Heeding People's Warnings

Chao- When we first get into reading fan fics, we are open to a new world. We meet people who are interested in our favorite universes, and we may start uploading our own fun. We come across new ideas regarding characters--seeing them in ways we may not have. But reading such adventures also means exposure to ideas that might be considered dark or offensive to some. And then there's also the issue with pairings.

YChao-  We could get into the discussion of whether or not  authors can just say there will be pairings and how some users may see that by even doing that the authors are already giving hint as to what lies in their story. But that's a different topic, one that Chao doesn't plan on touching.

Chao- Now, Chao is someone who looks for warnings before beginning a story to read. Chao also likes to place warnings in fan fics in case there's a topic some people are not comfortable with. After all, there are other issues that people may not feel comfortable reading: Swearing, abuse, rape, alcohol and drugs, gore, racism, fetishes. The list goes on.

YChao- And there are some pretty strange fetishes out there.

Agent Daisy- (nods in agreement)

Chao- And these are only minute warnings. There are fan communities that have gathered against particular fan fics and try and warn others not to read them

YChao- Fans gathered against a common enemy? Or is this more of reverse psychology?

Chao- Well, here are two examples. "Dipper Goes to Taco Bell". Dunno what it's about, but it's a Gravity Falls fan fic, and people have screamed not to read it for one reason or another. For those who are into My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, there's also the fan comic "Cupcakes". And many fans in that universe have been appalled by the violence found in it.

YChao- Seriously? There's stuff like that just for kids' shows?

Chao- Well, no matter the genre or universe, some people think they're being "funny" doing such things. And then some people read these stories out of curiosity.

Agent Daisy- (shakes head in grief)

Chao- All and all, if you read in the summary or in the author notes that there's an issue you may not be comfortable with, seriously, don't read it. And if a majority of fans are telling you not to read it, do yourself a favor and save time by NOT reading. Luckily most authors place these warnings somewhere, and readers generally adhere to a simple rule: Don't like, don't read.