as an example of changing views on the subject, author orson scott card (best known for the "ender's game" series) once stated on his website, "to write fiction using my characters is morally identical to moving into my house without invitation and throwing out my family." he changed his mind completely and since has assisted fan fiction contests, arguing to the "wall street journal" that "every piece of fan fiction is an ad for my book. what kind of idiot would i be to want that to disappear?"