FAN LABOR Meaning and
Definition
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Fan labor refers to the creative and intellectual work produced by fans of a particular media or entertainment franchise. It encompasses a wide range of activities such as creating fanfiction, producing fan art, making fan videos, crafting fan theories, composing fan music, and participating in fan communities.
The term "fan labor" emphasizes the voluntary and passionate nature of these activities, as fans dedicate their time and energy to engage with and contribute to the world of their favorite franchises. Fan labor often emerges as a form of expression and appreciation towards the original work, as enthusiasts delve into expanding or reimagining the narrative, characters, or themes established by the creators.
One prominent aspect of fan labor is fanfiction, where fans write stories using preexisting characters and settings from the original work. This form of creative writing allows fans to explore alternative storylines, relationships, or plot developments that may not have been explored within the official canon. Fan art, on the other hand, involves visual representations of characters or scenes from the original work, showcasing the artistic skills and interpretations of the fan community.
Fan labor is typically non-profit and largely distributed through online platforms, such as fanfiction websites, fan art galleries, and video sharing sites. It serves as a way for fans to communicate, share their ideas, and develop a collective identity within their respective fandoms. Additionally, fan labor can also influence the official content creators, potentially inspiring new ideas or even leading to official adaptations.
Etymology of FAN LABOR
The word "fan labor" is a term that refers to creative works produced by fans of a particular media franchise or fandom. The etymology of the term can be understood by examining the origins of each word separately.
1. "Fan": The term "fan" is a short form of the word "fanatic" and has been used since the late 19th century. It originally referred to someone who has an intense passion or enthusiasm for a particular interest, such as sports, music, or a specific piece of fiction. The word "fan" is derived from the noun "fanatic", which comes from the Latin word "fanaticus", meaning "insanely but divinely inspired". Over time, "fan" has become more broadly associated with enthusiasts of various forms of entertainment, including movies, TV shows, books, and video games.
