Yes, I am aware that it was Austen fanfic she referred to. That does not alter my response. There have been published Austen 'sequels' for one hundred years, even when the market hungry publishers controlled the opportunities for authors. Austen 'fanfic' is not new due to the internet and thus my point that it is not a trend on the wane.
Star Trek fic began in much the same way and, as pointed out, was backed by Paramount (they held copyright and still do). While it's a much larger and immensely profitable market it is still 'fanfic'. As long as there are fans there will be a market. The same for Austen based works. If Jane has so many fans after 200 years I doubt very much that her popularity is going to vanish like an aging teen pop star's. ;)
Star Trek fic began in much the same way and, as pointed out, was backed by Paramount (they held copyright and still do). While it's a much larger and immensely profitable market it is still 'fanfic'. As long as there are fans there will be a market. The same for Austen based works. If Jane has so many fans after 200 years I doubt very much that her popularity is going to vanish like an aging teen pop star's. ;)