You are so right--it's one of the mysteries of fanfic unraveled, right there. As some prolific author in some popular fandom said, "Where would we be if we didn't re-use the good plots? Come to that, where would the show be?"
It's not that plot doesn't matter. It's not as if originality doesn't matter. They do, but a good plot is a good plot--ask any Shakespeare--and originality lies in the details. Nihil novum sub sole and all that, but show it to me vividly, and I will experience it as new.
Re: Velveteen Fanfics
You are so right--it's one of the mysteries of fanfic unraveled, right there. As some prolific author in some popular fandom said, "Where would we be if we didn't re-use the good plots? Come to that, where would the show be?"
It's not that plot doesn't matter. It's not as if originality doesn't matter. They do, but a good plot is a good plot--ask any Shakespeare--and originality lies in the details. Nihil novum sub sole and all that, but show it to me vividly, and I will experience it as new.
You are such a genius.