readercreated

Readercreated is a term used to describe content, materials, or interpretations that originate from readers rather than the original author or creator. It refers to works produced through reader engagement with a text, including annotations, fan fiction, fan art, or collaborative storytelling, and is often distributed on digital platforms where communities gather.

In practice, readercreated outputs can take many forms, such as reader annotations that expand on worldbuilding, fan wikis that document and add to a universe, fan fiction that reimagines characters or plots, and collaborative projects where readers contribute chapters or artworks to a common work. The term is used across literature, comics, games, and educational contexts.

Characteristics of readercreated content are typically participatory, transformative, and community-driven. They are usually derivative works and may be governed by licenses such as Creative Commons or by platform policies. They emphasize interaction between author and audience rather than commercial distribution, and they often evolve as communities collaborate.

Platforms that host readercreated content include fan fiction archives, wiki communities, and annotation tools. In educational settings, readercreated activities refer to student-produced notes, analyses, or alternative endings that accompany a canonical text, reinforcing engagement and critical thinking.

Impact and considerations: readercreated cultures can increase engagement, support learning, and broaden access to a text. They also raise questions about copyright, attribution, quality control, moderation, and the boundaries between inspiration and plagiarism.

See also: fan fiction, participatory culture, user-generated content, remix culture, fan art.