Community Discussion Requested

[Melrick]

Jaxxy,

I don't know if this link provides any information that is new to you, but I'll let you look for yourself anyway:

http://www.chillingeffects.org/fanfic/faq.cgi#QID523

It talks about whether sexually explicit fiction has US First Amendment rights to free speech. The short answer seems to be... kinda.

Also, I've been doing more poking about... I don't know if anyone has already mentioned this in a previous post, but in 2001 a guy named Brian Dalton was convicted and jailed for writing about child pornography. He spent 2 years or so in jail before he won the rights to have a new trial. The conviction was thrown out of the Ohio court because the law only covered acts involving REAL children.

http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/%5Cnews.aspx?id=12799

That does set a legal precedence, but one problem is that this guy wrote the stuff in his own personal journal, with no intention of distributing it. So would the precedence still apply?

This one will interest you the most, Jaxxy:

http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/news.aspx?id=17458

This is about how a woman running a website that contained fictional graphic stories involving minors was indicted on obscenity charges. She was convicted and sentenced to 5 years probation and 6 months of house arrest. And her website was positively tiny in comparison.

To be quite honest, Jaxxy, if this woman wanted to take it further - and she was serious about it - then it sounds like she could indeed cause a LOT of trouble to come flying your way. I totally understand people saying "Don't give in!" but when it's your potential freedom at stake, you need to think VERY seriously about it.

Edited August 13, 2008 by Melrick

[JayDee]

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08138/882650-85.stm

Seeing as one of those is from 2004, and one from 2006, the above is a more recent article on the 'Red Rose' case, since that one is from two and a half years ago.

"the federal government has never won a conviction based solely on text under current obscenity law."

But, yes, if they wanted to make trouble they possibly could - but again I would think that the fact that this site is so many times larger than that one, and has surely been reported many times by anti-pornography people, and still they haven't tried anything... Well, doesn't seem like cause for worry on that front.

[Melrick]

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08138/882650-85.stm

Seeing as one of those is from 2004, and one from 2006, the above is a more recent article on the 'Red Rose' case, since that one is from two and a half years ago.

"the federal government has never won a conviction based solely on text under current obscenity law."

But, yes, if they wanted to make trouble they possibly could - but again I would think that the fact that this site is so many times larger than that one, and has surely been reported many times by anti-pornography people, and still they haven't tried anything... Well, doesn't seem like cause for worry on that front.

Actually, the Karen Fletcher case - about the website owner - was this year. She pleaded guilty on 7 August 2008:

http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/%5Cnews.aspx?id=19617

So it's very much current, and the fact that a conviction was reached means that it definitely sets a precedence, and large websites would be an even stronger target than the tiny one she apparently ran.

[JayDee]

Your third article was indeed about Karen Fletcher, butfrom 2006. My point is that it is misleading to post articles that are two years out of date when more current details of a case or legal standing exist. Even that one you've linked there is from January this year, with just a note added more recently on the outcome of the case.

The article I linked from May 2008 explains that she was to plead guilty this month only because of her agarophobia, and the article also explains that there have been no convictions on text alone, nor really any effective test case before the courts as they are still wanting one. That being the case the point of law has been not been tested, so it would not be set precedent.

In other words, I see no reason not to stand by my post.

[Melrick]

Your third article was indeed about Karen Fletcher, butfrom 2006. My point is that it is misleading to post articles that are two years out of date when more current details of a case or legal standing exist. Even that one you've linked there is from January this year, with just a note added more recently on the outcome of the case.

The article I linked from May 2008 explains that she was to plead guilty this month only because of her agarophobia, and the article also explains that there have been no convictions on text alone, nor really any effective test case before the courts as they are still wanting one. That being the case the point of law has been not been tested, so it would not be set precedent.

In other words, I see no reason not to stand by my post.

And I see no reason whatsoever not to stand by my posts, either, not even slightly.

