1. I'd argue that the underlying assumptions that structure fieldwork -- which include a respect for other people's experience and motivation -- would lead to a more inquisatory and less accusatory mode of questioning. Instead of asking why a person isn't doing pro-fic, you might ask why a person is doing fanfic. Such a question in a casual conversation could help you to tactically determine whether the pro-fic thing is even an interest, whether the mentoring offer would be welcome, and how to go about making the offer.
2 & 3. Because all this discussion has been general and hypothetical, I haven't been sure what specific situations you've been involved in where you've made this kind of offer and been rebuffed. I do know the kinds of situations myself and other fanfic authors have been in where we've felt negatively judged on the issue of fanfic/pro-fic. It is these situations I've been basing my responses on, since nothing specific has been introduced here.
I think the problem does exist in generalities. Fanfic writers *generally* feel discriminated against, often because of generalized comments that are made. Specifically, I've had some interactions where I felt hounded for enjoying fanfic writing...but most of those conversations have been with my parents. I have noticed some general comments made against fanfic by people in our extended LJ community. I've never felt in specific conversation with you that you have a bias against my writing fanfic, even though you've expressed on occasion that you'd like to see me write more original fiction. But I've never gotten the feeling that you're biased against the ways that I enjoy writing (although I get the feeling that might be in part because my interest has an academic aspect as well?)
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yati
no subject
Date: 2007-04-29 05:08 pm (UTC)2 & 3. Because all this discussion has been general and hypothetical, I haven't been sure what specific situations you've been involved in where you've made this kind of offer and been rebuffed. I do know the kinds of situations myself and other fanfic authors have been in where we've felt negatively judged on the issue of fanfic/pro-fic. It is these situations I've been basing my responses on, since nothing specific has been introduced here.
I think the problem does exist in generalities. Fanfic writers *generally* feel discriminated against, often because of generalized comments that are made. Specifically, I've had some interactions where I felt hounded for enjoying fanfic writing...but most of those conversations have been with my parents. I have noticed some general comments made against fanfic by people in our extended LJ community. I've never felt in specific conversation with you that you have a bias against my writing fanfic, even though you've expressed on occasion that you'd like to see me write more original fiction. But I've never gotten the feeling that you're biased against the ways that I enjoy writing (although I get the feeling that might be in part because my interest has an academic aspect as well?)