Spin-Offs are works on SBC that relate to SpongeBob SquarePants. They can be found in SpongeBob's Library, under the Atlantis section. As of 2023, SBC no longer officially uses the "spin-off" terminology due to it being a holdover from the Tv.com days, and instead goes for generally calling works "stories" or "fanfiction." The term will still be kept on pages for works that once identified as such.
History
Spin-Offs started on TV.com, by tvfan95 on July 2, 2008. Although there were attempts prior to make spin-off threads, his was the first to take off in activity. See this thread. When Terminoob created SBC, Spin-Offs continued there. As of November 29, 2011, Spin-Offs no longer continue on TV.com.
Spin-Off work on SBC had seen a remarkable drop in 2012, which frightened everyone on the site. It is believed that the lack of reviews for users Spin-Offs is the primary cause for less activity with Spin-Offs. Users had made attempts to save Spin-Off reviewing by making "The SBC Spin-Off Club", which is similar in format to the "SBC Weekly Episode Club" As of late 2012, Spin-Offs have risen in activity again. During summer 2013, a spike in Joke Spin-Offs (Joke-Offs) led to a controversy surrounding them and if they should be counted.
On January 9, 2015, JCM announced a spin-off called "Clam and Gary" which, if made, would've been the first animated spin-off. The project was scrapped however.
Culture
Spin-Offs (and Literatures, by extension), have often been regarded as a historically important part of SBC's community and identity, extending from the origin of the craft on TV.com. Several works over the years have achieved board-wide attention and popularity. Spin-Offs recieve awards and nominations at events such as the The Golden Community Awards and Spin-Off Awards (defunct). An annual Spin-Off Festival is also held, which began in 2010. The festival marks a period of site-wide recognition of both Spin-Offs and Literatures, while highlighting content creators. Games and contests are also provided in celebration.
From 2010 to 2012, a store system was set up around Spin-Offs, called Glove Universe (formerly Glove World), which allowed users to spend and trade doubloons, centering on Spin-Off related merchandise. Glove Universe was removed due to lack of interest, but returns for short periods during particular Spin-Off Festivals. It has now returned somewhat permanently as a club.