Date of Publication

2023

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts Major in Organizational Communication

Subject Categories

Fiction | Organizational Communication

College

College of Liberal Arts

Department/Unit

Communication

Thesis Advisor

Katrina Alvarez

Defense Panel Chair

Maria Angeli R. Diaz

Defense Panel Member

Bruno Lovric
Ruepert Jiel D. Cao
Cielo Santos

Abstract/Summary

Fan fiction internalizes, transforms, utilizes, and debates existing literary works (Waysdorf, 2019); moreover, it functions as a cultural engagement and is read in its original context (Olasz, 2018). One prominent organization that operates as a fan fiction archive, the Organization for Transformative Works (OTW), has created its footprint in the literary world and the fan fiction community. However, fan fiction has always been controversial in the mainstream media due to plagiarism, copyright claims, and the case of queering mainstream works with questionable themes (Katyal, 2006). Thus, this study analyzes how OTW frames its fan fiction advocacy to establish credibility in the literary world and provide a platform for the queer community. This study employed discourse analysis of academic journals from TWC and OTW's social media posts focusing on fan fiction, queerness, and intellectual property rights. The researchers also interviewed a member of the OTW, queer AO3 writers, and a reader to get their insights on OTW's framing methods. Furthermore, this study utilized Cornelissen and Werner's (2014) Frame Constructs by Levels of Analysis which presents ten framing constructs— six of which are present in this study. OTW frames its brand as an archive that welcomes all users, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or identity. The organization has reiterated that it does not have a singular demographic focus and would prefer to be regarded as a repository of diverse fan works. Moreover, OTW's broad content and abuse policy allows creators to write without restrictions (Organization for Transformative Works, n.d.-b). Therefore, supported by its legal actions team, OTW promotes an image of inclusiveness and creative liberty.

Keywords: Organization for Transformative Works, Queer Fandom, Fan Fiction, Fan Studies, Fan Culture, Intellectual Property Rights, Framing, Frame Constructs by Levels of Analysis

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Fan fiction; Intellectual property; Authors; Queer theory

Upload Full Text

wf_yes

Embargo Period

8-13-2023

Download

Share

COinS