posted
I have a story that I'd like to post a fragment from, but it has an adult situation and some language that might be objectionable. This relates to the plot, and it's not erotica, but rather a dark and gritty story. So, yes, I'm getting to the question, where is the line, and how do I avoid crossing it?
posted
Are the questionable/objectionable parts in the first 13 lines?
If not, then post your fragment with a warning.
Something like...
Title: My Story No. of Words: 2500 Genre: Dark Fantasy Warning: Contains adult situations and some strong language -------- 13 Lines...
If the opening contains something that people might have a problem with, just post the title, word count, genre and warning. Ask for volunteers. If the first few lines are "clean" (so to speak), post a few to let people have a taste of the writing style before jumping in.
Since coming to Hatrack, I've read things that normally I might not. I'm not averse to adult content, as long as it serves an important role in the story. As long as I know what I'm in for, I'm prepared to read it. Once or twice I got a little ambushed because the opening sounded like one thing, then the story was something else completely. This put me off a bit.
As long as you are upfront with potential critiquers, a little nitty-gritty and a little profanity will probably be tolerated.
posted
Really hard call for me. It's not graphic, but it might be too graphic, and just posting the title and word count isn't as instantly gratifying as being READ! Would a warning do, do you think?
Posts: 27 | Registered: May 2005
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posted
A warning would do just that... warn those that there may be content that is offensive to them. We're pretty open, though... and not usually offended by foul language. Although I usually add a disclaimer that I do have curses in my stories just to prevent any misunderstandings.
Violence and sex that isn't gratuitous is acceptable in any story. If "gratuitous" is an unclear term, it means that if it isn't necessary to the story, it shouldn't be there. That's true of most anything put into a story. But you have to consider your audiences.
If you're writing a story about the underground sex trade business, well... we're going to expect a lot nitty-gritty and foul language.
If you're writing a children's story, well, it should be obvious that we won't expect such things.
Just clearly state your audience and give a brief heads up. People can make up their minds whether to read your story or pass on it.
posted
You might consider using the "movie" rating scale, which I suspect most people are familiar with... is it the equivalent to a movie that is PG-17? R? X? That would give us a better idea. And be sure to specify if it's the sex or the violence (or both) that pushes the boundaries. I'm OK with sex but don't like to read the violence.
Posts: 2026 | Registered: Mar 2005
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posted
The UK rating system is much more sensible in format. It's an age. If it says "15" on it, then the material is considered unsuitable for anyone under 15.
None of that silly lettering system the US has created (I'm American, by the way...) G, PG, PG-13 (we'll it's got an age), R, NC-17 (another age, yay for us), X, and XXX (and is there an XX rating out there? I've always wondered.), and of course the aptly named: NR (not rated). Did I miss any?
I'm still waiting for the the rating: NSFA, or Not Suitable for Anyone (which would apply to many movies that should never have been made.)
I'd also like to see this rating: WOM, or Waste of Money. Or this one: WDVD, or Wait for the DVD.
Of course, my suggestions would still require an age tacked on to the end of them. Nevertheless, I like to be an informed consumer. These recommended labels would help.
posted
It would have to be more specific. Like, "glaring science errors" or "incompetent acting/direction". Stuff like that. Really, there is some stuff that you just have to get from a good review.
Anyway, as to the question...there isn't a line. I mean, if what you're writing is unacceptable for the genre you're aiming at, we'll tell you. Content is part of that. So is presentation of the content. But as long as you don't seem like you're deliberately trying to morally corrupt us (and it's been a long time since anyone thought our morals were worth corrupting) we'll simply treat transgressions as mistakes.
I mean, come on. Most of us here have read Card's writing and asked for more.
As for the board itself, just follow the guidelines.
posted
Elan: "I'm OK with sex but don't like to read the violence"
Wow... we are such two different people...
HSO: We do age and letters for our TV... TV-Y (kid shows), TV-14, TV-MA (17+), plus the letters that display the reasoning for the rating and stuff... But since most people completely ignore the ratings anyways and still complain about their content… it's all insignificant…
"XX rating out there?"
Yes there is... but I don't watch enough porn to give you an example...
Debbborra: Yea... just read the board's rules and use your best judgment... I personally don't have that much spare time in my life to be so easily offended...
posted
In the end, I posted with a warning. If I've offended anyone, apparently I offended them deeply and they're still too upset to respond.
Posts: 27 | Registered: May 2005
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posted
I just wish there were a rating for gratuitous use of passive voice.
Okay, I'm taking your title under advisement and not reading it. I'm not sure if it's because of "Madame" or "Orpahanage" or the combination of the two. But the title doesn't compel me, despite the promise of adult content.
[This message has been edited by franc li (edited May 03, 2005).]
posted
Actually, there's no such thing as a XX or XXX rating. That's just industry code for "we didn't bother asking the board to rate it, but we think it's pretty &*(*ing *(&^y." Both ratings came into existence when the Motion Picture Advisory people decided that they didn't really have to watch every dirty film to know it was dirty, they would take porn directors at their words on the subject. XX is rare because it was almost immediately driven out of currency by XXX, which means exactly the same thing but seems more lurid. It may be making a comeback as a designation for "softer" porn, the kind that is still aiming for prurience rather than whatever modern porn aspires to be (anyone read that one non-fict about the woman who used to be a porn researcher?).
NR means "we know that you know what XXX really means, and we respect your intelligence...?" Okay, maybe it just means NR.
NC-17 means X, except that you are not allowed to award it to your own film. So it means "yes, we actually paid the fee to have a commitee of experts look this over and they determined that it was dirty." Probably it is supposed to reassure the audience that you haven't skimped on the budget anywhere.
posted
Yea... basically X, XX, and XXX is more of a nick-name type thing given to porn to determin what level of porn it is... X is Cinamax (soft-core), XXX is hard core (shows everything and then some), XX that one is more difficult, but I'd say Girl's Gone Wild usually falls under it...
And that's your American porn rating 101 for today...
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