Los Angeles-based FanLib.com, an online site focused on "fan fiction"--fan created stories based on popular characters and movies--has shut down. According to a notice on FanLib's web site, the site will shut down on Monday, August 4th. No reason for the shutdown was given. Fanlib was backed by $3M in venture capital by H.I.G. Capital. paidContent.
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There was a theory on the fanlib forums that Disney had bought FanLib, but was making them shut down the fanfic archive, keeping only the crowdwriting software. I don't think that has happened; FanLib would not hesitate to announce they had been purchased by Disney.
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Disney's Buyout of FanLib Still On; Will Focus On Company Shows (Aug 5)
Looks like Disney bought them, and has no interest in a general fanfic site--they appear to want the my2sentences stuff, and the ability to archive Disney-approved fanfic, whatever that might be. I assume silence about the details was part of the contract; thousands of fans in the dark are a lot easier to deal with than thousands of fans who are perfectly aware that you're telling them "we're throwing out everything that doesn't actively promote our sponsor's products in a way we approve of."
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However, his claim that "Disney will be completely retooling FanLib with a focus on its own properties, instead of fan fiction and other networks' TV shows and movies" is certainly believable. As soon as the Disney rumor first appeared, many FanLib members theorized that would be the outcome. It just makes sense that Disney would want the "crowd writing" software and nothing else.
The Mimbo Brothers' complete silence suggests whatever is going on is not something they want to share.
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