[JacquesL]

Yeah. And if we start picking at each other now, the main goal of that mail has already been achieved. Well done.

You're afraid. I can understand that. I know very well what it means to be afraid. Point is, that's what makes it so easy for people who want to terrorize you: they use that weakness, which I believe is in everyone.

Keep calm. As far as I know, there has hardly ever been any author who was convicted of murder, because he wrote a thriller, or of anything else, because he had the idea that it would make a good story.

I think I need not state what I'd think of a court that would actually do that... B)

In addition to what I stated above, I'd like to state the following: This lady had a bad day, and she found a very efficient means to share that with many others.

Cheer up, folx. Fight another day. Life is short.

[Guest Jaxxy]

To be quite honest, Jaxxy, if this woman wanted to take it further - and she was serious about it - then it sounds like she could indeed cause a LOT of trouble to come flying your way. I totally understand people saying "Don't give in!" but when it's

your

potential freedom at stake, you need to think VERY seriously about it.

Hoo boy. And yeah... I know. Thinking seriously.

Some of the finer details, I knew, some, not entirely... thank you very much for taking this thing seriously enough to study up, Melrick. I'm surprised we didn't meet somewhere out there in Google-land.

And I

have

been thinking... for longer than just now. And still, all I can come up with is, "And still..."

We've discussed that the site should go on largely as-is... if not, every story involving characters younger than 18 would have to go, and the archive would become near-nothing in no time. We'd have so little left, it wouldn't be overworth preserving anyway... and our voices would remain unheard. Worse -- we would be a public example of the acceptance of such oppression, and set a very large precedent. We will set one of those either way... which one will it be?

We

can't

give in, can we? Do we want our voices (and the silent voices of the intimidated) unheard, are we okay with what that means for the world? As I've read, we strongly believe in the bigger picture AFF illustrates. So, all that would happen, if I somehow was able to un-target myself, is that any other one of us would be targeted instead.

To be more honest than comfortable (a bow to Jacques, I hope)... some of you have husbands and/or wives and/or children who depend upon you, and I don't. Nor mother or father or sibling to worry over my being in a legal to-do. Nor money or property to lose.

I figure... I'm already here, with years as the owner of AFF already behind me. I imagine this is largely my doing either way, because I have been in ownership from September of 2005 to, most importantly, the present. Even the founder, who may no longer be "with us", had to leave after less than my time here... and I'm not even sure this site was quite so "objectionable" at the very beginning; at least it was very small.

Alright. Well, then, let's prepare. Donate, buy banner slots, tell friends, see who's got real legal advice that we can all dig up.

Most Importantly: Keep Talking.

Please keep the voices, and the many points and passions for the rationale of our community, going strong -- no matter how "lame" or redundant the thought,

share

-- it builds our case. It is vital that we show the need for our existence, and that we have, and will, hurt no one.

Stories of how it has helped you, or how this kind of freedom has helped/will help others? Historical instances, from any time and place, where our thinking was proved right-est? Resources of human rights, connections that are best to make?

I said, in the new

User Agreement's

Preface, that people of our numbers and passion would surely change the world... will we?

I'll do it, and I want to, too, but no one's going to listen to Amy Feinsilver... however, the good thing about Democracy is that they (say they) will

have

to listen to millions.

Idea: Who knows (or is) a celebrity...? B)

Or: Is this place something less than what I see it to be? Will we part ways, and use e-mail... until they begin to track that, too?

[Guest Jaxxy]

But, yes, if they wanted to make trouble they possibly could - but again I would think that the fact that this site is so many times larger than that one, and has surely been reported many times by anti-pornography people, and still they haven't tried anything... Well, doesn't seem like cause for worry on that front.

Thank you for the information, too, Joandoe... and, it does seem to me that we have been sort of

RIGHT THERE

for a good long time. Most Google searches for "fan fiction", "adult fan fiction", and however many other variants there are of what we do, result in a direct link to this site... on page one.

That means something... I just can't be sure of what.

