Nancy Guthrie Investigation
Family Members Cleared in Case

Published
February 16, 2026
1:06 PM PST

Rep. Eric Swalwell
Fili-bust-ing With Passion …
Secret Erotica Revealed!!!

Published
February 16, 2026
12:37 PM PST

Bold and the Beautiful 2-week spoilers for February 16 -27, 2026 suggest Hope Logan (Annika Noelle) is shocked and Ivy Forrester (Ashleigh Brewer) gets even worse, if you can imagine that.

Bold and the Beautiful: The Race to Launch Logan Designs and Liam Spencer’s Big Secret

On Monday, February 16th, we’ve got Eric Forrester (John McCook), Katie Logan (Heather Tom), and Bill Spencer (Don Diamont) pushing to make Logan’s debut fashion show happen as soon as possible before the big Eric Forrester’s secret gets out. But guess what? Liam Spencer (Scott Clifton) is going to spill the beans later this week, although it won’t matter very much longer after that.

Bill is very concerned with launching Logan in a big way before anybody knows their big secret. And so he’s pushing Eric to complete all his designs for the launch. Not aggressively. I think he’s doing it in a positive way. Like, “Hey, let’s get this done. Let’s hustle it out.”

Bill’s focused on rubbing Ridge Forrester‘s (Thorsten Kaye) face in Logan’s success and in his dad, Eric, being there to work with them. Bill wants to humiliate Ridge because he thinks he did Katie and Eric both dirty by undervaluing them. In agreement with Bill, I think Eric also shares that opinion and he kind of wants to rub Ridge’s face in their success as well.

Eric Forrester’s Health Crisis and Donna Logan’s Growing Fear on B&B

Tuesday, February 17th, we’ve got Eric having an episode where he cannot breathe. It could be the stress of trying to get the work done. Maybe it’s Bill pushing and/or Eric hiding the secret from his family that he’s the lead designer of Logan.

All of that may cause some sort of heart issue in Eric and Donna Logan (Jennifer Gareis) is alarmed when Eric starts having these breathing problems. And of course, Donna wants Eric’s to go to the hospital and to get some medical attention.

I am very certain that he is going to give Donna pushback, but by the end of the week, things are much worse and Eric may not have a choice but to take a ride in an ambulance. Unless, of course, he already knows what’s going on. There’s always that chance because Eric does like to keep things to himself that he shouldn’t.

Bold Spoilers: Liam Spencer Betrays Bill Spencer’s Trust as the Logan Designer Secret Explodes

Wednesday, February 18th, Liam goes ahead and ignores what Bill told him and decides to tell Hope that Eric is the one who is the secret designer heading up Logan and working with Katie. We expected the secret would start spilling out and that Liam’s wouldn’t keep it from Hope, but beyond that, it looks like a lot more people are going to find out this week.

Word is about to spread. The big question for me is if Hope is asking Liam what he knows and he doesn’t want to lie to her face, or if there’s something that has him spontaneously making this confession for some reason. Bill was quite adamant about it, but it’s not really fair to ask him to keep it from his wife on Bold and the Beautiful.

Hope is going to be shocked, of course, to hear that Eric is working with her aunt, Katie. Hope knows immediately this is going to be a huge problem and that Brooke Logan (Katherine Kelly Lang) and Ridge are going to freak out. So now she’s in this same position with Liam and with Donna where they’re like, “Oh no, we’re sitting on a ticking time bomb.”

But then also on Wednesday, Bill and Katie Logan go ahead and they break the huge news to Ridge and Brooke that Eric is Logan’s lead designer. Obviously, something triggers them to do this. We’ll see what. And of course, Ridge and Brooke are going to lose it and be outraged. It’s going to be super soapy.

I’m excited to see this. This is not the way I was hoping to see this secret come out. I was hoping to see it at the fashion show, but maybe they’re trying to do a low-budget alternative to that. I still hope we get the Logan fashion show, but I don’t know. It feels to me like they’re getting ready to scrap this rivalry and this alternate company, but I hope not.

