What is the Difference Between Fanfic and AO3? Explained
Discover the key differences between fanfic as a genre and AO3, the popular platform for sharing fan fiction and fan works.
76 views
Fanfic and AO3 (Archive of Our Own) relate closely but differ in essence. Fanfic is a genre of literature where authors write stories using characters and settings from existing works, like TV shows, movies, or books, often exploring new plots or relationships not present in the original. AO3, on the other hand, is a platform where writers can publish their fanfics. It's a non-profit, open-source repository for fan fiction and other fan works. Essentially, fanfic is the content, and AO3 is one of the places where such content is shared.
FAQs & Answers
- What is fanfic? Fanfic, or fan fiction, is a genre of writing where authors create stories based on characters and worlds from existing media like TV shows, movies, or books.
- What is AO3? AO3, or Archive of Our Own, is a non-profit, open-source online platform where writers publish fan fiction and other fan works.
- How are fanfic and AO3 related? Fanfic refers to the content—stories written by fans—while AO3 is one of the major platforms where these fanfics can be published and shared.
- Can I publish fanfic on platforms other than AO3? Yes, fanfic can be published on various platforms like Wattpad, FanFiction.net, and Tumblr, but AO3 is popular for its non-profit status and community focus.