I'm not going to call it fan fiction, and here's why:
I've noticed, having both worked in the gaming industry as well as being an absolute gaming nerd, that as a game rises in popularity, so too does the number of authors interested in writing about the adventures and hi-jinks of their favorite group of <INSERTNAME OF ADVENTURINGBANDHERE>. Look at Weiss/Hickman et al, Niles, Greenwood, Salvatore et al, the list goes on-and-on.
The Shadow Run and Whitewolf universes as well have spawned some very good fiction written by both the game developers and well written players turned authors.
This being said, is there any word from the author regarding the expansion of his universe by other authors (especially once the rpg streets)? The TV show is a very interesting step in that direction (unless he's writing all of the scripts), and as a closet writer, and love to cut my teeth on the Butcherian laws of physics, er, magic.
I understand the implications of loosening his ownership of the Dresden name, and elements specific to Harry's existence, but it's a big world out there, and I'd be interested to see what else might develop, given the rules (ie. the RPG) on which this particular universe is based.
Jim would become our Rodenberry.
*looks all dreamy*
Jim Butcher and Gene....THAT would have been an interesting author's panel.