[Guest Jaxxy]

So it's very much current, and the fact that a conviction was reached means that it definitely sets a precedence, and large websites would be an even stronger target than the tiny one she apparently ran.

The Red Rose case in particular, even at the time, made me wonder why we weren't targeted instead, or right thereafter -- we were pretty terrified back here; that was one of the elements that made us go disclaimer-crazy at the end of 2005. (We still are -- disclaim, disclaim, disclaim!)

Someone out there casting spells?

I guess more digging is needed on Karen Fletcher.

[Guest Jaxxy]

And I see no reason whatsoever not to stand by my posts, either, not even slightly.

Definitely --

both

of you, and

all

of us, should keep discussing, keeping in mind that we strive for a common goal, and remaining open and respectful with one another. I haven't seen a post here yet without some type of merit; every single one of us has a different perspective, and each little one is a brush-stroke in this painting.

Everything

should be considered, and personally, I really do need my mind to take a stroll -- even if short -- down every thinkable path. Yeah, ow. B)

Even the ideas we discuss that seem to be based on mistaken beliefs, or exist in different time-periods, are valuable; if we are going to trial (can someone drive me?), we will need to be aware of every single tidbit of knowledge -- and rumor, and social trends of different periods of time, etc. -- possible, to prepare for every hurdle thrown at us. We

need

to have the whole thing; one never knows which teeny-weeny element will be the one to win the (we do hope, hypothetical? eh, heh) case.

Even if we don't go to trial tomorrow, we will sometime... or an entity like us, that we will wish to support, will. It's time to be good little boy- and girl-scouts, and get prepared. (Comes before

being

prepared, you know.)

So, no one feel as if they were "shown" or "put in their place", please... as I read on and on, an almost touchable picture is evolving in my head, and, I would guess, in the minds of all of this Topic's (present and future) readers. Don't get disheartened, don't get frustrated, don't let anything stop you from speaking -- we are all friends to each others' dream. And, everything shared contributes, in perpetuating even more thought. That

is

good.

It doesn't matter what you post... personally, if that makes a difference, I'm grateful for every second of your time. I read, click, and have a smile at the unity that's forming, even when the news at hand it isn't the most happy-making. This is at least some measure of scary for everyone I'd think... and, sometimes, just hearing another voice in the dark is exactly what the doctor ordered. The power of morale is... well, I think it's right up there with the powers of fear or anger or love, and that it probably includes them all.

Not to worry; I type, I cook, and, sometimes, I even make sense. But the mood doesn't often move me...

[Guest Jaxxy]

Yeah. And if we start picking at each other now, the main goal of that mail has already been achieved. Well done.

I see exactly what you mean, Jacques... I understand fear-tactics pretty well, too, and had actually anticipated much more "picking". I have a good feeling, all things considered.

I'd hate to be seen as having been alarmist, or giving unnecessary cause for fear, here. But it is important that everyone knows what's going on -- with things of magnitude, things that promise to stick around -- 'backstage', as it

does

involve us all. It involves the world; I know it might seem melodramatic every time I say that, but, being the dirty-hippy I am ( B) ), I feel its truth.

I also think that it's just time to stop trying to handle this grenade half-blind and mostly alone, too. I don't believe we've

ever

hashed this out as a group, and, in the least-eventful-case's scenario, we will at least be securely on the same page.

There are many personal reasons I took this semi-public, as well -- fear, yes; anger, for

sure

; out of curiosity; to get an accurate -- no longer just educatedly-guessed -- sense of the community's feelings (I can't effectively stand up for how we all feel without being quite

sure

of how we all feel)... and, of course, for help, both emotional and tangible. But, and because of this thread, I really

am

keeping positive, I promise. I hope everyone else is catching the good vibes too.

I have faith that we won't get incredibly sidetracked by the emotion this type of letter is often written to create. Your post does serve as a mighty good reality-check for anyone who's getting

too

upset -- I'm thankful you've pointed out this discussion's potential to cause 'massteria'. (Usually, that's the very reason I keep these things under wraps!)

