Hmmm.....

[elisi]

Are there any guidelines for how to rate (porny) fic? Where do the lines go between PG-13, 15, R and NC-17? Any help or thoughts appreciated!

Oh and gacked from poshcat: a video of a baby hamster eating his first broccoli. The cuteness is overwhelming!

Comments

[yourlibrarian]

Try this: http://community.livejournal.com/bloodclaim/2583.html#4

[elisi]

Oh that is very, very helpful - it's got examples and everything (even though the Spander traumatised me! *scrubs out brain*)!

Thank you very much! :)

[yourlibrarian]

Do a find and replace with Angel ;>

Oh and thanks for the link to Mocha. Unbearable cuteness!

[elisi]

Mocha might break the internets...

[cindergal.livejournal.com]

I found this rating guide somewhere and it seems pretty reasonable:

G - Suitable for all readers. No sex, violence or offensive material.

PG - May not be suitable for younger readers. Generally very tame in terms of violence and language.

PG-13 - Generally recommended for teenagers or older. May contain moderate violence and some stronger language, but not too graphic. Sexual themes may be implied, but are not explicit.

R - Suitable for mature readers. Contains some adult content. The fiction may contain strong language, heavy violence, or some heavier sexual content.

NC-17 - Absolutely for adults only. Adult fiction is grouped under the "Adult" section. Likely contains extreme violence, strong language and/or explicit sexual content.

I still have to catch up on your S/D fic. So busy! But it's bookmarked. :-)

[elisi]

Thank you so much! I am trying to take the smut out of my Spawn so I can post it on my website, and it ain't easy! (Heck the first part is pretty much PWP...)

I still have to catch up on your S/D fic. So busy! But it's bookmarked. :-)
Hey I still haven't read your latest fic (sooo behind!), so please don't worry. Although the S/D is *so* very nearly finished! It just needs a beta, and then I'm done! *is very happy*

[soundingsea.livejournal.com]

trying to take the smut out of my Spawn so I can post it on my website,

!!! Why would you want to do a crazy thing like that?

[elisi]

!!! Why would you want to do a crazy thing like that?
LOL! But seriously - because I am a very shy little person, but I still want people to read my fic. And it isn't *all* about sex...

[soundingsea.livejournal.com]

But it's a really good fic, and the hotness is part of the goodness! I hope you reconsider. People should be able to enjoy your real work, not a sanitized version. Nothing to be shy or ashamed of; anyone who's going to read this will have read plenty of pr0n. Yours isn't any more shocking.

[elisi]

Aw, thank you. I'll probably still tone it down a little - to a mild R (seriously, if my b-i-l read it I'd never be able to look him in the eyes again!).

[curiouswombat.livejournal.com]

Put it on your website with big warning signs.

If you are like ozma914 this often includes 'You know who you are!' threats to his daughters!

I actually often use the UK 15 rating - has sex in fairly clearcut terms, but no S-M, rape, bestiality etc - which would then make it an 18 - or NC17 if you prefer American terminology. I reckon exciting sex between consenting adults is legally fine once you are 16, so it is silly suggesting that you can only do it, but not read it, until you are 18!

[elisi]

Put it on your website with big warning signs.
That's a good idea...

I actually often use the UK 15 rating - has sex in fairly clearcut terms, but no S-M, rape, bestiality etc - which would then make it an 18 - or NC17 if you prefer American terminology.
That's a nice distinction. And would that be the same as an 'R' then? (These terms confuse me no end.)

[curiouswombat.livejournal.com]

This is the sort of big warning sign that S2C uses

I don't usually use 'R' - I tend to use '13' and '15' or occasionally I have been known to put 'I think it is a 15 - but if you aren't allowed to think about sex in your country at that age consider it NC17'!! ;~)

[elisi]

'I think it is a 15 - but if you aren't allowed to think about sex in your country at that age consider it NC17'!! ;~)
That's a good one! I'll remember that :)

[harmonyfb.livejournal.com]

For me:

PG-13 = Romance, some kissing, relatively uncomplicated relationship issues, mild violence
PG-15 = Possible hints at sex, but always fade to black, slightly complicated issues, mild-to-moderate violence
R = Use of the word 'fuck' and equivalent language, frank discussion of non-explicit sex, complex, grown-up relationship issues, unflinching show of violence
X = Explicit sex, extremely coarse language, graphic or ultra-realistic violence

[elisi]

PG-15 = Possible hints at sex, but always fade to black, slightly complicated issues, mild-to-moderate violence
That one is very hard to pin down, isn't it? But thank you very much - this is extremely helpful.

[samifidler.livejournal.com]

OMG!! is ded from extreme cuteness:>)

but what a way to go, did you see those feet, awwwwwww

[elisi]

but what a way to go, did you see those feet, awwwwwww
Indeed. *g*

[stormwreath.livejournal.com]

Personally, I always use the British rating system on my fics. :) BBFC website.

R18 - A special and specific category for explicit sex (R18 films can only be sold through licenced sex shops)

18 - Anything goes, as long as it's legal. (Except for hardcore porn which is R18).

15 - Swearing is fine, although the really, really offensive words (including terms of racist abuse) must be limited and justified by context. Sex and nudity are fine, but no emphasis or close-up on the details. Violence and horror are fine, but must not glamorise or dwell in detail on the infliction of pain, on excessive blood and gore, or on sexual violence.

12 - Infrequent use of strong language (Fuck!) is acceptable. Sex should be implied; sexual nudity may be shown but briefly and discreetly. Violence and horror may be included, but without specific details or gore.

PG - Mild bad language (Hell!), implied sexual activity only, moderate violence without any details and only in context, horror sequences must not be prolonged or intense. No depictions of dangerous behaviour which children might copy. Suitable for age 8 and up.

U - Very mild bad language (Bother!), no sexual activity above kissing and cuddling, mild violence and horror and only if reassurance is immediately provided. Suitable for age 4 and up.


At a guess, I think U = G, PG = PG, 12 = PG-13, 15/18 = R and 18/R18 = NC17.

Put another way, the only episode of either Buffy or Angel that got rated '18' was 'Five By Five', probably for the scene where Faith tortures Wesley with broken glass and a aerosol flamethrower. 'Hush' and 'The Body' both got rated 15; 'Restless' and 'Who Are You' got rated 12.

[elisi]

Personally, I always use the British rating system on my fics. :)
Oh thank you so much for this! I think I've learned more about ratings in one day than many years... or at least now I have far more specific ideas about how the system works. :)

[courtnificus.livejournal.com]

Hiya. I've read some of your posts and they seem really interesting. I've friended you, if that's alright :)

[elisi]

Absolutely! The more the merrier. Welcome - I hope I'll continue to entertain. :)