No nookie (kidding... don't panic, but please read)!

[Emerald]

I've always included extra NC17 "forewarning of upcoming vamp smexin." type warnings on my work simply because it is Slash and not everyone knows what Slash is...even when you write Mick/Josef NC17 in the title. I find it helps reduce the accidental read commence the hurling of massive amounts of offence towards the author type situation. And besides I just think it's respectful to give people full warning for something they may not wish to read or may be offended by...not to mention the fact that there are many Slash Fen who don't wish to read NC17 level male on male sex scenes as well.

Just my humble two cents that has added absolutely nothing to the value of a dollar

[redwinter101]

Not true, Em!!! Value always added....

And I agree - warnings/notes should give readers enough info to make a decision about whether they want to to read on,

Red

[PNWgal]

I always assumed a lot of writers used the "nookie" alerts to signify that the piece was actually a PWP (no plot at all, just sex). Those seemed to get the most comments and views. I actually liked it for a warning -- when I saw that I immediately... didn't even open the story! No offense to those who like to read PWP's, I just prefer a plot in my reading. Most of my stories are NC-17 as well, but sex is just a small part of what goes on. Recent discussions about ratings have also led to the discovery that some people think NC17 automatically means PWP. Just an FYI, it doesn't.

This sparked a thought...if people wish, they CAN put PWP in the title header, and let folks know, without using the forbidden "nookie." So if you love PWP, you can go for it, and if you don't, you won't be annoyed by finding it.

Up to the author, of course.

Lucky

Here's where I'm going to protest. Not the idea, but that it should be up the the author.

There are clear-cut rules as to how NC-17 fic is handled. We are not children and do not need to be warned that "nookie" is inherent in a story - I feel like authors that add that "warning" do it to get peeps to read their fic. If you need that warning, then you shouldn't be reading NC-17 fic. Extensive A/N as to the contents of a specific fic should be enough to cover anyone's concerns...and quite frankly we're familiar enough with regular authors to know what their stuff is going to entail.

We've got the chance for a nice clean slate here. JMHO, but I prefer a clean title - I've usually decided by the first sentence whether or not I'm going to finish reading something. Emerald is one that does an awesome job of warning her readers that her stuff includes graphic depictions of same-sex action. I've tried to do the same thing with some of the darker things I write (*cough*ATKM*cough*) so the readers know precisely what they're getting into.

Make the rules and if they aren't adhered to, pull the fic and warn the author.

(BTW, this is why they don't ask me to mod.... )

[jenstc2003]

*Smiles* I think that if something is NC17 for something OTHER than sex, it's certainly a good thing to put a warning. But the rating in the title should clue a reader in that there is going to be something graphic, and I think most readers expect that it's likely to be a graphic sex scene. IMHO, since that is the expectation, there's really no need to add that in an A/N, though I will if it is decided that we should. As far as PWP in a title- I don't see a problem with that if it's what's agreed to.

[redwinter101]

PNWgal, point taken. I'll chat it over with Phoenix and Lucky.

Red

[m00nlight_babe]

I never liked that label at all. I never put it on mine until someone mentioned I should. But I took the labels off not too long after that. Just couldn't do it...

[Lilly]

We are not children and do not need to be warned that "nookie" is inherent in a story - I feel like authors that add that "warning" do it to get peeps to read their fic...

I couldn't agree more with this. The term "Nookie Alert" has always come across to me as more of a marketing ploy than a real warning. I mean no insult here, as I realize that not all authors may have intended it that way, but that's the perception that was given, nonetheless. It screams "Hey, over here - look at me!!" rather than "Cover your eyes - you might be offended."

[lunalux]

We are not children and do not need to be warned that "nookie" is inherent in a story - I feel like authors that add that "warning" do it to get peeps to read their fic...

I couldn't agree more with this. The term "Nookie Alert" has always come across to me as more of a marketing ploy than a real warning. I mean no insult here, as I realize that not all authors may have intended it that way, but that's the perception that was given, nonetheless. It screams "Hey, over here - look at me!!" rather than "Cover your eyes - you might be offended."

Truer words never spoken...er...written...

[librarian_7]

I'd just like to add a thankyou here for the thoughtful debate.

This is, I think, exactly the kind of thing we want to see on this site.

Lucky

[Phoenix]

OK, time for the admin to weigh in, apparently.

1. If the word "nookie" appears in the title line, the author will be politely asked to edit it. If the request is not complied with in a mature & timely fashion, the fic will be removed without further notice. We have very few rules here at Moonlightaholics, so it should be easy enough to remember the ones we do have.

