Prometheus Unbound
| Zine | |
|---|---|
| Title: | Prometheus Unbound |
| Publisher: | Oblique Publications |
| Editor: | |
| Author(s): | M. Fae Glasgow |
| Cover Artist(s): | |
| Illustrator(s): | |
| Date(s): | 1993 |
| Medium: | |
| Size: | 20,400 words |
| Genre: | slash |
| Fandom: | The Professionals |
| Language: | English |
| External Links: | |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
Prometheus Unbound is a slash Professionals novella by M. Fae Glasgow that was released as a circuit zine at Friscon 1993 to members of the Virgule-L mailing list. The story was also slated for inclusion in Orbital Resonance I, a zine that was never published.
The story offered a satirical look at the Virgule-L mailing list's decision to not allow men to join the slash mailing list. Some members found it hypocritical to refuse admittance to men while simultaneously ogling at male TV characters. Other list members pointed out that given the hostile online climate towards women at the time, a female only space was the only safe place for said ogling. In the story, Bodie and Doyle investigating a murder at an all female college during which various mailing lists members appear under pseudonyms arguing against the presence of men in their hallowed halls. In 2011, MFae's story was put back into circulation as part of the Proslib circuit library.
Response Fanwork
Deeply amused by the story, Morgan Dawn composed and mailed MFae a fake C&D letter in 1993. The letter was written at a time when many slash fans knew each other by their real names and had each other's home addresses. Although Morgan Dawn had supported the mailing list's decision,[1] she, along with other members, could never resist a well written parody and felt compelled to respond in kind. Her 'homage' letter is reposted below with permission.[2]
- REAL NAME, ESQ.
- Venus, Paris & Hector
- A Partnership
- [address redacted]
- [Real Name Removed] aka M.Fae Glasgow
- Re: Cease and Desist
Dear [Real Name Removed]:It has recently come to my attention that you have seen fit to attempt to satirize recent events taking place on the "Slashfen Mailing List", along with depicting members of that list. On page 62 of your work entitled "Prometheus Unbound", I came across a reference to "Ms. Priamsdottir" which clearly is a reference to my person... I have not authorized you to use my person in your work of fiction nor have I have implicitly or explicitly consented to be a character in your work. Although the fair use doctrine permits writers to satirize or parody events, it does not give them license to libel known and recognizable individuals. In particular, the fair use doctrine does not allow you to imply that "I'd much rather look at those two gorgeous rumps than old Betty any day of the week." I have never expressed such sentiments (although it is true that I am looking forward to the male strippers at the upcoming Escapade convention) nor have I ever been known to frequent all female colleges in Britain where most of the women spend their time engaged in what can only be accurately described as "hothouse activities." As a professional with a reputation to maintain and a lifetime income of considerable worth to protect, I must demand that you cease and desist publishing these scurrilous untruths as they can only be detrimental to my character. I look forward to a speedy resolution to this mater or I shall be forced to predict a dire event in your near future.
- Sincerely Yours,
- [Real Name Removed]
- "De gustibus non disputandam est"
Fan Comments
1994
Prometheus Unbound is a delightfully painful, excruciatingly wonderful story and I missed class the day it arrived because I couldn't tear myself away. [3]
References
- ^ Actually Morgan Dawn cannot remember what side of the debate she ended up on, but feels that this version makes for a better narrative.
- ^ The author of the letter wishes to point out that the legal theories in the letter were drawn from repeated viewings of Perry Mason and should not be relied upon for truthfulness or accuracy or form the basis for any legal advice.
- ^ from Strange Bedfellows APA #4 (February 1994)