Should fans get a creative say in franchises?

Hello again.

Fans can very possessive of a franchise. A series like Doctor Who has something about it. An idea or set of characters that unleashes creativity and passion about a series.

In Doctor Who's case, I feel that fans have at times had a negative effect on the show. The reactions and behaviour of a minority have alienated the production team creating the show.

That said, it is great that Doctor Who has actively encouraged its fans to go and work in television or writing or design or music. Doctor Who also has some talented and creative fans who produce content purely for other fans to enjoy e.g the charming Doctor Puppet.

The recent Doctor Who Lockdown fan gallery had some great content, check out Turn Back in the Turn Left fan gallery, it's a super short story.

Doctor Who is a notoriously difficult show to write for and produce. Each new production team brings it own vision for the programme. Every so often, a new team takes the show a different way.

Fans having a direct role in a franchise, no thanks. Much as l'd like to ring up Mr Chibnall and say, "Now I don't think you should be writing it like this.."

It is a good thing, my advice would probably not be used.