Update Trans,CD category to/include Bisexual

[SimonDoom]

On other sites, the tags are visible before you click them. I believe that would end some angry comments and hate voting when they feel they were tricked into reading the story. I don't really care about the scores. Still, it gets discouraging when an author gets one bombed for the story's content not related to enjoyability but someone's inability to accept.

There's no clear right way to navigate this issue. No matter how openly you tag your story, if you post it in a category that some readers think is the wrong category, they're going to bomb you. That's just the way it is.

Some readers, like me, don't necessarily want to see the tags. I have no erotic squicks or aversions and I like to be surprised. That's one of the pleasures of reading, for me. It's like taking a bite of Indian cuisine and finding it's spicier than I expected. I enjoy that. I don't want to be forewarned. I like the option of clicking on the tags or keeping them hidden. I think there are other readers like that too.

 

[ElectricBlue]

I like the option of clicking on the tags or keeping them hidden. I think there are other readers like that too.

I don't recall ever clicking on tags before reading anything. But then, I know how to back-click and move on without making a fuss.

 

[SimonDoom]

I don't recall ever clicking on tags before reading anything. But then, I know how to back-click and move on without making a fuss.

I've done it a few times, but not often. I just dive into the story, and usually within the first 300 words I can figure out if it's something I'm going to like or not. I don't understand readers who feel entitled to be shielded from content they don't like. If you don't like what you're reading, stop reading and move on to the next story.

 

[Bramblethorn]

I think the switch to the transgender title was made some time ago, like three or four years unless I'd become blind to it.

Looks to have been some time in 2018, yeah.

The bisexual home needs to be found - full of comfy sofas and lube dispensers.

And chairs, for the amusement value.

 

[ElectricBlue]

I don't understand readers who feel entitled to be shielded from content they don't like. If you don't like what you're reading, stop reading and move on to the next story.

But, Simon, you're talking about adult behaviour. On an adult web site; such a novelty! What will they think of next?

 

[Ambient4190]

So a category name can be modified as Transgender, Crossdresser was years ago.
Perhaps a sex therapist could recommend which category Bisexual would best be suited...?
It is sad to see talented writers leave (and take their stories with them!) because a topic that is near and dear to their heart does not have a home.

 

[Bramblethorn]

So a category name can be modified as Transgender, Crossdresser was years ago.
Perhaps a sex therapist could recommend which category Bisexual would best be suited...?
It is sad to see talented writers leave (and take their stories with them!) because a topic that is near and dear to their heart does not have a home.

It can be, but "Transsexual" to "Transgender" is a much smaller and less controversial change than adding bisexual to a category that didn't previously have that in scope.

For now, advice seems to be to categorise it according to what kind of sex is happening. Usual rules of thumb:
- Most categories are reasonably friendly to female-female sex, much less so male-male. (I put a female-female romance in Romance and only one person complained.)
- GM is pretty tolerant of stories which also contain action besides male-male.
- Lesbian Sex is generally not welcoming of stories with M-F content. It depends a bit on context; something with a small amount of M-F that's relevant to the story might get a pass, if it centers female-female, but something that reads like "two women make out for their boyfriends' titillation" will draw fire. A female character being mentioned as bi rather than lesbian-lesbian is generally not an issue.

If you have both M-F and F-F sex going on, something like Erotic Couplings or Group may be the best bet, unless there's an angle that would qualify it for BDSM/SFF/etc.

 

[Kumquatqueen]

For reference, if one happened to be writing a story where a main character happens to be a girl who happens to have a dick, but the story isn't in the Trans category, what would be recommended Tags to use?

 

[SimonDoom]

For reference, if one happened to be writing a story where a main character happens to be a girl who happens to have a dick, but the story isn't in the Trans category, what would be recommended Tags to use?

Imagine there are readers out there who are looking for a story exactly like yours. What tags would you use to help them find it?

 

[Bramblethorn]

For reference, if one happened to be writing a story where a main character happens to be a girl who happens to have a dick, but the story isn't in the Trans category, what would be recommended Tags to use?

As in realistic pre/non-op trans woman, or more futa kind of fantasy territory?

Either way, ping @AwkwardMD who has some stories in those areas.

 

[AwkwardMD]

For reference, if one happened to be writing a story where a main character happens to be a girl who happens to have a dick, but the story isn't in the Trans category, what would be recommended Tags to use?

I would not say that anything you've described here would warrant a tag. Tags are useful tools to search for specific literary and erotic aspects that you are looking for in potential reading material. At that point, it boils down to which story elements matter most for the audience you are trying to attract.

