Animation Source Forums

Okay, let me preface this post with two points:

1. I'm definitely NOT looking to start a flame war or even an argument. So if, after reading this, you're thinking of spouting off because you don't like my post, or you think I'm attacking a specific writer (which I'm NOT), DON'T, because I am NOT interested in dealing with it. And I will advise the mods of troublemakers.

2. The question in the title was largely rhetorical. Meaning I'm not looking for an answer to that. I already know, based on what I'm posting here, and what I've read and seen on the site, who really cares about the characters, and who doesn't...based on what they write in fan fictions, and what they draw.

Now then...

Here's a NON-rhetorical question: are there ANY fan fiction writers out there who feel the way I do about integrity, accuracy, commitment to the original characters and their design, and morality?

I have seen so MANY fan fictions which feature things like incest, sodomy, pederasty, gratuitous violence, offensive and foul language, immorality, "evil", and so on, that it is sickening, and it is offensive. Doubly so when the writers MIS-use the original Balto characters (or original characters from other settings) to fulfill their desires to tell a compelling or entertaining story...or else (and this is clearly a call for help and a sign of a problem of SOME kind) simply to elicit a response (even if that response is revulsion, anger and/or shock).

Of course, I've seen the counter arguments..."Hey, there are warnings on most of these"; "if you don't like the subject, don't read it"; "sheesh - it's JUST fan fiction". And a myriad of other things which essentially translate as "get a life - loser".

People who advocate this kind of "writing" might call me a prude. They might say I'm stifling creativity with my "narrow-minded" opinions (or worse, they might take the all-too-typical route now and say that I'm either a homophobe or that I have an axe to grind with certain members...neither of which is true). I've seen those kinds of attacks thrown at others who were willing to stand up in defense of the kind of writing which keeps the original characters PURE, and free of the kind of writing so often seen here. And they get MERCILESSLY ganged up on and attacked when they criticize that kind of "writing". How our world society and culture have deteriorated and darkened, that we have sunk to such levels!

So I wonder whether or not there are ANY members of Balto Source, whether or not they are fan fiction writers or just those who love to read fan fictions, who really care about staying true to the original characters, and not violating their purity, their parameters, and so on. Or even just their own characters, but without all the trash writing. I know there are at least a FEW out there. I am one. And I have talked to at least a few others who said they are of the same mind, and find great comfort in the fact that I have been writing stuff that, so far, makes the characters come alive for them...that they can FEEL the characters in the writing. That is a great source of pride for me, that I receive such high praise! And it shows that someone need not necessarily be a prude, or a homophobe, or a Christian fundamentalist (none of which fits me at all) just to appreciate GOOD and DECENT writing!

RHETORICAL FINISH: (I am not seeking an answer to this either, because, as I said, I am totally disinterested in a debate, argument, or flame war.) What happened to writing a good romantic story (without incest, sodomy, pederasty or sexual violence)? Whatever happened to writing a good adventure (without gratuitous violence...evil themes...foul language, etc.)?

Seppala, I see your point in ways, and then again I disagree in ways too. I mean, there are a few fics I am disappointed in by the way they have changed so, but I am only concluding towards Balto-related fics.

But in all truth, you never really know what they are doing out there. Now, do you? Everyone imagines something different, and it is just the way things are.

And, yes, you could say we have sunk, or we have risin up. You ask why? Because we are so open about these things. I mean, whats wrong with that? Whats wrong with being open about somethings? I see nothing wrong with it. Really, I dont. I like to know peoples opinions indeed, as long as they are decent, and supported.

Life is life, and you cant run from it. Personally, I love to hear peoples opinions on things like these. I perfer to watch, actually, and not get involved. But sometimes, the reasons people give, if they give one at all!, and just stupid. I think a real arguement should consist of something important, something to support your opinions.

And I tend to try to be calm when giving my opinion, and that is the best thing to do, if you ask me. Do not flame at someone for their opinion, but be gentle & continue to support yours.

My opinion here, in conclusion, is that these fan fics are fine, as long as they are supportive. Or sometimes, if they arent too bad. But keeping the character is also hard, after all we are our own selves.

Forgive me if I offend you, but this is my opinion. Thank you.

You've made a good argument,but I personally don't agree with what you're saying.I know you'll hate me for saying this but...it is FAN-fiction.A GOOD romance story,in my opinion,should have a twist to it.I think you're over-reacting.Fanfiction's purpose is to let writers tell stories with characters they love.If something you never saw,but wanted to see,in the Balto movies,you can write it into a story,and there it is.But if you totally keep everything identical to the movies,it'll no longer be fan-FICTION,but a copy of a story that's already been told.

Rated G?That's because a rated G movie is often praised because it's a good 'family' film.What about the Balto fans that DON'T want to only see a G movie?Do we just sit in a dark corner because BaltoSeppala said we're corrupting Balto?