You're afraid. I can understand that. I know very well what it means to be afraid. Point is, that's what makes it so easy for people who want to terrorize you: they use that weakness, which I believe is in everyone.

Amen... my mom always said that fear was the greatest motivator. But that isn't always for the worst; we

will

turn it into something positive... damnit.

Keep calm. As far as I know, there has hardly ever been any author who was convicted of murder, because he wrote a thriller, or of anything else, because he had the idea that it would make a good story.

[...]In addition to what I stated above, I'd like to state the following: This lady had a bad day, and she found a very efficient means to share that with many others.

Yes, I often say to myself, about a bad review or something, "They just had gas..."

Still, allowing ourselves a little jolt about this is vital. Too much complacency is just as bad as too much running-scared.

Cheer up, folx. Fight another day. Life is short.

That is what it boils down to for me, too... one foot in front of the other, pick a flower when you see one (but not every time -- then there'd be none left!), and enjoy. Life

is

short... and it's important to try to smile -- hopefully, as you make a difference -- when you can.

Good counsel.

[maidenhair]

I've read all the posts regarding this matter so far and I've remained silent because I really had nothing to add that hasn't already been said. But silent support is rarely enough. So here, for what they are worth, are a few words of support to you, Jaxxy. I honestly know little of the legalities of the situation. I applaud your efforts to stand firm in the face of potential censorship. While at the same time, I don't wish to see you or anyone else face criminal charges for attempting to uphold my freedom and rights as a writer. I don't know the wisest path in this situation but I needed to say that I will back you with whatever course of action you choose.

You have created and helped maintain a home on the internet for fans of all types of fiction. A place where we can express our creativity freely. I deeply appreciate and love this site. I thank you for all that you've done and please know that you have my support.

[canterro]

I also can't add anything helpful...

I don't live in USA and I have a very vague idea of your law.

But I follow the thread carefully.

Personally, it's hard for me to stand for child pornography itself. I find it disturbing...

But the whole idea of legal threats - I support you in whatever you decide considering your own situation and existence of this site

[Guest Agaib]

I want a little clarification on the court case above.

Was this woman convicted by a jury of this offense by a jury? or did she plead guilty?

There is a large difference. And if she plead guilty that doesn't necessarily create a precident because it wasn't proven in court that a conviction was viable. People have a lot of reasons for pleading guilty.

EDIT: My terrible spelling

[JayDee]

Agaib, per the article I linked:

Ms. Fletcher's guilty plea will not set any precedent related to text-only obscenity prosecutions, Mr. Lee said, because she is entering the plea voluntarily.

Here's another recent article on the case, again re-affirming my prior point about the lack of convictions for text only:

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburgh...g/s_581761.html

Fletcher's case was unusual in that it was the first brought in decades -- and the first ever in Western Pennsylvania -- in which the charges stemmed from text only, with no images or photographs. She was indicted in September 2006 and fought the charges on free speech grounds until prosecutors agreed not to seek jail time

So as noted in the previous article, it was Karen Fletcher's Agoraphobia that led to her voluntarily pleading guility. There's no precedent under law at all.

Has there been a conviction on text only in America for anything ever that wasn't overturned by the supreme court on freedom of speech grounds? Holocaust denial maybe?

[DemonGoddess]

y'know, if it comes down to it, legal action; consider the ACLU as a possibility. After all, what they're about is to protect and preserve the Constitution.

Think about it, they've taken on cases over the years that have been more than a little controversial, all in an effort to protect the consititutional rights of people. Including, if you remember; people like Madalyn Murray O'Hair for her rights as an atheist, and a chapter of the Nazi party in this country to be able to exercise their right to free assembly.

Yes, the Nazi thing REALLY bothered me when it happened, however, the ACLU was protecting those individuals' RIGHTS under the Constitution. So, did I agree that the Nazi party should've done that (marched in Skokie)? HELL NO. BUT, I did at the time, and still do believe that the ACLU was right in protecting those civil liberties.

