Textual Poaching

Textual poaching is a concept introduced by media scholar Henry Jenkins, referring to how fans engage with and reinterpret media texts creatively and actively. Instead of passively consuming content, fans may remix, critique, or build upon stories, characters, or worlds—like creating fan fiction or art—placing their own meaning onto the original material. This participatory interaction blurs the lines between producers and consumers, fostering a collaborative culture. Essentially, textual poaching highlights fans’ active role in shaping and personalizing media, transforming their engagement into a form of cultural expression and community building.