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🏜️american literature – 1860 to present review

Archive of Our Own (AO3)

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Archive of Our Own (AO3) is a nonprofit, open-source platform for fanfiction and fan-created works that allows users to publish, share, and read creative content based on existing media. This site is notable for its inclusive environment, extensive tagging system, and community-driven features, which empower writers and readers to connect around shared interests in various fandoms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. AO3 was launched in 2009 by the Organization for Transformative Works (OTW), an organization dedicated to preserving and promoting fan culture.
  2. The platform supports a wide variety of media genres, including books, movies, TV shows, and video games, making it a diverse hub for creative expression.
  3. Users can create accounts for free and participate in various community activities such as commenting on works and bookmarking favorites.
  4. AO3 is known for its robust moderation policies that prioritize user safety and encourage a respectful community environment.
  5. The platform has gained significant popularity and recognition, winning the Hugo Award for Best Related Work in 2019 for its contributions to fandom and fan culture.

Review Questions

  • How does Archive of Our Own (AO3) facilitate community interaction among fans and writers?
    • Archive of Our Own (AO3) fosters community interaction through features like comments, kudos, and bookmarks that allow users to engage with each other’s works. The tagging system further enhances this interaction by helping users find specific themes or characters they are interested in. By providing these interactive elements, AO3 builds a vibrant community where fans can support one another's creative endeavors and share their passion for various fandoms.
  • Discuss the significance of AO3's open-source model in the context of digital literature and fan culture.
    • AO3's open-source model is significant because it allows for greater accessibility and adaptability within digital literature and fan culture. By being nonprofit and community-driven, AO3 encourages a space where diverse voices can be heard without the limitations often imposed by commercial platforms. This model not only promotes creative freedom but also reinforces the idea of fandom as a collaborative effort where users contribute to a shared cultural landscape.
  • Evaluate the impact of AO3 on the perception of fanfiction as a legitimate form of literature in contemporary society.
    • Archive of Our Own (AO3) has had a profound impact on how fanfiction is viewed as a legitimate form of literature by providing a respected platform for writers to showcase their work. The site's popularity has helped challenge traditional literary hierarchies by validating fan-created narratives as important cultural artifacts. As AO3 continues to grow in visibility and recognition, it encourages broader discussions about authorship, creativity, and the evolving landscape of literature in the digital age.