If you tag a story with BBC, BDSM, or 69, you are going to attract a specific readerships. People who go looking for those things and search for those things by those exact phrases. Good tagging, then, also requires you to have some understanding of what is being searched for. Tagging your story with bighugeblackcocks might be accurate, but won't be helpful because that's not a phrase that anyone uses.

I think, though, that what you really want is an author's note with a warning. Reading between the lines, it seems like what you want is a way to prepare readers for some content, and tags are not how Lit does that. If Lit used a filter system, where you could ignore stories tagged as Incest, or Interracial, or whatever, because that's not something you want to see, then yes, a tag for trans characters would be appropriate.

But. Since you are writing a story with a trans character where their trans-ness is not the central story or erotic issue, then tags are not the way to go. Make an author's note that says something about how unhelpful it can be when we define others, and self-identification is important, and that broader acceptance of each other is important, and we all just want to be loved.

I think you want something like that.

 

[AwkwardMD]

All that being said, if the trans character's trans-ness is central, or their big dick is important, then it probably maybe should go in the trans category.

 

[AlinaX]

I used "trans woman" as a tag in one out-of-category story, but I'm not clever with tags. When I'm the one searching by tags, I'm usually looking for some specific kink or act.

 

[Kumquatqueen]

I think, though, that what you really want is an author's note with a warning. Reading between the lines, it seems like what you want is a way to prepare readers for some content, and tags are not how Lit does that. If Lit used a filter system, where you could ignore stories tagged as Incest, or Interracial, or whatever, because that's not something you want to see, then yes, a tag for trans characters would be appropriate.

But. Since you are writing a story with a trans character where their trans-ness is not the central story or erotic issue, then tags are not the way to go. Make an author's note that says something about how unhelpful it can be when we define others, and self-identification is important, and that broader acceptance of each other is important, and we all just want to be loved.

I think you want something like that.

Yeah, something like that. Thank you.

The previous episode had a warning - all the episodes are in Anal: "This isn't a quick stroke story -- there's scene-setting, lots of dirty talk, and discussion of sexuality, along with plenty of anal sex and butt love. Check tags if you want more info." Said tags included 'strap-on', for example.

All that being said, if the trans character's trans-ness is central, or their big dick is important, then it probably maybe should go in the trans category.

Definitely no big dick. It's basically our nice straight chap finding he likes this woman he's met, then finding out she likes anal just like he does, as well as her genital configuration, and getting his head round it all. Probable dialogue: "My libido says you're a beautiful woman. You're a beautiful woman who wants me to fuck her in the ass. I should just stop thinking right there, right? I mean, is that okay, just not thinking about...?"
"You and me both, sweetheart."

I'd like to stick to the Anal category merely because that's where the previous four stories are and it's the only real common thread, and the Trans category tends to focus on fetishising trans people, but I may change my mind on that.

Anyone offering to beta-read in due course greatly appreciated - the story is inspired by a number of trans friends, but I don't really want to ask any of them to read stuff they often prefer not to think about, just so some strangers can have a wank. Well, a thought-provoking read and a turn-on, if I do it right.

 

[Kumquatqueen]

As in realistic pre/non-op trans woman, or more futa kind of fantasy territory?

My usual style: horribly realistic, lots of talk about sex and other stuff, before getting to filthy enthusiastic sex. And snarky dialogue. I may have a sarcasm kink...

 

[AlinaX]

"Dryer," she begged. "Dryer! You're British, damn it!"

 

[AwkwardMD]

Yeah, something like that. Thank you.

The previous episode had a warning - all the episodes are in Anal: "This isn't a quick stroke story -- there's scene-setting, lots of dirty talk, and discussion of sexuality, along with plenty of anal sex and butt love. Check tags if you want more info." Said tags included 'strap-on', for example.


Definitely no big dick. It's basically our nice straight chap finding he likes this woman he's met, then finding out she likes anal just like he does, as well as her genital configuration, and getting his head round it all. Probable dialogue: "My libido says you're a beautiful woman. You're a beautiful woman who wants me to fuck her in the ass. I should just stop thinking right there, right? I mean, is that okay, just not thinking about...?"
"You and me both, sweetheart."

I'd like to stick to the Anal category merely because that's where the previous four stories are and it's the only real common thread, and the Trans category tends to focus on fetishising trans people, but I may change my mind on that.

Anyone offering to beta-read in due course greatly appreciated - the story is inspired by a number of trans friends, but I don't really want to ask any of them to read stuff they often prefer not to think about, just so some strangers can have a wank. Well, a thought-provoking read and a turn-on, if I do it right.

That sounds like an Anal story to me!