Bold and the Beautiful Spoilers: A Devastating Confrontation: Eric Forrester and Ridge Forrester Clash at the Mansion

On Thursday, February 19th, Eric and Ridge have a huge confrontation that causes devastation for more than one family and could lead to catastrophic outcomes down the road. Over at the Forrester mansion, we’ve got Katie, Bill, Brooke, and Donna listening and watching as Ridge’s and Eric’s throw down.

After Katie and Bill drop the bombshell about Eric designing for them, predictably, Ridge loses it on everybody. Then Eric loses it and he yells at Ridge and says he can still design. Eric is accusing Ridge of trying to take this away from him.

Ridge is going to clap back on Eric and tell him to stop it. It’s enough. Ridge’s insists he already apologized for pushing Eric’s into retirement. But during the showdown with Ridge we’re going to see Eric’s start gasping for air. The breathing problems are back again and not going away. Bill is alarmed and rushes to help as Ridge’s is yelling for someone to call 911.

Eric Forrester Comes Clean While Will Spencer and Electra Forrester Face Relationship Tension on B&B

On Friday, February 20th, Eric comes completely clean to Brooke and Ridge. We’ll see if Eric’s is admitting exactly why he decided that he needed to go design this collection for Logan, or he may be telling Ridge’s and Brooke’s that he suspected that he was having health problems and just wanted to design as long as he could.

I’m expecting Ridge to dump a whole pile of “I told you so’s” on Eric Forrester, with Ridge saying he was right to force Eric to retire in the first place because of his health. But Ridge had no idea Eric was having any residual health issues, and Ridge went about it in all the wrong ways.

If Ridge had discussed it with his dad instead of springing a forced retirement on him, it might have gone over a lot better. Eric might have agreed to scale back or consult. Instead, Ridge aggravated Eric and laid the groundwork for everything we’re seeing happening right now.

Also, Will Spencer (Crew Morrow) and Electra Forrester (Laneya Grace) are handling their relationship issues both together and separately. In the Forrester Creations showroom, Will is trying to talk to Electra and get her to drop this ultimatum about Melissa Dylan (Sydney Bullock). He tells her everything was fine with them and fine with the Dylan situation until Ivy came along and ruined everything.

Ivy Forrester’s Interference and the Return of RJ Forrester on Bold

Electra still hasn’t even heard Will’s side of things. Of course, Ms. Nosy, inappropriate herself, Ivy the bully, is eavesdropping on them because she’s a creeper-peeper stalker at this point. I don’t like the way they’re writing Ivy right now.

Electra asks Will to step into her shoes and imagine that the roles were reversed and whether Will would be comfortable with Electra having a guy living with her. I think that’s a fair point. This week, Will and Dylan are hugging again at the beach house. RJ Forrester (Brayan Nicoletti) is back this week and I expect him in scenes with Electra. Ivy might even start pushing Electra towards RJ.

February B&B Sweeps Spoilers: Will Logan Designs Overpower Forrester?

The week of February 23rd through the 27th is the last week of sweeps. It wraps up on Wednesday. Will may consider leaving Forrester and going over to Logan. I think it’ll be hard for him to work around Ivy Forrester. Plus, after her overhearing what Will’s says to Electra Forrester, I bet Ivy’s is going to be even harder on Will and making things more difficult.

Bill and Katie may encourage Will to leave the Forrester drama behind and come work with them. Dylan and Will get closer. We’ll see if he convinces Dylan to stay in his guest house. Or maybe Deke Sharpe (Harrison Cone) will convince Deacon Sharpe (Sean Kanan) to offer Dylan an apartment.

Everybody’s on high alert about Eric’s health. Ridge stands his ground with Eric and word spreads that Eric is the mystery designer behind Katie’s new company, Logan Designs. Things get worse between Brooke and Katie after this reveal. Donna is terrified for Eric and still stuck in the middle of a tense situation.

Ivy Forrester Actress Confirms Real-Life Pregnancy

Katie may bring in Deke now that things have taken a turn at Logan. Electra is heartbroken and RJ may swoop in while Ivy is pressuring Electra to stand her ground. On a side note, I’ve been wondering for a while if Ashleigh Brewer is pregnant since they’ve had her in drapey stuff and holding stuff along.

I didn’t say anything because people get upset—you’re never supposed to ask if a woman is pregnant—but it is confirmed Ashleigh Brewer is pregnant. She looks about seven to eight months along. She’s got a big old baby belly that they are hiding.

