[quote=@Ellri]
If you're participating in (or running) a fandom RP, how important is it for you to follow, stick close to or stray from the fandom's established Canon?
[/quote]

That honestly depends if one is going to continue down the same timeline of -enter fandom here-'s original timeline. If they are, I would hope that they are respectful to said fandom's cannon and treat it with the tlc that it deserves. However, if it's just going to be set in the universe, but using an AU setting, then I think this allows a little leeway with how "faithful" one can be. I mean, in an AU setting, this is where the writer can get creative and re-imagine some stuff. It's sort of like when studios make remakes of old films: they bring in these new directors and writers - a fresh creative team - and see what they can come up with. As we have seen from movies such as Alice In Wonderland from TIm Burton, a fresh take on an old classic can sometimes be a welcomed change. 

So, all-in-all, it's the same with rpers that decide to add to - or alter - a fandom's canon in their rp/story: they can forsake possibly ruining it and doing an AU out of respect or do a Tim Burton and continue it while adding their own flare to it.

Anyways, that's my take on it. You can take it if you want, or leave it. ^^