[foeofthelance]

Nah, as far as I can tell you can still get away with voicing just about anything in printed text, so long as it isn't a want ad for a hitman or somesuch. And even then I think they prefer to go after you on charges of conspiracy rather than charges of "obscene text". Trying to get a conviction on such a vague charge has as much of a chance of getting a conviction as the Duke rape case as far as I can tell. That's probably why they were willing to cut her a deal in the first place. They knew they had very shaky, if any legs at all, to stand on, and just wanted it done.

[Guest Agaib]

It is the nature of the ACLU to be widely hated. After all, the point of free speech isn't so that it protects popular speech. The point is that it protects unpopular opinions. I've always seen the ACLU as a necessary entity and a valuable resource, even if they protect some of the most despicable people in the world.

[Keith Inc.]

It is the nature of the ACLU to be widely hated. After all, the point of free speech isn't so that it protects popular speech. The point is that it protects unpopular opinions. I've always seen the ACLU as a necessary entity and a valuable resource, even if they protect some of the most despicable people in the world.

hate what you're saying, defend to the death your right to say it, sort of thing....?

[Guest Jaxxy]

hate what you're saying, defend to the death your right to say it, sort of thing....?

Had

to grin!

I

have

been considering somehow incorprating that very quote into the logo (or some type of motto -- if only a tame version on a letterhead) of this place since I got that threatening letter in the OP... eventually, though, not reactively. If they see our tree can be shaken, rattle-they-will.

I haven't yet gotten the "click" of the perfect-catchy-meaningful words, but a few are dancing around in there. I'll keep the "despise" and "hate" things out of the whole deal... which

is

only a brain-fetus of mine (yum!), so no freaking. Of course, "Defending Your Rights to the Death" is a bit forward... and, I'm not too sure we should be seen primarily as a political entitiy. Secondarily, oh yes, I'd

love

that.

Just for the record, I

am

one of those that, really and truly and from the heart, supports

everyone's

rights to speak and believe as they need to... we're all the same; it gets us through the night, so to speak. I would, actually, personally be heartbroken if (random example here) the Latter Day Saints were no longer allowed to practice what they believe (if it were proven they hurt no one). What misery to be separated from their God, as they see it. It would be inhumane to take the lights-of-our-lives from any

one

of us; I am very passionate here.

Just let them stay in their community, and let us stay in ours, when we're doing our thing. If at all possible to meet for a picnic -- or, wow, actually

integrate

--

perfect

. But as we know, most people just won't do that -- we should. We're far more alike than we are different... two hands, two eyes, gotta eat, need to love.

Re: ACLU -- Are they, in your opinions,

too

bent on protecting only the rights of the minority? I see the logic -- "majorities" don't need as much help. But, are they unnecessarily minority-driven, beyond the fact that minorities just happen to be the ones who need more?

Reading everything everyone's saying -- good-good-

good!

-- my mind is brimming with new thoughts, and lots of inspiration. Thank you!

[Guest Agaib]

The ACLU would only be too driven to represent minorities if everyone agreed with everyone they defended. As it is, they overcompensate at times, but because they are also in a sort of hated minority of their own, they turn out just how they should be.

[greenwizard]

Well, I came to the forum this morning because I had a personal message from someone asking me to beta for them. I decided to look around a little, and came upon this.

I have to say that I agree with the masses. I think that someone with her panties in a knot was making threats. However, I understand why you're nervous. It's bloody fricken sad, but it's reality.

The best thing you have on your side is the fact that if fictional written child pornography is considered illegal, then it would open the door for anyone who finds something offensive.

Over the past few months I have gotten a little deeper into the world of witchcraft. I have joined a few groups. There are a lot of people who find that offensive. But do we not all have the right to walk down whatever spiritual path we want? I don't come to your house and try to tell you what religion to follow. But there are Christian groups that swear up and down we're all devil worshpers and we shouldn't be allowed to have groups because we're exposing children to the devil.

