someone who becomes a parent, you can't own it only to yourself anymore. Your child is forever yours in a way and never again yours and they become independent and form their own relationships for good or bad.
What's you take on it? Fan fiction, to be or not?