Kanye West’s Contractor Seeks Bianca Censori’s Testimony

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West’s Alleged Vision For A Dark, Electricity-Free Home

What Happened Between Jay Manuel And Tyra Banks On ‘America’s Next Top Model’?

Did Manuel’s Beef With Tyra Banks Almost Get Him Blacklisted?

Manuel Said He And Tyra Banks Did Not Communicate With One Another Following Cycle 8

Have Manuel And Banks Spoken About Their Reported Past Feud Yet?

General Hospital 2-week spoilers for February 16 -27, 2026 divulge that Lulu Spencer (Alexa Havins Bruening) panicking and Ric Lansing (Rick Hearst) pushing.

General Hospital Spoilers Monday, February 16: Drama at Wyndemere and the Axe Range

On Monday, February 16th, we’ve got Carly Corinthos Spencer (Laura Wright) catching up with Jason Morgan (Steve Burton). Looks like they’re at the Brown Dog Bar. Carly is ranting about Ric, and she tells Jason she doesn’t buy it. Even though Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) insists that he and Ric are getting closer and Sonny says Ric doesn’t have an agenda, Carly is skeptical. We’ll find out if she’s right. Obviously, her beef with Ric is totally understandable.

Out at Wyndemere, Marco Rios (Adrian Anchondo) realizes that Lucas Jones (Van Hansis) walked up on his phone call. Now the question is how much he heard, but Marco was talking about how he wants rid of Sonny. So Lucas has heard enough between this and what he eavesdropped on earlier, which Pascal (Mark Forget) knows he overheard because he saw him. It’s just too much.

Lucas & Marco Showdown

Lucas wants to leave and he tells Marco, “No more,” and he tries to get away. But then it gets physical with Lucas, and Marco grabs him and tells Lucas he is not going anywhere. The good news is that he does get away from Marco and runs off. He’s going to talk to somebody who can help. You know Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst)] already advised Lucas to move out of Wyndemere, so I’m guessing moving boxes are next.

Also, Maxie Jones (Kirsten Storms) is stunned. Felicia Scorpio (Kristina Wagner) told her on Friday that Nathan West (Ryan Paevey) is alive, and we’ll get more of Maxie’s shock and disbelief as the week begins because obviously, this wasn’t on her radar.

Elizabeth and Ric’s Valentine’s Day date is over at the axe range. She was all dressed up for something fancier, but they’re having beer and throwing axes. It’s not terribly romantic, but maybe it’s a good choice in case Liz is skittish about this first date with Ric; maybe he didn’t want to overwhelm her with anything too romantic. Liz wants to know if Ric’s saying she doesn’t know how to have fun. I ship them. I’m excited about this. I hope we get more “Li-Ric.”

Harrison Chase (Josh Swickard) promises Brook Lynn Quartermaine (Amanda Setton) a Valentine’s Day to remember, but are things going to head downhill? Jacinda Bracken (Paige Herschell) seems to have pulled one over on Michael Corinthos (Rory Gibson). They’re also at the axe range, and she tells him there’s one born every minute—as in a sucker. So, I wonder if Jacinda tramples Michael at the axe range.

Liesl Obrecht’s Bombshell and Tension Between Sonny and Ric on GH

Over at the Metro Court restaurant, Molly Lansing-Davis (Kristen Vaganos) is all wound up and telling Alexis Davis (Nancy Lee Grahn) she’s got something to tell her. It could be about the book deal offer or about Cody Bell (Josh Kelly) and his issues with her book. That’s why Molly doesn’t have a date with him for Valentine’s Day.

Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud) is stunned by Nathan telling her that Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) suspects Cesar Faison (Anders Hove) is alive. That went from Friday and it’s going to carry over. Britt, of course, seems very skeptical. Nathan is as well. So neither of them seem to think their dad’s alive. Britt thinks Anna is having a nervous breakdown, and Nathan says if Anna had any proof, she didn’t get it from Faison.

Before they can say anything more, Liesl Obrecht (Kathleen Gati) rushes in and drops the bombshell on Nathan that Maxie is awake from her coma. Nathan looks like a deer in the headlights—complete and utter shock. Of course, this has everybody wondering because we’re not entirely sure if he is who he says he is.

