The OTW Weighs In on Fanfiction/Pro Authors

I think I've said it before, but it doesn't hurt to repeat it. I'm all for fan fiction: in my universe, in other people's universes, etc. I don't see it as an infringement, but as a deep abiding love of the work(s).

We authors used to think that, even if we were okay with fanfic using our characters, that we should avoid seeing/reading such fiction to avoid any possible lawsuits. I grokked that and figured, okay, sure. Makes sense. Only, now, I've changed my mind, especially after reading