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+--- Thread: Roleplayer's Guide to Content Warnings (/showthread.php?tid=2)
Roleplayer's Guide to Content Warnings - starshine - 14-04-2023
The roleplay forums are one of the only forums on the site which require content warnings. Generally speaking, unless explicitly told to warn for something an admin or moderator, what you do or don't warn for is up to your discretion and common sense. This will be more strictly enforced for the Searching and Open Roleplays forums, but please note that content warnings are expected for all roleplay forums.
If you are new to content warnings, here is a list of examples of things which for which we would expect warnings:
- Non-con/dub-con
- Taboo relationship dynamics such as those with underage characters or incest
- Drugs and/or addiction
- Racism, intersexism, queerphobia, ableism, and other forms of bigotry
- Frequent or descriptive gore and violence
- Abusive relationship, slavery, more fringe or taboo D/s relationships.
Generally speaking, if these are things which are only mentioned in passing or which are not the focus of the roleplay, such as mentions of past addiction or a character who has been in an abusive relationship, there would not necessarily be an expecting for a content warning, whereas if your main pairing was between abuser and victim, we would hold you to a stricter standard, and expect to see that warned for.
We specifically make use of the phrase "content warning" as opposed to "trigger warning" as a way to easily encompass not just triggers (which are a specific reaction to do with trauma, and should not be applied to squicks), but also any content which is seen as socially unacceptable, taboo, or could reasonably be seen as potentially causing upset. It's not just about thinking of extreme cases and trying to prevent a trauma reaction, or about categorizing something as more shameful or upsetting, but about warning people who might just dislike something or might not particularly enjoy works which contain a more taboo or violent theme.
Warnings for sexual content are not required, as these are covered by mandatory rating prefixes. If you need to change the rating of your thread and are unable to do it yourself, simply report the thread and list the reason as needing to change the rating along with the new rating needed.
Also, while content warnings are quite utilitarian, you are free to be a little unhinged or silly about it as well. Warning for unrelenting schmoop or a frankly embarrassing amount of foot fetish is completely fine and won't count against you in any way!
If you have further questions about these policies, feel free to PM an admin and a FAQ will be added under this post as things come up.