Britt Takes a Big Risk

Britt risks everything in this conversation she is having with Liesl after Nathan exits. So, this could be about Anna thinking Faison is alive, or it could be about the mess that she’s made of her own life. Britt tells Obrecht she has no idea what she’s asking right now. I really hope she comes clean to her mom and tells Dr. O about Ross Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) Sidwell (Carlo Rota) and all that.

On Tuesday, February 17th, Britt and Jason have a Valentine’s Day run-in this week. We’ll see if it’s Monday or Tuesday. I don’t see a lot of hearts and flowers in their future, though. Tracy Quartermaine (Jane Elliot) has something to say to Sidwell—maybe about Deception, maybe about Maxie, or maybe about him being out with Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring) and Ava Jerome (Maura West).

General Hospital Spoilers: Alexis Shocked by Laura

Laura Spencer Collins (Genie Francis) surprises Alexis. She’s up at Laura’s mayoral office this week. Their talk may be about Danny Morgan (Asher Jared Antonyzyn) and Charlotte Cassadine (Bluesy Burke) and the cousin loving. We’ll see. Sonny is questioned by Ric. He’s trying to understand Sonny’s motives. Now, this may be about sicking Lucy on Sidwell or what’s going on with Michael in the PCPD investigation.

Lucas is adamant about something, and I believe that is about him moving out of Wyndemere and getting off Spoon Island after being manhandled by Marco. Lucas talks with Carly at the Metro Court, and she may insist he take a room there. She’s not going to want Lucas on Spoon Island or back at Ava’s place. Dante Falconeri (Dominic Zamprogna) admits something to Michael on Tuesday, and it may be about the PCPD investigation into him on General Hospital.

Maxie Returns to Port Charles and Lulu’s Secret Confession on General Hospital

Wednesday, February 18th, Willow Tait (Katelyn MacMullen) tells Nina Reeves (Cynthia Watros) something important. I doubt she’s going to confess what she did to Drew Cain Quartermaine (Cameron Mathison). Although, I don’t think Nina would care if Drew dropped dead; she just doesn’t want Willow to go to jail.

Damian Spinelli (Bradford Anderson) gets some advice from BLQ probably about Maxie and Nathan. I hope that Brook Lynn doesn’t mention that Lulu and Nathan are crushing on each other, but she might. Hopefully not, though. Lulu makes another confession to Laura, and Lulu may tell her mom that Brook Lynn said she’d lose Maxie over the Nathan thing.

Kristina Corinthos-Davis (Kate Mansi) tries to encourage Cody. I’m sure it’s to give Molly another chance. Nathan confides in Dante, probably about his anxiety about seeing Maxie after all this time. I don’t think he’s going to tell him about Lulu since, you know, Dante’s her ex-husband. Thursday, February 19th, Willow has big news for Drew, and it may be about Michael.

Or maybe about Scout Cain (Cosette Abinante). Spinelli is there to welcome Maxie home. She’s out of the Boston facility and back in Port Charles. Meanwhile, Ric makes a shocking claim by the end of the week. Alexis takes notice of something, and it could be about Charlotte and Danny, or maybe about Willow. Michael finds himself in the hot seat on Thursday, and I wonder if the cops are going to find the key to Drew’s house on Michael’s key ring by then.

A Special GH Tribute Episode for Luke Spencer and Anthony Geary

Friday, February 20th, is a special standalone episode dedicated to Luke Spencer (Anthony Geary). The whole town of Port Charles is going to be remembering the character of Luke and also the actor Anthony Geary, who passed away suddenly in December from complications of a routine surgery.

General Hospital February Sweeps: Maxie and Nathan Face-to-Face

The week of February 23rd through the 27th is the last week of sweeps. It wraps up on the 25th. Maxie is trying to settle back into her life, but a lot has changed. Nathan’s resurrection is huge. I can’t wait to see Maxie and Nathan face to face. Lulu’s conflicted and afraid she’ll lose Maxie if she finds out she and Nathan were crushing.

