It IS complicated, isn't it? To say the least. Yes, I agree, one of the reasons why I'd never publish any rps I wrote myself is just the one you mentioned - what if they, or their mom, or their significant other, or their kids, read it, even by accident (perhaps not understanding it was slash or sexual?)? It makes me uncomfortable, too!
I don't think it should be a question of whether it's "okay" with certain celebrities that rps or rpf is written about them. They are just as apt as we are to be mistaken in what they think is "harmless!" It's a conscious choice on our part if we write it; but it may not be a conscious choice (with true understanding of the ramifications) on the part of a celeb when they say they're "okay" with it. It's not really their choice to make FOR US (unless it becomes illegal). (I'm not sure what the legalities are at this time - "under the radar" seems to be an iffy legal stance!)
In total accord with you on two points: that the stories written in the tabloids seep into our collective consciousness without any real effort on our part, and; that I like to hear about "warm fuzzies" among the actors in my favorite shows (and would hate to hear about "bad blood" among them, too). All of which means - who, me, "human being, here!" Grin!
If I ever got around to writing fanfic again, this question of rpf and rps would cease to be an intellectual exercise and become a real choice. I like to read it; I like to write it; I won't publish it. At least, that's been my moral judgment in the past, for myself, not for others. But after so many years, I'm wondering if I'd still stand firm about not publishing any rps or rpf, if I actually wrote any now. There's the pressure to publish (and if all you've been working on, all that is inspiring you, is rps or rpf, it's hard not to put it out there), the pressure to receive recognition for your work, the desire to receive positive feedback and be admired for your work, as well. So, it's hard to say until I'm faced by it, what I'd do now.
And yes, I still like to think about these things, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to talk a little about them, too.
Re: Rambling and reminiscing...
I don't think it should be a question of whether it's "okay" with certain celebrities that rps or rpf is written about them. They are just as apt as we are to be mistaken in what they think is "harmless!" It's a conscious choice on our part if we write it; but it may not be a conscious choice (with true understanding of the ramifications) on the part of a celeb when they say they're "okay" with it. It's not really their choice to make FOR US (unless it becomes illegal). (I'm not sure what the legalities are at this time - "under the radar" seems to be an iffy legal stance!)
In total accord with you on two points: that the stories written in the tabloids seep into our collective consciousness without any real effort on our part, and; that I like to hear about "warm fuzzies" among the actors in my favorite shows (and would hate to hear about "bad blood" among them, too). All of which means - who, me, "human being, here!" Grin!
If I ever got around to writing fanfic again, this question of rpf and rps would cease to be an intellectual exercise and become a real choice. I like to read it; I like to write it; I won't publish it. At least, that's been my moral judgment in the past, for myself, not for others. But after so many years, I'm wondering if I'd still stand firm about not publishing any rps or rpf, if I actually wrote any now. There's the pressure to publish (and if all you've been working on, all that is inspiring you, is rps or rpf, it's hard not to put it out there), the pressure to receive recognition for your work, the desire to receive positive feedback and be admired for your work, as well. So, it's hard to say until I'm faced by it, what I'd do now.
And yes, I still like to think about these things, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to talk a little about them, too.
Love, Max