2. There are clearly stated rules for posting FF on this forum. One of those is that all stories must carry an appropriate rating in the title line; another rule is that all stories must carry appropriate warnings if they involve violence, non-consensual sex, coarse language, adult themes etc. If the warnings are insufficient or absent, the author will be politely asked to add warnings. If the request is not complied with in a mature & timely fashion, the fic will be removed without further notice.

3. If necessary, PWP is an acceptable substitute for the words "nookie alert", although personally I would prefer that stories which are by definition PWP not be posted here at all. Please note: that is not a forum rule - it is my personal opinion.

[eris]

I have a question. Do you want the notices of content in the actual title line, or in some kind of header at the first of the post?

I'm going to use one of mine as an example:


A title warning would be:
Rites; NC-17 (for violence due to graphic rape)

Now, "Rites" is a short title, so the warning fits, but if I'd posted each chapter separately, it wouldn't have.

Would it be ok to put the title as:
Rites; NC-17

Then at the top of the post put the warning of it being a rapefic (or whatever your particular warning may need to be)

[wpgrace]

I have a question. Do you want the notices of content in the actual title line, or in some kind of header at the first of the post?

I'm going to use one of mine as an example:


A title warning would be:
Rites; NC-17 (for violence due to graphic rape)

Now, "Rites" is a short title, so the warning fits, but if I'd posted each chapter separately, it wouldn't have.

Would it be ok to put the title as:
Rites; NC-17

Then at the top of the post put the warning of it being a rapefic (or whatever your particular warning may need to be)

I'm just a reader, so this is just my own two cents, but that last option works fine for me...

It seems to me if the title line gets all messy, trying to accomplish too many things, it makes the posts board harder to read and could make understanding exactly what the fic is confusing.

But if there IS a reason for a warning... if it is prominently placed BEFORE I get started reading the actual fic, in an A/N or just some big warning after the title on the fic's first page... whatever... then I still have time to have second thoughts, to turn around and go back, to think about it before I read or to put that fic off until i am ready to deal with whatever i am being warned about.

And if it's in an A/N, or other kind of warning on the fic page rather than the title line, there is then room for more explicit information, if for whatever reason the particular warning needs it.

Eris, your Rites is a good example. It isn't JUST a rape fic... it isn't JUST violent...it isn't JUST a bad thing happens to a loved character... it isn't JUST something that really does happen in the real world (just without the vamps). It's a complicated piece and your warning on that one was very well done for me. I knew going in it was gonna be harsh but i also knew it wasn't just pornographic violence (well also in part because you wrote it, but your warning made so very clear what I might expect). And your warning gave a context for the piece, which given what DID happen in the story, was something I did keep in mind as I read it.

But this is just my reaction to the question...

[redwinter101]

Um, yes, precisely what Grace said!

Just a rating in the title line is perfect.

Then in your note/intro/warning at the beginning, please put whatever you feel is appropriate to give readers enough info to decide whether they want to read on.

Red

[Phoenix]

I have a question. Do you want the notices of content in the actual title line, or in some kind of header at the first of the post?

I'm going to use one of mine as an example:


A title warning would be:
Rites; NC-17 (for violence due to graphic rape)

Now, "Rites" is a short title, so the warning fits, but if I'd posted each chapter separately, it wouldn't have.

Would it be ok to put the title as:
Rites; NC-17

Then at the top of the post put the warning of it being a rapefic (or whatever your particular warning may need to be)

Thanks, Eris. I'll be satisfied as long as every story carries a rating in the title line, plus carries a warning (if need be) at the top of the post.

A sufficient title warning is: Rites; NC-17 (graphic violence) OR Rites; NC-17 (please see warning) [Apologies for borrowing your title without asking first.]

**********

This is a warning from one of my chapters:

From memory, the title read: Happy Rebirthday Ch 2 NC-17 (please see warning)




Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Characters: Josef; Emma; Beth; Mick; Coraline.

Rating: NC-17 Violence; high level sex scenes; strong adult themes; some coarse language.

Happy Rebirthday. Chapter 2.

**********

The warning is posted in large print in the thread. The chapter was very dark and violent, which was a stark contrast to the usual tone for the ongoing story. I wanted to make sure I had everyone's attention.

ETA: apparently I was messing around writing this while Red was answering succinctly. But I'll leave my example up anyway...

[bluedahlia3]

It's just so simple, isn't it. Perfect.