Willow keeps making Drew miserable. Yay, I’m all for that. Things are going to get more intense at their house. Michael is in a tough spot. The PCPD are going to want to know about that key on his ring. Hopefully, Wiley Quartermaine Corinthos (Viron Weaver) speaks up and says the keys were in Chase’s hands, which would probably at this point get him fired.

Spinelli is terrified that he’ll lose Maxie. Of course, Spinelli is worried she is going to want to get back with Nathan, but the feelings may not be there anymore on either side. At least not right now. Maxie’s fallen for Spinelli, and Nathan’s smitten with Lulu Spencer. It’s been seven years. We’ll see.

Jacinda and Michael get in deeper. Valentin Cassadine (James Patrick Stuart) and Carly may realize Wyndemere and Sidwell could be a dead end since Cullum is involved. Cody and Molly have a talk that could get them back on track. Sidwell revels in the competitive attention of Lucy and Ava, at least for now. He may come to regret that later.

Robert Duvall Will Be Missed

Fans Are Paying Tribute To His Legacy

He Leaves Behind A Brilliant Legacy

Robert Duvall Posted A Final Video In 2025

When we think of rich-mom style, Gwyneth Paltrow is one celebrity who instantly comes to mind. The Goop founder is certainly no stranger to dressing up, but her everyday fashion includes button-down shirts, tailored trousers and, yes, classic sweaters. Paltrow’s timeless taste has inspired us to refresh our own wardrobes with a knit or two that could easily be found hanging in her closet (but were actually purchased on Amazon).

Paltrow tends to keep her sweaters simple and neutral. Maybe you’ll find a collar or a half-zip detail, but nothing too colorful pops out. That makes getting dressed very easy, allowing anyone to achieve that rich-mom aesthetic, even without spending a ton.

17 Gwyneth Paltrow-Inspired Sweaters 

1. Our Favorite: Not too slim, not too relaxed, this classic crewneck sweater is the ideal everyday staple. We appreciate the color options, too, including Paltrow-approved neutrals.

2. Under-$20 Find: You don’t have to spend a lot to get the cashmere look, as seen with this Amazon Essentials sweater. It has soft pleated shoulders that create a slightly puffed sleeve, adding interest to any look.

3. Pretty Polo: Anrabess’ V-neck polo sweater includes an easy collar that adds flair without drawing too much attention. Shoppers swear the lightweight find looks more expensive than its price tag, too.

4. Real Relaxed: For a cozier silhouette that’s easy to tuck, this cashmere-blend sweater is just the right amount of oversized. It was also designed not to pill, so it’ll stand the test of time in your closet.

5. Wonderful Wool: Made of 100% wool, this fitted crewneck sweater is a quality piece worth investing in. Surprisingly, it’s not bulky or too warm, so it’s appropriate to wear year-round.

Related: 17 Boutique-Like Sweaters to Stay Warm, Not Hot — From $7

I’ve been freezing lately. Maybe it’s the sub-zero temps or blustery winds, but either way, I’m seeking warmth ASAP. At the same time, I’m also fussy about being too hot. Enter these 17 boutique-style sweaters that are designed to combine peak coziness and breathability. It’s best to search for fabric blends that are made with […]

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6. Flower Power: For a discreet pop of fun, PrettyGarden’s relaxed crewneck features a large, embroidered flower offset to one side. Since it’s the same color as the sweater, it blends in, adding a playful twist without feeling obnoxious.

7. Versatile V-Neck: Whether you wear it on its own or layer a shirt underneath, this casual V-neck sweater is a solid basic you’ll reach for time after time. The 19 color options are nice, too!

8. Simple Staple: Not too tight but not too loose, this lightweight crewneck sweater is a longer length, allowing you to tuck it the way you’d like.

9. Ribbed and Roomy: Add a little texture to your everyday outfits with a ribbed half-zip sweater. The relaxed fit ensures it’s cozy to pair with leggings or wide-leg lounge pants.

10. Classic Cable-Knit: A textured cable-knit sweater will never go out of style. And for $20, this 100% cotton option is a no-brainer.

11. Super Soft: You’ve never known comfort like this affordable crewneck that was designed to be soft and plush. Wear it on its own or amp it up with a structured blazer before heading to the office!

