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

[serria]

I usually use "choose not to warn" or "dark themes", and I think that's appropriate in your case. I mean, I personally hate spoiler tags - but for the sake of people who are careful about what they read, I'd think "dark themes" is a fair warning that people with triggers should avoid or proceed with caution. But especially since you said it's not a graphic depiction, and the character isn't even dead... I wouldn't worry about it. There's a chance someone might complain, but you've got nothing to be sorry for if you said "dark themes" or "choose not to warn."

[lyriel]

"There's a chance someone might complain, but you've got nothing to be sorry for if you said "dark themes" or "choose not to warn."

Yeah, I figure that if someone is sensitive to various issues, or easily offended, and they see a "Choose not to warn" but they go ahead and read it anyway, then that's on their head, not mine.

I try very hard to provide adequate warnings, but sometimes there's no telling what could be upsetting to someone. Themes that one person loves, another finds highly disturbing. It's all very subjective.