Fan Fiction Writers Balk at FanLib.com

bill jackson writes "A couple of former Yahoo execs are trying to create the next MySpace by aggregating fanfiction on a website called FanLib. But the fanfic writers recognized that exploitation was written all over the idea and they've refused to participate. 'Instead of creating the Myspace of fanfic since the launch two weeks ago, FanLib.com sparked a white-hot Internet firestorm.The meltdown is a hard lesson in how not to conduct business on the Internet.But it's a firestorm of FanLib's own making because, in spite of the Yahoo pedigree (or maybe because of it), they plowed in like china shop bulls.'"

Comments

They tried to herd cats

[sehlat]

and got themselves clawed.

I suspect an awful lot of the negative reaction comes from three factors:

1. Membership in the site would certainly have a "We own your postings." clause in the Terms of Service.

2. *And* a "We reserve the right to censor anything you post we don't like." clause.

and the cherry on top:

3. An unwritten consequence of (1) would be: "If it's really good, we'll use it to make money. Thanks suckers." clause.

And just remember, in Hollywood, "Trust us." translates to "F**k you."

Re:LJ

[Knara]

Because slashdot isn't well known for "breaking" news. It's an aggregator of news that has already been published and sourced. Moreso the better, if you ask me, since we don't have to deal with Digg/Reddit's "get it first and vote for me!" culture.

This is why I don't have a journal...

[Ayanami Rei]

...on a website I don't control.

Invariably, when a site gets popular, it attracts the attention of people who would like to ruin your shit. Things like this happen.

Don't rely on third parties if you have speech you want to protect.