Author's Notes, Yes or No?

[KeithD]

I think any defensive author's note playing to a reader's possible squeamishness weakens the story--and just invites the squeamishness. To the extent they can, I think the tags should reflect the content and the reader should be responsible for checking them if they have issues with not being able to just pull out of a read giving them the vapors (in which case I don't think they are adult enough to be reading on a porn story site in the first place).

 

[Vix_Giovanni]

Personally, when I believe it warrants it, I will add content notes up front. It's even become general policy for incest and non-con when presented in other categories, and Laurel notices it while approving the story. The warnings are added whether you put them there or not.

In some categories, it will reduce the number of low votes and nasty comments you get. In others, they use it as a signpost to drop one bombs and vitriol without the need to skim the story looking for their trigger.

Until everyone is using the new pages with the tags front and center at the top of page one, and they get used to it being there, the tags you add are meaningless as warnings except to a very few who actively check the tags first.

Nothing is going to stop people who are looking to be offended and complain about it. What a warning can do is prevent those who feel they've been surprised by content they weren't expecting from lashing out about it. Most sensible people will nope out when they're told they're not going to like something. Those who continue were looking to be offended.

I don't consider it babysitting. To me, it's common courtesy. That's especially true in the broader genre categories such as Sci-Fi & Fantasy, where the stories are grouped by those elements rather than the sexual ones. If somebody reads a story in the Anal category and hates butt stuff... Well, they're kind of stupid. Someone looking for a swords and sorcery story who discovers the one they've started is based upon an incest relationship is a different story. It still fits the category, but it's certainly not the norm.

I completely agree. If I had a publisher, it would include an abstract as part of the marketing. IMHO, an Author’s Note functions very similarly.

 

[jsmiam]

In a sense, we’re all pretending we’re published authors, and every good vote, comment, favorite, or follow is like a person buying our book in a bookstore, sending us fan mail, attending our book signings, writing favorable reviews on Amazon, and of course tying us to a bed and hobbling us after a car accident on a snowy mountainside road.

But also, if we continue pretending: We would have a cover with an evocative picture, and we’d most definitely have, guess what on the back cover? Yep, basically an author’s note. And if that weren’t enough of a surrogate author’s note, the inside cover(s), preface and/or acknowledgements section would serve a version of that purpose too.

Or (sorry, gotta tease her a bit) our Chapters 1 through 4 combined, would be about the same length as one of Chloe’s author’s notes...

I also try to stalk the story when it’s about to be published, so that I have a good chance at posting the very first comment too, where I more or less say something else ‘author’s notey.’ (I believe that means I agree with Author’s notes.

Also, a note to the OP: You didn’t italicize your author’s note. Y’see? That right thar’s yer problem!

 

[oggbashan]

Most of my stories start with an author's note about copyright.

It doesn't do anything to protect my copyright. They usually get stolen but looking for "copyright oggbashan" finds the stolen stories.

 

[yukonnights]

I think it adds.
I always enjoyed reading Author's notes pre and post chapters. And so I use them too.

I think it adds a bit more connection with the author whose work you enjoy. At least it does for me - so I don't care what anyone else thinks.
I use them for trigger warnings and some small news/announcements about my work.

This "bit more connection" is my primary interests as well. It's also just a simple courtesy to help readers decide if this story is for them.

My aim is to surprise my readers; to take them on a journey along places they never expected. That's one reason why several of my stories have very non-descript titles and descriptions. If people are open for the adventure, and brave enough to join me on that journey, they deserve to go down that rabbit-hole unbiased. If not, then I'm not going to beg them; they can take the next bus to a more predictable destination.

I've read a number of your stories, and you're a master of surprises. In this situation, it makes sense to avoid tipping your hand up front. Sadly, my stories are pretty predictable — and I'm a sucker for Happy Ever After. I keep promising myself I'm gonna be more sneaky...next time

 

[yukonnights]

Me too. I suspect my little Valentine's tribute to Suzie will get a bounce once the sweeps go through. As I say, I'm not that erratic a writer, and I reckon that little piece is seeing standard "contest attention syndrome."

Really strange things seem to be going on with my score; Last night it was down to 4.47 w/ 47 votes. Today it's up in the mid 4.5's with 47 votes. I don't see any clear evidence of a sweep — and it seems an odd coincidence

 

[ElectricBlue]

There seem to be two types of Author's Notes being talked about here. One is for squick warnings for the nervous, the other is interesting background or context for a story. They are two quite different things.

I have no time for adults with intolerance to other kinks and an inability to step over a marshmallow. Back click, peanut, it's easy.

But folk who might be interested in the context of story are different, and I'll occasionally add something. But I'm generally of the view that a story should rise or fall on its own merits, and tags are enough.

 

[BiscuitHammer]

My Author's Notes often include info aboot things that can't be describe adequately in the story. I use music/songs a LOT in my stories, and if I want my readers to see things the way I did when I was writing, I'll tell them the name of said musical piece and tell them to find it.

