【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. cast [kast, kahst] (n.) – the set of actors or actresses in a movie or play
Example: The new casts of the hit Sci-Fi movie held autograph signing events for their avid fans.
2. fiction [FIK-shuh n] (n.) – a kind of written literature that is made-up or imagined
Example: The teacher asked the students to read fictions to encourage their imagination.
3. monetize [MON-i-tahyz, MUHN-] (v.) – to convert into profit or money
Example: The producers wanted to further monetize the movies by selling T-shirts showing famous scenes from the movie.
4. niche [nich] (n.) – a special or particular kind of market or group of people
Example: Sci-Fi only appeals to a certain market niche.
5. hush [huhsh] (v.) – to make someone or something silent or quiet down
Example: News about the movie sequel was hushed because producers wanted the movie to be a big surprise.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
Since authors of fan fictions usually do not get paid, Amazon has launched Kindle Worlds to monetize its big market niche.
Fan fiction is a novel or story based on a TV series, movie, or book in which the writer is a fan of. These literary works involve whole new universes, which often include some creative twists in the cast of the famous fictions such as Harry Potter and Twilight. Nowadays, these works of fiction are published on the Internet, specifically on fan fiction websites like fanfiction.net.
The launch of Kindle Worlds has hushed copyright issues in fan fiction. Amazon has been able to obtain permission to pay writers with creative stories about several TV Series like “The Vampire Diaries,” “Pretty Little Liars,” “Gossip Girl,” or any of the works of Kurt Vonnegut.
However, many fan fiction enthusiasts are not embracing this idea because of complex reasons. Fans may feel a little possessive of the world they have built and are unwilling to share it with Amazon, which might change the fan fiction culture.
Whether Kindle Worlds will catch on or not is still a question. If it does not, the world of fan fiction will continue to proliferate with writers choosing to go mainstream or not. If it does, the possibilities it opens are endless: Will other authors permit their works to be a source of inspiration; or will they be more protective of it?
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【Viewpoint Discussion】
ディスカッションテーマ
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
· Do you think that fan fiction should be covered by copyright laws? Why or why not?
· Do you think monetizing fan fiction will change the way fan fiction is written? Why or why not?
Discussion B
· What are other ways can fans show creativity about the movies, books, or T.V. series they love? Please explain your answer.
· How do you think fans of such works help the original creators? Please explain your answer.