#if you couldn't tell im very passionate about keeping places like ao3 and libraries a place for individual interpretation

[adeceasedtulip]

I need to have a little rant about what people think ao3 is for exactly. I think it should be more well known than it is (especially to new users) that ao3 is an ARCHIVE. It's a library. Made purely for the storage and backup of fan-made works. For everyone to be able to access.

I've been thinking about this all day. A prime example of what we shouldn’t let this site be treated like is how libraries are treated at the moment. Surely you have heard about the book bans that have been happening around the US and even in parts of the UK, too. It's censorship of free thinking that corporations and governments want to manipulate.

Trying to enforce policing content on ao3 because you've seen something you didn't like and believe other people shouldn't see that content also, isn't right. It is also exactly what those corporations and governments that you claim to hate want.

It's like banning a book in a library. It may not agree with you but it might resonate with someone else. Resonate with them to believe in something and make their OWN opinions about the literature they've just consumed and how it affects their perspective.

Please be mindful of what I call the shiny tab rule. You might see a dingey can tab and throw it away but someone else might be the magpie in this situation and LOVE that can tab. Am I being too metaphorical here?

Overall, Archive of Our Own is a nonprofit organisation made by fans for fans. So if you enjoy the content that doesn't offend you or whatever, then you should still treat what offends you with decency. The content you like might offend someone else so surely the answer here is to both agree to disagree and move on.

Censorship on the Archive is not the answer. See something you don't like? Click off or filter your tags next time. Simple as.