Gift

"FanLib.com was founded on the belief that fan creativity is a true art form that deserves a first-rate showcase for cultivation and celebration. Over the course of the past fifteen months, you have triumphantly confirmed this notion with an astonishing display of talent, enthusiasm, imagination and camaraderie.

So, it is especially difficult to announce that FanLib.com will shut down on Monday, August 4, 2008."

I believe this calls for a freeze-frame high-five, Barney Stinson style. *g*

I have been watching the Laura Hale/partly_bouncy/etc. drama unfold (if you don't know what I'm talking about, please refer to metafandom), and what fills me with joy is how fierce fandom is about this particular aspect of our self-definition: fandom is not about money. We are a gift economy. We take bits and pieces of works we love and transform them into something new, all the while being very active consumers ourselves. We do this out of love.

This is a great day for fandom. DIE, FANLIB, DIE!