Fanfiction Isn’t Dead, But AO3 Might Be

One of the internet’s top fanfiction platforms, Archive Of Our Own, is down and could stay that way for weeks. Devoted readers have been rushing to save their favorite fics in the event that AO3 might not return. But now scammers are coming in to try to take advantage of the moment, and some users are trying to access stories in problematic ways. We invite culture video essayist and friend-of-the-show Princess Weekes to discuss the impact of AO3's shutdown and how fanfiction readers of different generations are handling the fallout. This podcast is produced by Vic Whitley-Berry, Daisy Rosario, and Kate Lindsay. Need to set up your Slate Plus feed? If you subscribed through Slate.com, check out our FAQ at slate.com/podcastfaqs for easy instructions. Members subscribed via Apple Podcasts get automatic access—no setup required. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.