Criticism

The Endless Appetite for Fanfiction

In 2024, everyone wanted a piece of fic, from AI grifters to traditional publishers to ravenous audiences. Where did that leave the people who write it?

An illustration of a supermassive black hole found in galaxy M60-UCD1, or AI entrepreneurs when they log onto the AO3. Image courtesy NASA via Wikimedia Commons.

Production still from The Pitt featuring Drs Abbott and Robby standing in front of the red emergency entrance (in the evening), looking meaningfully at each other.

The Pitt Fandom Phenomenon

The hit medical drama showcases three things you need to build a juggernaut fanfic community: popularity, modularity, and intimacy.

(Re)Introducing Fansplaining

Reporting, analysis, criticism, and more—all by, for, and about fandom.

Production still from Heated Rivalry featuring Ilya and Shane laying together naked in bed.

The Success of Heated Rivalry Should Not Be a Surprise

Romancelandia understands why the show is a hit. Why is it so hard for Hollywood to get the message?

Black and white image from the 1930s of a woman sitting at a desk holding a paper and pen, smiling.

Fansplaining’s Next Chapter

We’re relaunching as a weekly publication featuring reporting, analysis, criticism, personal essays, and more—all by, for, and about fandom.

Read more

The Pitt Fandom Phenomenon

(Re)Introducing Fansplaining

The Success of Heated Rivalry Should Not Be a Surprise

Fansplaining’s Next Chapter