A question in the form of a poll

[ratherastory]

I've been thinking about this topic a fair bit lately, for reasons. ¬_¬

A few people here and there sometimes offer fiction commissions, and it gets met with very mixed reactions. Some people are happy to jump on the bandwagon, and others wag judgmental fingers for it, whereas fan artists never seem to meet with the same kind of disapproval. It seems to be acceptable to produce visual arts for profit, even if the work is fan-based, but not written works.

So, I'm curious. What do people on my flist think? I've made the poll anonymous, so you don't have to worry about your answers being recorded for posterity.

If you don't mind your name appearing in the comments, I'd be curious to hear your thoughts about why it seems to be okay to pay for fanart but not fanfiction. Is there some legal aspect to this with which I'm not familiar? Or is it something else? A combination?

[Poll #1966603]

You will also note that I was sneaky and included a second question about original fiction. I don't know many people who do this, but I'm also curious about people's habits when it comes to original fiction. If fanfic authors link to their original works, are you less likely or more likely to seek out what they're producing? Are you in it for the fandom stuff only, or are you inclined to take a chance on original fiction? Inquiring minds want to know!

Comments

[sultrysong.livejournal.com]

I believe freelancers should be paid for their work. Taking work on commission is the same as freelancing, isn't it? My opinion is that considering it tacky to accept money devalues fanfiction and the writer's talent. (Fanfic aside, I admit I get the shakes because "I can get that free anywhere" is what's killing my industry.)

[quickreaver.livejournal.com]

What's your industry? (Freelancer, here ...)

[(Anonymous)]

I'm a copy editor at a metro daily and freelance myself (as an editor and writer) at a community monthly.

[sultrysong.livejournal.com]

I'm a copy editor at a metro daily. So much respect for people who manage to make a living freelancing.

[ratherastory.livejournal.com]

Why hello! I didn't realise you followed this LJ too!

[sultrysong.livejournal.com]

Not always. But I'm a fan.

[sultrysong.livejournal.com]

Also, apparently, I kind of suck at replying technology. Sorry for the weird anonymous posts and things.