Thanks for linking the article! That's an interesting read. It seems like his only real point of critique is the -- admittedly large and glaring -- fact that they can do whatever they want with your fanfic once they've paid you your pittance for it. That is definitely not an equitable deal.

But compared to earning nothing and being recognized for nothing, it might... be worth it. I mean, if nothing else, it's a spot on your resume -- and, depending on how much you get robbed for, can be a pretty big one. Look, I was actually published. Look, I was reprinted in five languages. Look, they used my storyline in Season 7 of the popular Vampire Diaries TV show. Does it suck that they didn't pay you for it? Sure. But maybe it's worth it if you can get proof that your writing and plotting is quality. Those credentials can get you a real career where people will actually pay you.

With that said, I am definitely not going to line up on opening day with a Vampire Diaries fanfic to get in on the ground floor. I'm going to see how this falls out, what changes along the line, what these "guidelines" are, if it even works -- because let's be real, fandom hates paying for fanfic. Maybe it genuinely is more of an idea-stealing model than a payment-model. But it's definitely an interesting development.