Huh.

So, I recently acquired a secondhand iPod Touch, and have thereby been catching up with the rest of the universe with regard to browsing for apps. In the Top Free Book Apps, I came across this.

Wattpad: The Best Place To Discover and Share Stories

Anyone know anything about this? There are categories for historical fiction, romance, comedy, etc., but the most popular one seems to be Fan Fiction.

If you love FanFiction stories, check out these stories and meet writers and other Fan Fiction fans! You can use the Search Bar above to find exactly what you're looking for. New stories are added everyday. Like a story? You can leave comments for the writer and recommend your discovery to your friends.

...Revolutionary concepts! I have to admit, the graphics are pretty - I think they're user-made? (Wonder where the photos come from and if they get permission for use.) Definitely prettier than ff.net, though of course that's the very faintest of praise. Didn't recognize any fandoms other than The Hunger Games, and the comments seem hilariously full of low-grade wank and jockeying for readers and awards.

Also, I get a pretty strong FanLib vibe from the About Us page, and I note that, per the Code of Conduct, "Pornography and erotica are not permitted on Wattpad." Uh, and you're hosting fanfic? I wonder if this is enforced, or one of those rules that everyone cheerfully ignores unless they're called on it. And the lone section on copyright just says:

Do not upload copyrighted material for which you do not own the rights to or have permission from the owner. If you are a copyright holder and believe any user submitted content infringes on your copyright, you may notify us here or by email at [address]. Include a reference to the copyrighted work and contact information of the person authorized to act on behalf of the owner. We will act promptly to investigate such claims.

Which, again: And you're hosting fanfic? I mean, copyright is supercomplex and I wholeheartedly believe that fic and other fanworks constitute fair use. But that isn't even touched on. And while I think challenging the old model of publishing is great and would think this had potential as a site for people to be posting original work...well, actually, I think I'd still be skeeved that the writers don't seem to profit except by comments, but the hosting site makes money with their ads.

Seriously, do any of my fellow OTW members know anything about this? Because. Just. SKETCHY. There's a page on Fanlore for it, but it's a stub.

Still! Baby fangirls! So cute! *pinches their little cheeks*