 

[Kumquatqueen]

That sounds like an Anal story to me!

"Dryer," she begged. "Dryer! You're British, damn it!"

He insisted on more lube anyway, suddenly relating to the story of the sadist who refused to hurt the masochist...

 

[Bramblethorn]

I'd like to stick to the Anal category merely because that's where the previous four stories are and it's the only real common thread, and the Trans category tends to focus on fetishising trans people, but I may change my mind on that.

That makes sense. There are certainly readers who have a "one-drop rule" attitude where it comes to trans or GM content, and may complain. But if it's an ongoing anal-focussed series and just happens to have a trans person it it, that seems like a them problem.

 

[stickygirl]

The reason is the reality of how readers react to stories. The majority of readers of Erotic Couplings stories expect heterosexual stories, and are not interested in gay/bi stories. Some react adversely to such stories. That may seem wrong or unfair, but that's the reality.

I've had a couple of comments that a story ought to be in a different category. Maybe the category sub titles need edited, so 'Erotic couplings, Wild one-on-one consensual sex' cute though it sounds isn't helpful if it actually means 'Wild one-on-one straight sex fun' because we already have a category for NC/R. A change would help readers and newbie and oldie authors alike.

What does the sub heading to Mature actually mean 'May / December lust & love affairs' ? How does that help anyone? Why May / December?

The problem with the Transgender category is its scope, because it may as well say 'Browned haired people having sex' given that the description includes MtF, FtM, NB and maybe Intersex but offers no hint to their sexual orientation. The author would be wise to explain what to expect with an introductory paragraph eg non-op trans woman who gives and takes up the ass OR eg post-op bi trans woman finds consolation... etc etc as well as a hint in the story's Short Description. Clearly a distinction needs made between TG and CD in the intro or else traumatic ED may result. For the time being I guess Erotic tales of gender bending fun will have to do.

 

[MillieDynamite]

What does the sub heading to Mature actually mean 'May / December lust & love affairs' ? How does that help anyone? Why May / December?

I suppose it means a person in the first quarter of their life, older than 18 and younger than 30something. And December is entering the last quarter of their life or approaching the last quarter, as Winter doesn't begin until December 21 most years. I've seen it expressed as Spring / Fall relationships. Maybe the girl springs on top, and the man falls to the ground!

 

[stickygirl]

I suppose it means a person in the first quarter of their life, older than 18 and younger than 30something. And December is entering the last quarter of their life or approaching the last quarter, as Winter doesn't begin until December 21 most years. I've seen it expressed as Spring / Fall relationships. Maybe the girl springs on top, and the man falls to the ground!

Hmm
so average life expectancy is 72yrs/12 = 6yrs, making the fifth month, May 24-30yrs and so December 66 - 72years. Maybe I'm making this more complicated than it needs or there isn't space for the calculation?

It also means I've started June, so where are the summer flowers and balmy crescent moon nights of soft love with hot breath between my legs?

 

[MillieDynamite]

Hmm
so average life expectancy is 72yrs/12 = 6yrs, making the fifth month, May 24-30yrs and so December 66 - 72years. Maybe I'm making this more complicated than it needs or there isn't space for the calculation?

It also means I've started June, so where are the summer flowers and balmy crescent moon nights of soft love with hot breath between my legs?

Beats me! I don't get as many exciting nights as I had before we adopted Donnie. Speaking of Donnie, my mum is calling for me because he is being fussy, I think. Later!

 

[Kumquatqueen]

The use of May to represent someone in the prime of their life - grown but still fresh and young - dates back to Chaucer. She was paired with a Mr January (nearer the end of his life) but once the end of the year was moved to December rather than March, December made more sense and rolled off the tongue better.

 

[MillieDynamite]

So back to the gender-identifying software. To determine male or female, one of the criteria used is the use of she, he, her, him, wife, husband, and other gender-based words. The more use of she, her, and wife, the less of he, him, and husband identifies the writer as male. Which for same-sex stories means jack shit. In fact, rather, really, and actually (according to the study) indicates a female writer, as we use more adverbs than men. What the fuck? The more I read about the methodology more I think it's all a bunch of hogwash.

The use of May to represent someone in the prime of their life - grown but still fresh and young - dates back to Chaucer. She was paired with a Mr January (nearer the end of his life) but once the end of the year was moved to December rather than March, December made more sense and rolled off the tongue better.

The issue with this is that winter still ends between the middle of March and the end of the month. I get the poetic way this all works, but it all boils down to a romance between a spring chicken and an old rooster.


EDIT: Sorry, this is the wrong thread for the first part.