Question

[paraka]

So, I've spent most of the day reading up on what people are saying about the OTW are saying. Mostly from non-fandom people, and it's kind of making me want to shoot things, but I was wondering:

What do you think about the OTW? Would you like an archive? A written fannish history? A wiki (OMG, I can't tell you how much I'd like a wiki for fandom, although I can see it being vandalized a lot)? Do you think it's a good idea to have a legal defense fund? If the OTW were ever to go to court, would you support them?

I'm planning on making a post sometime about how I feel about it, but I'm really curious as to what other people on my flist think about it. I think so far only one person on my flist has really written about it, but I spent a couple months away so could have totally missed something.

Also, I am having a bitch of a time working on a mysql database, any one know enough about setting up eFiction to want to help?

Comments

OTW = A Good Start, But Not The End All/Be All

[morgandawn.livejournal.com]

I'd like a fan history wiki that is transparent, group owned (aka not owned by one person or persons + persons who are accountable and unlikely to wander off). I also like the idea of seeing more articles etc discussing and documenting women in fan history. A central archive would be a nice complement (not a replacement) to the thousands of existing archives. And of course having some legal assistance or legal direction is all good.

In short, what I like about OTW is that it is a large group, a bit more formal/professional than your typical fan endeavor, less likely to be taken over by one single person/group and well funded. And that is is not trying to be (and frankly never will be able to be) the exclusive owner of fannish works or history.

In short, a good start with lots of room for others to branch off and still do their own thins.

Re: OTW = A Good Start, But Not The End All/Be All

[paraka]

A central archive would be a nice complement (not a replacement) to the thousands of existing archives.
Agreed. I'm finding that there are quite a few people out there angry at the fact that the OTW is trying to replace them (there's been a rather long discussion in these comments with regards to the wiki) but don't see that really it's just an *addition*. The more resources and choice fans have, the more enjoyable fandom is.

In short, what I like about OTW is that it is a large group, a bit more formal/professional than your typical fan endeavor, less likely to be taken over by one single person/group and well funded.
*nods* They've said they're going to be taking a lot on, and if it were just one person, I wouldn't expect it to happen, or that it would fall apart rather quickly if it did. And the professional aspect gives me hope that they'll be able to keep a bit more of a cool head, and not have things devolve into something that has fandom_wank gleeful.