20th Century Fox Slays ‘Buffy’ Online ‘Fan Sites’

In the latest scrape between a Hollywood studio and online fans, 20th Century Fox attorneys have recently been slaying Web sites that pay homage to the studio’s hit show, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”

A handful of Buffy “fan sites” have either shut down or removed some of their content, after being threatened with copyright infringement suits by Fox attorneys.

“I complied in fear of any legal repercussions,” said the operator of one site, who declined to disclose his name. “After all, I am a struggling college student and do not have the time, money or inclination to face Fox in a legal battle.”

Buffy fans have created a Web site, https://buffy.acmecity.com/undead/214, to protest the crackdown. The site’s stated goal is “to bring enlightenment to those in need (Fox).”

The squabble reflects tension that has cropped up between studios and fans since the Internet emerged as a mainstream medium five years ago. Studios fret that the Net is undermining their ability to protect their copyrighted works. Fans argue that their sites don’t make any money, and often contribute to the shows’ popularity.

Dozens of “Buffy” fan sites still exist. But the sites targeted in the latest round of legal missives appear to have been singled out because they went beyond posting images from the show.

Several had posted video or audio clips, and one was building a library of transcripts typed by fans while they watched Buffy episodes.

Fox officials declined to comment.