12. Pleasing Pattern: This softly patterned sweater might be as “wild” as Paltrow would get with her look. We love the white cuffs and collar, too.

13. Radiant Ruffles: This cute mock-neck sweater will stand out among the others in your closet. The soft ruffles around the neckline and cuffs add a feminine touch.

14. Splurge-Worthy: Now that Everlane is on Amazon, we can invest in high-end pieces, like an alpaca-blend ribbed sweater. It was designed to provide warmth without the bulk.

15. Timeless Turtleneck: This lightweight turtleneck sweater is adorable on its own, but the buttons on the cuffs give it that expensive-looking edge.

16. Buttoned Beauty: PrettyGarden’s classic crewneck sweater gets an extra dose of fun with the buttoned-cuff detailing. We also appreciate the relaxed, not slouchy fit.

17. Must-Have Mock-Neck: With a very soft mock-neck detail, this fitted, lightweight sweater gives off a rich-mom vibe. You can’t go wrong with any of the eight color options, which will easily work into your current wardrobe.

Related: 17 Rich Mom Sweaters That Look Designer-Level Chic (But Are Secretly Under $30)

If you’ve ever admired that polished yet effortless ‘rich mom’ look, quietly-chic sweaters are where it starts. The right knit can instantly make jeans, trousers or even leggings look elevated and expensive. And the best part? You don’t actually need a designer budget to pull it off. Below, we rounded up 17 rich-mom-style sweaters that […]

By Jonathan Klotz
| Published 25 seconds ago

There’s a war brewing on the internet, and chances are, you’re unaware of it, but fan fiction authors are readying for battle. The latest generation wants to monetize their fan fiction, encouraged by the success of E.L. James with 50 Shades of Grey (originally Twilight fan fiction), Anna Todd’s After series (originally Harry Styles fan fiction), Cassandra Clare’s City of Bones (originally Harry Potter fan fiction), and Ernest Cline’s Ready Player One (not fan fiction, but able to reference every fan property under the Sun).

The older generation of fan fiction writers is trying to warn them that this is a bad idea, and the best example they can cite is Anne Rice’s legal crusade that nearly ended fan fiction, a period so fraught that it changed how fan fiction was written forever. Now the kids are stepping onto legal landmines despite the clear red flags on every fan fiction website. 

Anne Rice’s War On Fan Fiction

Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire kicked off a frenzy among fan fiction writers of the 90s following the success of the Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt film, with her brilliant characterizations of Louis and Lestat, who, of course, were often paired up in fan fiction stories. The standard disclaimer before any fan fiction story, that it’s a “non-profit, amateur effort not intended for sale,” wasn’t enough to stave off Anne’s lawyers, who fiercely defended her intellectual property. Webmasters would warn users not to write anything based on Anne Rice’s characters, or the fan fiction author could, and likely would, get sued. What makes it worse for fan fiction authors is that Rice had every right to defend her work this way. 

Copyright law can be incredibly tricky and requires copyright holders to actively defend against every infringement, or the courts will treat it as abandoned. Anne Rice took it a little further due to her attachment to her own characters, as she couldn’t imagine anyone else ever writing about Louis, Lestat, Armand, Akasha, etc., and took it personally when fans developed their own stories. The other problem is that if she ended up writing a story that matched a fan fiction, she could be sued for plagiarizing her own characters. 

Fan Fiction Exists In A Grey Area

Fan fiction has always existed in a grey area, legally speaking, ever since the Romans filed the names off the Greek pantheon. Dante’s Inferno, the only part of the Divine Comedy that anyone ever reads, is now considered one of the earliest self-insert fan fictions of what else, the Bible. That explains the entire chapter about his local Italian politicians being burned in caskets for all eternity. The biggest defense fan fiction authors have had is that they aren’t profiting off the creations of others. Even fan fiction authors whose works have been widely published and adapted into Hollywood hits have done enough work to turn the fan fiction into a wholly original piece of fiction. 