I know that this site doesn't deal with religion, but I was pointing that out because it runs along the same lines. Everything is going to offend someone. My boyfriend watches a show called 'Family Guy' which I guess is pretty poular. I find it a little on the offensive side, but I fix that by not watching it. He bought the series on DVD, and I make him watch it in his room, along with his animae. I don't forbid him from watching it.

In order to get to the archives we all have to electronicaly sign that TOS stating that we are 18 or over, and we understand that we are choosing to enter a site with adult material. It's not exactly like any of us were surprised when we saw stories with sex in them.

There are lots of stories in the archives that I found just plain wrong on so many levels. Did I send an email to you demanding it be removed? Nope. I clicked on that little back arrow and went to read something else that more suited my taste.

There are many reasons why people write what they do. I can't fathom why on earth anyone would write about Pokemon, or any of that, but they do. They exercise their right to write it, and I exercise mine to not read it.

Jac has said he/she does it to get things out and heal. I do it as an outlet. I am an unmedicated scizophrenic bi polar person. During my manic phases I have all this crap buzzing around in my head. When I read a story and I don't like how it's going I have all these alternative storylines flying around in my head that distracts me from the story in front of me. Writing it down gets it out of my head. Also I guess, writing crazy characters is kind of like therapy for me the same way writing about child abuse is therapy for people who were abused as children. I get all my craziness out. And this site gives me a place to share it with lots of people. There are some that like it, and that makes me feel good.

I guess what I'm trying to get at is that if the shit does hit the fan your best ammunition is the fact that if fictional stories involving underaged children start being censored then everything else that might be offensive is the next target. Nothing would be safe anymore.

[Guest Jaxxy]

[...] Also I guess, writing crazy characters is kind of like therapy for me the same way writing about child abuse is therapy for people who were abused as children. I get all my craziness out. And this site gives me a place to share it with lots of people. There are some that like it, and that makes me feel good.

I guess what I'm trying to get at is that if the shit does hit the fan your best ammunition is the fact that if fictional stories involving underaged children start being censored then everything else that might be offensive is the next target. Nothing would be safe anymore.

Great to see you again, greenwizard! And thank you very much for sharing yourself with us.

Another perfect example of the necessity of freedom in fiction, attached to a personal story about its scientific, healing effects. These are gold.

It's true; there's no way to pick and choose which is offensive and which is not. If censorship is allowed into the fictional realm at all, it will quickly devour most of it. Then there'd be stories of nothing but unicorns... hey, wait... I

like

unicorns...

Hmmm. Well, I'll just delete that filthy kiddy porn, and start a brand

new

site: Adult

Unicorn

Fiction.net! :beam:

Disclaimer:

I do not own any Unicorns, Churches, especially Good Books, or actual Personal Hatred for the (purely incidental) foci of the following Work of Parody (which is protected under the United States' doctrine of "Fair Use"). Any resemblance the following's elements bear to Real Entities or Philosophies, living or dead, is purely coincidental. I make no money off of this writing, either... god damn it! (Oops. Anyways,) No Unicorns, Books, Churches, Domain Names, Adults, Devil Worshippers, Baby Cousins, Posters, Fathers of Lies, Gods, or South Park Characters (which were originally created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone and contracted to Comedy Central) were hurt in the creation of this Parody (still "Fair Use"; please refer to the second line of this Disclaimer).

AUFN... it

is

kinda catchy, and I bet the domain name's free...

Wait, no-no, no "Adult", adults only read pornography, that's the only reason anyone would put "adult" in the name of their website, everyone knows that! Whew, close one. So... okay, I got it -- UnicornFiction.net! Happy, dancing, frolicking...