I did that with my last chapter of The Great Khan, where I used lyrics by The Hu in the background of a duel between two Mongol warlords. Since a reader can't hear the music, and since I didn't own said music, I explained what it was in the Author's Notes and directed them to go listen, as I thought it would enhance the experience.

So, admittedly, I kinda need my notes. But some people's writing styles don't require them, and I respect that. They're fun to write, and I actually have a twist on them coming up soon.

 

[ChloeTzang]

.....Or (sorry, gotta tease her a bit) our Chapters 1 through 4 combined, would be about the same length as one of Chloe’s author’s notes... .

Lol - I think in “Huginn’s Yule” the authors notes are about two and a half Literotica pages. Longer than a lot of lit stories. I do get carried away.

 

[NotWise]

I've put a few small notes at the beginning of stories. Generally, they set the scene.

Some of the notes I've seen have been more about the author than about the story. I don't usually want to read about the author.

 

[KeithD]

There seem to be two types of Author's Notes being talked about here. One is for squick warnings for the nervous, the other is interesting background or context for a story. They are two quite different things.

I agree.

 

[TarnishedPenny]

The arguments against a gentle warning up front seem to be, broadly speaking, in three groups. The first simply waves off anybody upset or offended as, eg, homophobes, who of course deserve no sympathy in any case.

The second is that everybody here is supposed to be an adult and should be able to take whatever is put before them.

I understand both of those, truly, as well as the third utterly pragmatic concern about unhappy readers one-bombing.

I still however stand by my belief that content warnings are a good idea. RejectReality calls it ‘common courtesy’ and that’s valid. My way of looking at it is to use the analogy of cooking.

People come here for enjoyment. Nobody is being paid to read my stories, nobody’s PhD thesis hangs in them (I hope). Enjoyment is key.

A chef is in the same spot - his or her job is to prepare and present food that the customers will enjoy. A chef isn’t going to add heaping spoonfuls of cayenne to a dish unless she’s pretty certain that the folks about to eat it know that it is going to involve a lot of heat, even if spicy food is her personal favourite. She’s going to respect people’s tastes, even if they don’t agree with her own. She’s not going to slip, for instance, pork into a dish served to a Jewish or Muslim customer, no matter how silly she thinks the no-pork rule may be, nor chicken stock into a vegan customer’s soup.

My job, as I see it, is to make the reading experience as enjoyable as possible, not press my own values on my readers. If a story of mine is in Romance and involves a girl being seriously flogged or, yes, a couple of guys getting it on, then that might easily turn off a reader expecting roses and candlelight. A warning at the beginning of my tale is my ‘menu’, a way to warn them of peanuts or pork or extra spicy. That’s not wimping out or compromising my standards; it’s a way of making it more likely that they won’t be disappointed. Or - back to RR - simple courtesy.

 

[gordo12]

The arguments against a gentle warning up front seem to be, broadly speaking, in three groups. The first simply waves off anybody upset or offended as, eg, homophobes, who of course deserve no sympathy in any case.

The second is that everybody here is supposed to be an adult and should be able to take whatever is put before them.

I understand both of those, truly, as well as the third utterly pragmatic concern about unhappy readers one-bombing.

I still however stand by my belief that content warnings are a good idea. RejectReality calls it ‘common courtesy’ and that’s valid. My way of looking at it is to use the analogy of cooking.

People come here for enjoyment. Nobody is being paid to read my stories, nobody’s PhD thesis hangs in them (I hope). Enjoyment is key.

A chef is in the same spot - his or her job is to prepare and present food that the customers will enjoy. A chef isn’t going to add heaping spoonfuls of cayenne to a dish unless she’s pretty certain that the folks about to eat it know that it is going to involve a lot of heat, even if spicy food is her personal favourite. She’s going to respect people’s tastes, even if they don’t agree with her own. She’s not going to slip, for instance, pork into a dish served to a Jewish or Muslim customer, no matter how silly she thinks the no-pork rule may be, nor chicken stock into a vegan customer’s soup.

My job, as I see it, is to make the reading experience as enjoyable as possible, not press my own values on my readers. If a story of mine is in Romance and involves a girl being seriously flogged or, yes, a couple of guys getting it on, then that might easily turn off a reader expecting roses and candlelight. A warning at the beginning of my tale is my ‘menu’, a way to warn them of peanuts or pork or extra spicy. That’s not wimping out or compromising my standards; it’s a way of making it more likely that they won’t be disappointed. Or - back to RR - simple courtesy.

I kind of like that Chef analogy. If any of you have ever been to a Kobe Steak House for a meal you sit around a three sided table while a Chef entertains you with cutting, chopping and cooking your food while you drink hot sake. It's immensely entertaining and you walk away feeling you got great value for your money.

