The choices of readers and writers in Russian fanfiction
- DOI
- 10.5922/pikbfu-2024-2-8
- Pages
- 84-96
Abstract
This article provides a brief overview of the current situation in Russian fanfiction, using texts from the popular Ficbook website. Although the research draws primarily on established concepts of the communicative component of fanfiction, it also offers a novel perspective on the relationship between readers and writers. This study presents the results of an internet-based survey and compares them with data from previous research efforts. It focuses on currently popular works, with particular attention given to fanfics based on Russian and Soviet literature. Of particular interest are those interactions between the author and the reader where there is a tendency for these roles to merge. The study explores readership preferences based on age and selected text stimuli. It also provides an overview of authors’ preferences and the most popular source materials, analysing ficwriters’ selection of prose, genres (such as fantasy and science fiction) and prevalent themes (including love, historical and social themes). The study also posits a unique relationship between the author and the reader within the Russian fanfiction community, shaped by the digital landscape and operating on market principles.