March 29, 2012  12:58 PM

FROM: plshoals

TO: bbharding

SUBJECT: PSYH 344 Project Proposal

Professor Harding,

I've decided on a semester project.  I want to explore the motivation of people who write "fan fiction" stories.  These are written about TV shows, books, or movies by someone who is a fan of the original, rather than the creator.

I believe I can learn about human creativity and the way people derive pleasure from being creative.

Sincerely,

Peter Shoals

March 29, 2012  2:18 PM

FROM: bbharding

TO: plshoals

SUBJECT: Re: PSYH 344 Project Proposal

Peter,

I'm familiar with the term fanfiction, and I know that nearly every published work has a community for it.  Did you have a specific genre in mind?

Also, make sure you do some offline research.  This isn't Wikipedia.

Brian Harding

March 30, 2012  8:06 AM

FROM: plshoals

TO: bbharding

SUBJECT: Re: Re: PSYH 344 Project Proposal

Professor Harding,

In the interest of being fair, I wasn't planning to limit my project to any particular "fandom," but that could change.  I've contacted the campus fanfiction club.  They invited me to come over to their upcoming meeting next week.  Typically, they watch a TV show and then brainstorm ideas for writing.  "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic," is scheduled for the meeting I will be attending.  In order to get contrasting opinions, I'll also be interviewing friends and family of mine who don't write.

Sincerely,

Peter Shoals

March 30, 2012  9:08 AM

FROM: bbharding

TO: plshoals

SUBJECT: Re: Re: Re: PSYH 344 Project Proposal

Peter,

I love that show.  Good luck.

Brian Harding