Anne Rice mellowed as she got older and stopped defending her work so vigorously, but other authors, including George R.R. Martin and J.K. Rowling, have occasionally had to sue fan fiction creators. What’s happened now is that 20 years after Rice’s crusade started to fade, new fan fiction authors have begun a push to allow monetization of their works on popular fan fiction platforms, including AO3 (Archive Of Our Own), one of the largest and oldest fan fiction communities. The argument is that they’re telling their own story, so what if the parts are borrowed from someone else? It’s largely their creative work. That argument terrifies the older, more experienced authors, who know that if one person starts monetizing, the entire fan fiction community could come crashing down overnight. 

The Push For Monetization

Around the time of the Covid lockdowns fan fiction authors started printing their works and creating physical, bound collections of their stories that some ended up trying to sell. Those quickly resulted in lawsuits for every single cent of profit and penalties for copyright violations, and if an author who sold a collection wasn’t sued, they got lucky and kept quiet. 

The current controversy in the fan fiction community will eventually settle down, and hopefully, everyone will realize why the “no monetization” rule is in place before someone has to be made an example of. Fan fiction is a major part of what keeps fandoms alive during lulls and can bring in new fans of the original work. When left on their own, fan fiction authors are among the largest fans of an author and will happily act as guides and cheerleaders for newbies to a fandom. They’ve fought the battles, they’ve been in the trenches, they’ve seen con artists and hacks enter their communities, and they don’t like it. If the new generation doesn’t change course quickly, we may never get another masterpiece like 50 Shades of Grey, and copyright attorneys will be able to start looking at blueprints for their new vacation home. 

By Jonathan Klotz
| Published 39 seconds ago

The only thing stranger than science fiction is science fact. Dark Matters: Twisted But True, a short-lived documentary series hosted by genre legend John Noble, took this to the extreme in 2011.

Every episode documented the real history behind strange scientific experiments and breakthroughs, from the origins of lobotomies to brain transplant experiments, and even how the origins of the rocket were tied to the Occult. After catching a few episodes, you’ll think that science fiction doesn’t go far enough. 

The Occult And Cheating Death Are Only Part Of The Series

Dark Matters: Twisted But True stuck to a formula, an introduction by Noble, historical images, and reenactments combined to tell a twisted story, and then the final wrap-up that was, typically, tragic or horrifying and often, both. The Season 3 finale tells the story of John Parsons and the Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL), which developed the first rocket engine. In an effort to boost his research, Parsons started taking the teachings of Aleister Crowley very seriously, converting to Thelema and using sex-magic rituals to empower his experiments. It worked until he pushed too far, losing his standing in the academic community, his marriage, and all of his money. 

The first episode included a segment on the Philadelphia Experiment, the alleged disappearance of the USS Eldridge, which has served as the basis for movies and even Stranger Things. It’s a tame story compared to another Season 2 episode focused on Dr. Robert Cornish, a researcher in the 1930’s convinced the dead could come back to life, though his human experiments never worked. The lengths men and women of science went to prove a theory or to push the boundaries of human knowledge sound ripped from the pages of a dime-store novel, but they’re true. 

John Noble’s gravitas adds to each segment of Dark Matters: Twisted But True; no matter how ridiculous the experiment is or how insane the researcher has become, his soothing yet oddly unsettling tones elevate each reenactment. Once you start watching, you’ll keep going through the entire series in one night. There’s something oddly hypnotizing about the dark science tales you don’t hear about in school. 

On The Verge Of Being Lost Forever

With the rise of true crime docuseries in the last decade, it’s clear that there’s a massive audience out there for real stories that aren’t afraid to show how bizarre early science could get. New standards and closely monitored research make it unlikely that there’s anyone out there experimenting with brain transplants or trying to bring back the dead, but for centuries, science was the wild west. There’s no telling how many bizarre stories are out there. 

Dark Matters: Twisted But True aired 19 episodes between 2011 and 2012, and currently, only Season 3 is available for digital purchase. It’s a shame that the series is close to becoming lost media, and more of a shame that there have been no new episodes in the last 14 years. Dark Matters: Extra Twisted, a series of remixed episodes with more scenes, more information, and “deeper insights,” was briefly aired on the Science Channel as well, but it has since vanished into the digital aether. If you can find it, the series is a fun binge despite the disturbing content. If nothing else, John Noble’s portrayal of Fringe’s mad scientist Walter Bishop makes a lot more sense when you realize the long, sordid history of insane researchers who’ve shaped our understanding of the universe.