On this ep We speak to Ms. Claudia Rebaza from OTW - The Organization for Transformative Works, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the interests of fans by preserving the history of fanworks and fan culture.

* Claudia explains what is “A Transformative Work”, what goes under that legal term and what does it mean for us, fans; We speak about the shift from a culture of privacy to a culture of Self-promotion in the last decade, as can be seen on earlier platforms such as Live Journal. (www.transformativeworks.org/fanworks-fair-use-and-fair-dealing).

* LEGAL ADVOCACY - A big part of the OTW’s work is in regards to protecting and defending fanworks from commercial exploitation and legal challenges. We briefly talk about the FOSTA-SESTA law that was recently passed by President Trump, and Claudia explains why it was such a worry for fans at the time (www.transformativeworks.org/fosta-sesta-and-fan); Later on in the episode: (soon to be deceased) Kindle Worlds and Amazon’s legal language and what it means for the fanfiction writers using Kindle Worlds; and Marvel’s “Create Your Own” platform. (www.transformativeworks.org/what-fans-should-know-about-amazons-kindle-worlds-program)

* TRANSFORMATIVE WORKS AND CULTURES JOURNAL - a peer-reviewed academic journal that promotes fan studies projects. An amazing resource for anyone writing their thesis on their favorite fandom.

* FANLORE - The fandom-wiki devoted to preserving the history of fanworks and fandoms; Plus a shoutout to BetterBuffyFics - a popular Buffy the Vampire Slayer recommendation group that shiri started in the early 2000’s. (http://betterbuffyfics.fictionandart.com).

* ARCHIVE OF OUR OWN - This giant fanfiction hosting site is the most well-known and popular out of all of the OTW’s activities. It’s free and all-inclusive, and very close to being perfect (if it wasn’t for that one pesky problem…