For me the author's notes are the equivalent of the above example.

 

[SimonDoom]

The arguments against a gentle warning up front seem to be, broadly speaking, in three groups. The first simply waves off anybody upset or offended as, eg, homophobes, who of course deserve no sympathy in any case.

The second is that everybody here is supposed to be an adult and should be able to take whatever is put before them.

I understand both of those, truly, as well as the third utterly pragmatic concern about unhappy readers one-bombing.

I still however stand by my belief that content warnings are a good idea. RejectReality calls it ‘common courtesy’ and that’s valid. My way of looking at it is to use the analogy of cooking.

People come here for enjoyment. Nobody is being paid to read my stories, nobody’s PhD thesis hangs in them (I hope). Enjoyment is key.

A chef is in the same spot - his or her job is to prepare and present food that the customers will enjoy. A chef isn’t going to add heaping spoonfuls of cayenne to a dish unless she’s pretty certain that the folks about to eat it know that it is going to involve a lot of heat, even if spicy food is her personal favourite. She’s going to respect people’s tastes, even if they don’t agree with her own. She’s not going to slip, for instance, pork into a dish served to a Jewish or Muslim customer, no matter how silly she thinks the no-pork rule may be, nor chicken stock into a vegan customer’s soup.

My job, as I see it, is to make the reading experience as enjoyable as possible, not press my own values on my readers. If a story of mine is in Romance and involves a girl being seriously flogged or, yes, a couple of guys getting it on, then that might easily turn off a reader expecting roses and candlelight. A warning at the beginning of my tale is my ‘menu’, a way to warn them of peanuts or pork or extra spicy. That’s not wimping out or compromising my standards; it’s a way of making it more likely that they won’t be disappointed. Or - back to RR - simple courtesy.

As I noted above, I no longer have the strong "anti" views that I used to have. I think it's a judgment call and if authors want to do this it's fine. But I have mixed feelings about the practice, precisely because I think reading a story is not analogous to eating a meal. It's not the same for all people, of course, but part of the joy of reading a story is the element of surprise. Most readers, I think, don't WANT to know what's in the story ahead of time. It spoils the fun. This element of reading is very different from eating a meal. By giving in to this practice, we contribute, in part, to a culture of being overly sensitive and too easily offended. And, to some degree, we diminish a bit of what makes reading such a joy.

I know I'm a bit of an old fart on this issue. I don't have a "one size fits all" attitude on this issue, and I may add author's notes to my stories in the future. But I have mixed feelings about doing so.

 

[gordo12]

Just looking at a book on Amazon. It has this for Author's Notes:

"**Author’s note: XXXXXXX is a dark novel with intense scenes that may trigger some readers. Please read with caution."

Warning or enticement to read?

 

[KeithD]

I still however stand by my belief that content warnings are a good idea.

I think that's the job of titles, descriptors, tags, and readers being adult and taking responsibility for themselves.

 

[yukonnights]

There's a good argument for both Introduction and Postscript in the How To piece 'Love Your Readers Part 1', by Tx Tall Tales (a well known and very accomplished author here on Lit). This is a short excerpt from that;

* * * Introduction and Postscript * * *

At the beginning and end of your story you have a chance to clarify things, and connect with your readers. My suggestion is use them.

***
And here's a link to Love Your Readers Part 1 https://www.literotica.com/beta/s/love-your-readers

***
As I've already said, the use of author's comments to the reader are useful and courteous — both before and after the story. To argue otherwise is just a different opinion.

 

[sbrooks103]

I just published a new story set in my Penal Slavery universe. The opening scene was of a male penal slave being spit roasted by two guys. While it had a gay tag I did not post a warning ahead of time. While it has stated to recover from the 1 bombing I don't think it is going to be as well received as my other stories.

It was my bad that I did not warn readers ahead of time about the very slight gay content. I do that when a story is posted in IT about the noncon/slave aspects. Those stories still do well in IT

My question is do any of you think that takes away from the story. I never thought so till I got some feedback complaining that the warnings telegraphed what was coming and that anyone reading non/con should expect that anything can happen. I know that non/con and IT are considered categories where a wider range of things can take place in the story, but I kind of scratched my head at the reader's assertion.

Any thoughts?

My Stories:
https://www.literotica.com/stories/memberpage.php?uid=4605551&page=submissions
My Stories

"a male penal slave being spit roasted by two guys" is "slight gay content?"

 

[sbrooks103]

The one story that I put a "male submissive" warning on got higher ratings than the previous two parts so I think it can help.

I always tag my stories appropriately and I'm thinking of suggesting that readers check the tags out before reading. Makes me wonder if the tags should be displayed at the top of every story automatically.

The new story page does have a tag icon at the top that will show the tags if you click on it.

 

[eroticstoryspinner]

"a male penal slave being spit roasted by two guys" is "slight gay content?"

Considering it was a paragraph of a multipage story, yep