Understanding the Doujin Scene

[mrnutz]

So I guess doujin releases are fan-created-and-published releases? Until I found this site, I didn't know this was such a large aspect of the vgm community. It seems like many of the regulars here are fans.

The impression I get is that there are more doujin releases than official releases these days. I personally haven't heard any of it. Are they essentially just game music remixes? Or are there original works as well?

I guess I'm trying to understand the appeal. Is it just that good music is good music? Or is there another aspect to it? Thanks.