...Oh,

hell

, only

infidels

believe in unicorns! The Church tells even the little children that the last of the unicorns died in The Flood. Only devil worshippers (

! ) would even

speak

of unicorns. God took them away because they were bad. (Note to Self: Take down unicorn poster in baby cousin's room before she burns.)

Back on topic! This is the one, then -- Fiction.net! (Sorry, guys, but we can still write about... something, I'm sure.)

No. :sigh: The Good Book clearly states that Satan is the Father of Lies, and what

is

fiction, but a glorified and complicated

lie?

Satan in his many guises...

Yeah -- screw you guys; I'm goin' home.

~Owari~

[pel]

Well, I read through this thread, and felt I had to speak up... I'm a long-time AFF reader, sporadic writer, mostly silent participant... but one of my personal resolutions lately is to be less silent, so this is a good chance, yes?

I don't know if I have any concrete advice... but I've found this thread to be deeply inspiring. And it made me kind of emotional, so I hope I don't get carried away..

I'm writing from the perspective of someone who writes, reads, and sometimes enjoys fiction involving pedophilia, among many other things that I find unsettling. (And consider to be deeply wrong in practice.) Enjoying fiction like this is something I've learned not to be ashamed of, and this place has really contributed to that feeling of freedom and acceptance.

I deeply believe in our freedom to explore, and in the value of going into dark places. Whether it's a mainstream fantasy novel or a rapefic, I read, and sometimes write, precisely so I can go where I could never, would never, go in life. I push my own boundaries, make myself uncomfortable, poke into places I may regret going. But in doing so I feel like I'm exploring what it means to be human. Everything I read teaches me something about myself, and that is an amazing gift.

I've always felt that fiction provides the opportunity-- even the obligation-- to seek out that which we don't understand. Knowing that this place exists, a place where I can say anything I want, go as far into those dark places as I want and be able to share that experience with others, is something I value more than I can say. So I guess it comes down to... thanks. It's something worth being proud of, and something worth fighting for.

[Guest Jaxxy]

[...]I'm writing from the perspective of someone who writes, reads, and sometimes enjoys fiction involving pedophilia, among many other things that I find unsettling. (And consider to be deeply wrong in practice.) Enjoying fiction like this is something I've learned not to be ashamed of, and this place has really contributed to that feeling of freedom and acceptance.

I deeply believe in our freedom to explore, and in the

value

of going into dark places. Whether it's a mainstream fantasy novel or a rapefic, I read, and sometimes write, precisely so I can go where I could never,

would

never, go in life. I push my own boundaries, make myself uncomfortable, poke into places I may regret going. But in doing so I feel like I'm exploring what it means to be human. Everything I read teaches me something about myself, and that is an amazing gift.

I've always felt that fiction provides the opportunity-- even the obligation-- to seek out that which we don't understand. Knowing that this place exists, a place where I can say anything I want, go as far into those dark places as I want and be able to share that experience with others, is something I value more than I can say. So I guess it comes down to... thanks.

It's something worth being proud of, and something worth fighting for.

Your words are a balm to my soul, pel. And quite timely.

It seems these types of letters are picking up; I would like the Community to examine the offering, below.

First, from the lady that wrote us today:

~ I have been an avid reader of your site and have even posted some of my

~ own stories.

~ I am sad to say that I am one of the many members that are leaving your

~ site. I am not sure you are aware, but there are many stories on your

~ site about child molestation, one in particular

~

http://original.adult-fanfiction.org/story.php?no=600097483

I am a

~ mother of two beautiful children and the thought of ANY human being

~ thinking that a story about sexual abuse is appropriate sickens me. I

~ understand that we all have the right to free speech but this has

~ crossed the line. Does you site really want to be affiliated with such

~ garbage? Can you honestly say that you approve of a story that portrays

~ sex with a 5 year old child in a positive light? Who in their right

~ mind would put a positive spin on the exploitation of small children?

