I discovered the world of BSB fanfics (and fanfics in general) back when they first began appearing on the Internet. I read them for a few months before deciding to write my own.

Last fall (1998), I discovered a different type of fanfic page. I believe that I stumbled across this page by reading a "cleaner" story by this author. Always looking for more fanfics to read, I eagerly started reading. That eagerness quickly faded and turned into disgust. Stories of this nature exist outside the fanfic world... They are commonly referred to as trashy romances. But these romance novels, do not have real people as the characters, and the degree of description is more focused on the joy of love, not the physical gratification of sexual endeavors.

I do realize that many fanfics do have disclaimers and that many post a rating, (similar to that of the movie industry,) as a means of informing the reader about the content of the piece. I am 100% in favor and approval of both of these methods. But how many people have sneaked into an R-rated movie before they turned 17? The Internet is by no means a safe place, but I'd like to think that BSB fans could create some security. How many parents are going to worry about their child if they are visiting a site about the Backstreet Boys? How many parents are going to worry about their child visiting a Marilyn Manson site? The Backstreet Boys are a wholesome group of guys who are doing what they love to do. They may get into some "questionable antics" onstage, but they are good, decent guys.

How would you feel if you own or write for a site and due to something that you posted, some young fan is no longer allowed to have anything to do with the Backstreet Boys? Or what if they take your versions of the Boys and assume that Nick, AJ, Kevin, Howie and Brian are really like that?

I recently received an email from someone who visited a site that features the sexually graphic stories that we are talking about. This person wanted to see for themselves what all the fuss was about, but was turned away by the vulgar language on this site. And she had yet to read a single story! In an area requesting people to send in their own stories to have posted on this page, there was one small request by the owners of this page. "Smut please." How basic do we need to get with our case here??? An interesting note, when reading about the owners of this same site which does carry an "R" rating, one girl is 20, and one is 16! Technically, she should not even be visiting the site that she writes for!

Now I also feel that the "What Would They Think?" challenge applies to other areas of fanfics, not just sexually exploitative stories. Many stories have very serious topics ranging from drug/alcohol use, abuse, murder/suicide, depression, deathly illnesses, and other violent acts. I read this one story where the girl met the Boys right after her boyfriend of many years just died of a terrible illness. I guess she got the comfort she wanted because two chapters later, (which in the story was a week later,) she was heavily making out with the Boy of her choice. I know and understand that people (even characters) grieve in different ways, but I think this story illustrates my point. * A story can be ruined if a serious situation is not handled with the appropriate attention. * Please use this "What Would They Think?" challenge to evaluate how you write your stories. Take this as constructive criticism. I am not here to point fingers, but all examples that I have used, are meant to be just that: examples.

I will "waste countless hours" writing fanfics, because I love to write. Whether it is a short story about the Backstreet Boys or some poetry for a creative writing class, I will always be writing. I hope that the works that I have published on various pages can provide enjoyment to those who read them.

I co-founded the "What Would They Think?" challenge to create awareness. We are not on a witch-hunt, and if you would like to share your views in an intelligent manner, please feel free to email us. However, if you choose to use your power of speech to hurl insults our way, please spare us all the time and energy and don't.

Writing is a gift, and if you don't use it, you'll lose it. Please accept the "What Would They Think?" challenge and use your gift wisely.

Happy reading, KTBSPA, and remember to ask yourself "What Would They Think?"

~ Jacquie ~
(originally posted: 4/3/99)