how to use ao3
if you’re using ao3 and you come across a fic you don’t like…don’t read it.
if you see a fic that has something in it you absolutely HATE…don’t read it.
if there’s a fic you just have a feeling is ai? don’t read it.
if you see a fic that just makes you feel icky inside…don’t read it.
if there’s a fic where someone does something you think is wildly out of character? don’t. read. it.
the thing is, the archive is a big place, with a LOT of fic in it.
It’s not something that is meant to be policed or censored- it is in fact the antithesis of censorship, and in order for that to work, NO ONE can decide what kinds of fics should or shouldn’t be published on it. It doesn’t matter how offensive, how illegal, how immoral, how out of character…it has a place on the archive, because everything has a place on the archive. If it’s not your cup of tea, just don’t read it.
appropriate course of action when you don’t like a fic (for any reason)
close the tab
continue on your way
that’s it.
If you really don’t like something, consider excluding the tag in your search! It’s a good way to filter out content you might not like before you even encounter it, but in the case that you do come across it, all you have to do is stop reading.
whatever happens, don’t you DARE be That Person who ruins fanwork for everyone because you harassed an author, artist, or other creator.
just. don’t. read. it.





















