I enjoyed the first 80 chapters of HPMoR that I tore through when I was first exposed to it, but in a sort of reserved way, the way I enjoy Black Jewels - so much sense was sacrificed to fantasy. But I also cared about this version of the world. I read up to what was available at the time (or maybe I just read until 3am, I don't remember - I was up VERY late that night) and later, the things I heard about the author put me off continuing.

I'm puzzled by some of your fanfiction points. I don't think the demarcation between original and fanfiction is all that clear - or that it is clearer than, say, the kind of original fiction praised now and the kind of original fiction celebrated by the Hugos 25 years ago.

What about Scalzi's Redshirts, for example? It's fanfiction, but it explains its references sufficiently so that the jokes work in context.

I agree that there is a certain disingenuity in promoting your work through fandom, then claiming it is better than the original, and jonesing for an award. However, what claims is he making about the originality of the fiction?


I am also very curious about Sorceror to the Crown and the fanfic label you have given it. Heyer pastiches are not a new thing. Taking on a previous popular style is not sufficiently derivative to be considered fanfiction, I feel. What makes you say that about SttC? Or should I read it first, so you don't have to spoil me, I suppose...