~ Last I checked that was illegal. What if someone reads these stories

~ and decides, "hey that could be fun?" I understand that there are

~ plenty of taboo subjects written about on your site, and I don't fault

~ anyone for it. Some stories

~ might not be my cup of tea but I don't have to read them and THEY DON'T

~ INVOLVE SMALL CHILDREN!!! The thought of anyone reading one of these

~ stories and looking at a child in a different light makes me want to cry

~ and the thought of one of those people looking at my 7 year old daughter

~ that way makes me want to vomit.

~

~ Please follow your own terms of service

~ "By using AdultFanFiction.net, I am demonstrating my beliefs that the

~ material it exhibits is not obscene, fundamentally offensive, or in

~ violation of any other person's rights."

~ and take down such offensive stories. Please think of your children,

~ brothers, sisters, neices, nephews, and grandchildren and do something

~ to make this site better, be their voice.

~ Children are not sex objects and should never be portrayed as such.

~

~

~ Heartbroken,

~ (Name Protected)

Then, my response:

Hello, (Name Protected)!

This may surprise you, but I am immensely pained by your pain. I feel the

various pains of the AdultFanFiction.net Community, any one of its

Members... and anyone at all. This is almost entirely why I have spent

three years taking care of this website; and, through it, I wish to spread

only joy, tolerance, art, and healing. Ideally, my endeavors could take a

little chunk of pain out of the world, and never, ever, add to it.

Those familiar with me know that I will harm none, and allow no one to be

harmed, in any way, "on my beat". Although I rarely, if ever, read such

subject matter myself, I do understand that there is a vast separation

between hurting a person and writing a Story.

When I write my planned epic Original Story (what I wouldn't do for the

time!), it will include things that are also extremely wrong in actual

practice, such as snuff (the murder of a person in a sexual situation).

This will be therapy for one of my deepest wounds.

It might be important to add, here, that I am not a murderer.

Many people who were hurt as children (or adults), themselves, read or

write about it to explore their grief and seek healing. I feel that

fiction, whether it be about violence, abuse, drug-use, murder, or rape,

is used as an *alternative* to harming people, grown or small; there is

inadequate health care for many kinds of victims. My fear is that, if the

freedom to "vent" as such was disallowed, people that were actually abused

or wronged would act out their trauma. Real-world child abuse, murder,

and suicide come to mind.

So, regarding this specific: As I feel the pain that you do, I

simultaneously feel the pain of those who so desperately need to be free

to write their feelings out.

Instead of my trying to further explain every little facet surrounding the

issue in a single rambling letter, please feel free to have a look at our

Forum, in which this topic is often discussed. One URL of interest is

http://www2.adult-fanfiction.org/forum/index.php?showforum=32

I agree with everything in AdultFanFiction.net's TOS; I do not find AFF's

material fundamentally offensive. If I do not like one Story (when I have

time to read!), I read another -- this is the happy purpose of Story

warnings. Nonetheless, I do, most compassionately, understand that you

see AdultFanFiction.net's philosophies as hazardous. I realize that the

idea driving freedom of thought and expression is also one that grants you

the freedom to your own -- without judgment.

If we must separate, I see why, though I less than celebrate the fact. I

am not unaware of or complacent about the controversial nature of this

situation, and study upon the harm vs. the good of fiction every day.

With enough Member support, I would be able to seek the views of experts

on the issue -- which I will do the first moment I can. (Very many things

hosted upon AdultFanFiction.net are legal grey areas, including Fan

Fiction itself, so, on many fronts, my job can be a frightening one.)

Before I send this, I would like to tell you that I deeply admire you for

your attempt at open dialogue, or, at least, abstinence from threats and

attacks. This is not always the case, concerning many controversial items

to be found upon my archives.

Seek your bliss, by all means... in only that spirit, come back to us, if

you can. I would have no less than health and happiness for everyone in

the world.

With Wistful Affection,

Jaxxy.

--

"Jaxxy"

Amy Feinsilver

http://www.adult-fanfiction.org

Any and all observations will be treasured -- this type of thing makes me very unhappy.