Opinion Question

[lyriel]

Greetings, everyone. Hope this question is appropriate for this comm; if not then feel free to delete.

I would like to hear people's feelings on the following issue. I know it's subjective, so there's no "right answer", probably:

How would you handle warning/tagging for a fic where it *seems* like a major character has died, but it later turns out that he didn't? Think of a Sherlock Holmes type of situation where someone disappears, is presumed dead, then comes back a few years later.

Would you use the "Major Character Death" warning on AO3? How can I warn/tag this story properly without giving away the plot twist? Would you feel disturbed/squicked/annoyed if you read a story like this and there was no specific warning for "major character death"?

Can I get away with using a vague warning like "dark themes"?


Assume that the death is not graphically described, and this is a canon where death and violence are not common occurrences.

Thanks in advance; this one has been puzzling me.

Comments

[perfectworry]

You warn for slash? Why? Do you warn for het, also?

I've never understood slash warnings, so I'm genuinely curious.

[ayumidah]

I only do it because I know how some people get about things, and it's not really a warning, I'll just say at the top "This is a slash fic" sometimes. I've begun slacking on that lately, though.

[lyriel]

Most places, like AO3 and FF.net, have you name the pairing. Most LJ communities do, too. You put "Bob/Steve" in your header. You shouldn't have to warn for slash, if you simply name the pairing.

Just a thought.