I’m still very much a work in progress when it comes to giving warnings, so this is all likely to evolve in the future.
Below are my current current ratings and warnings policies. I based them very much on how it’s done on AO3.
Ratings
I use the ratings AO3 uses:
- Not Rated (Adult!)
For searching, screening, and other Archive functions, this may get treated the same way as explicit-rated content. In reality, it could be anything from porn to completely family-friendly stuff. Choose this rating if you prefer not to rate your content (because you don’t like ratings, because you’re trying to avoid spoilers, etc.). - General Audiences
This content is suitable for anyone: kids, teenagers, sensitive people. - Teen And Up Audiences
The content may be inappropriate for audiences under 13. - Mature (Adult!)
This is for content with adult themes (sex, violence, etc.) that isn’t as graphic as explicit-rated content. - Explicit (Adult!)
This is for porn, graphic violence, etc.
Warning And Tags Policy
I’m using the AO3 system of warnings. I warn for the following (the AO3 Archive Warnings) if they appear in a fic of mine
- Graphic Depictions of Violence
- Major Character Death
- Rape/Non-Con
- Underage
If none of the four appear in a fic, I’ll tag with
- No Archive Warnings Apply
I’ll happily consider adding other trigger warnings upon request.
Otherwise I’ll tag some things such as established relationship, sexual content or PWP. I also may use Author Chooses To Not Use Warnings if I think there’s something in a fic that might warrant a warning but I can’t quite decide whether to warn for it, or I just don’t know how to warn for it. You’re welcome to ask for an additional tag for a fic if you’d like!