I enjoyed your mini rant,
but I have one question...
where is the link to the one w/sex in zero gravity (I'd kinda like that read that)
LOL

I think you should, that could be funny ;)

There are limits to the graphicality of written sex scenes that should generally not be crossed. Try not to get too, um, anatomical, for one. I've written my share of them (more than my share, in one case, to be honest) but they never really went too far.

Just reeeaaally close to the edge. Heh.

I can see, though, that such fics are an easy way for fans to say "just get over the unrequited, already!" and get their favourite 'ships together with gusto. And probably with alot of other stuff too... TMI.

Some stories work better or were conceived with other, non-canon characters in mind. That's fine - if that's the story, why not? Not *every* story can involve the main cast of {insert show/book/movie}. And mixing cast and new'uns ain't so bad, as long their name don't start with Mary and end with Sue... And, of course, not everyone can write the main cast as well as others; I know I can't. So it's best to steer clear in such cases.

I don't read everything - who could? - just what appeals. Some people's style of writing grates, and so do some characters, and plots and such. Most are okay. A few shine like gems in the black. The trick is to find those gems and reap the wordwind.

Or something.

Funny how everyone seems to use this for some advertising :-) (I don't mind)

Now back to the discussion at hand: I never thought about the written sex as some sort of fanfic tradition but it's a simple yet intriguing explanation. Still I think it should sometimes be less "graphical", more brainwork. Or, if you insist to be graphical, use some original phrases:

"Their lips collided like two black holes forming a wormhole" or stuff like that (okay, maybe not exactly like that).

Hey, perhaps I should write a parody on sex scenes ;-)

I have just started on my Saffron fic. Is that still a sufficiently canon-y non-canon fanfic for you? ;)

The thing about fan fiction is that it's *not* canon. We can make it stick as close to canon as possible, but nothing we do is going to make it canon.
Normally I hate original characters myself. However, sometimes a plot pops into a writer's mind and we have to write it. In my on-going story, called "How I Soar" (available for your reading pleasure, or not, on fanfiction.net) I felt the need to introduce some original characters. It is an alternate universe fic in which River forewarned Zoe about Wash's upcoming demise, and Zoe, true to character, sacrificed herself for the man she loves. I originally introduced the character of Kaylee's widowed cousin as a companion to Wash; someone he could commiserate with on being alone. The characters had different plans. The story then became more about Wash learning to love again without feeling like he was betraying Zoe.
Sometimes original characters are necessary; it all depends on how well they are written, how well they are introduced, and how well they are balanced with the other members of the crew.
As far as sex in fan fiction goes, it's something that people have come to expect. In my story, I've avoided graphic scenes; rather, for those who really want to see them, I have supplied them as companion stories. They have particular spots in the timeline, but don't effect the rest of the story in any way that would make someone go, darn, something just happened and I missed it. That way the main story remains more or less family-friendly, and those who choose to read the more smutty content have that option.

My comment came off kinda snarky, didn't mean it like that.

Sex in fan fics - well, that's kind of a tradition. Some of the first fictions I read were of my original fan-obsession, The X-Files.
A lot of the stories were written by people frustrated by the lack of romantic character interaction on the show itself - ie. Mulder and Scully. It's my impression that these stories fill a need for people who like to fantasize with a visual element. It's better that the "gorram soft porn" you suggested, because they are characters that can be connected with on a more personal level. It's more romantic with someone you know and love. ;P

Off-canon characters. Hmmm. What are guest stars on a show, if not off-canon characters? You need the base group to interact with outside influences to get a rounded story, a better idea of who they are, and how they react.
Screw the Alliance, who is one of the greatest Firefly writers aside from Joss himself, has greated a whole gamut of so-called non-canon characters, and the stories would be worthless without them.
Just my take on things.

Everyone's entitled....right? I'd be curious to know what you think of my fic. I tried to keep mine more episodice, but I don't personally see a problem with expanding on the show, if I see a summary that I don't like then I don't read it or more likely the case I'll give it a chance and then if I still don't like it, then...oh well. There's plenty of fic out there that I do like. It's just a matter of finding the one's you do like. There were plenty of people who didn't like Buffy or Angel, but that didn't stop Joss...so heads up fic writers....*big grin*

I don't question fan fic in general here. Who am I to critisize creative minds :-)

If you read carefully what I said I picked a few distinct aspects I'd like to discuss:

- Sex in fanfic
- Off canon characters

Nothing more, nothing less.

Here's an idea - if you don't like fan fics, don't read 'em. Seems simple enough.

The whole idea of fan fics is for people who are INSPIRED by the original work to expand it, interpret it as they see fit, not to copy it verbatim.
Excuse us for being creative.