Ratings, Content and Organization
for the Fanfic Section of Sheshat's Online Library

Updated:
March 11, 2001

Sheshat's Library fully supports freedom of speech and expression in all forms of art.  However, it also supports responsible web-surfing and understands that not everyone who visits the Library is above 21.  For this reason, all stories are rated according to content.  Below is an explanation of terms used, what each rating signifies, and how the stories are organized.  I've also added an explanation of some terms used by author and editor (me) when describing stories, with which some readers (eg: those just starting to read fanfic) may not be familiar.  Please feel free to email the Keeper if you have any further questions.

Authors' Terms:
"A.U." (Alternate Universe)	In a way, all fanfic can be considered an alternate universe of the fandom in which it takes place, since events in the story would otherwise effect the timeline of the series. However, the use of this term on purpose for a story usually means that the author is creating events which depart from, or else would so greatly alter the fandom's time-line (eg: character death), that it cannot be fit it into any continuing season. Such stories and their 'universes' are also sometimes (but not always) separate from any other universe the author has created for that fandom.
"Mary Sue"	Ohhh goodness. This is one of the most argued-over terms in fanfic, in the opinions of many of the Library's authors. See here for a full explanation. :)

Organizational Terms:
"Ch.", "Pt.", "Ep.", "Pro."	These abbreviations will usually be seen in the "Title" at the top of your browser's window, along with the Library's name and the title of the story.  This is because the "title" space doesn't allow for enough space to write everything out.  These abbreviations stand for "Chapter", "Part," "Epilogue" (not to be confused with "ep" in a story description, which stands for "episode"), and "Prologue".
"Gen"	"Standard" stories, such as would be aired on the show itself. This generally means non-slash romance or relationships.  These stories, like the "slash" fiction, can range in ratings from G to NC-17.
"Slash"	Same-gender romance or relationships.  These stories, like the "gen" fiction, can range in ratings from G to NC-17.
"A" and "B" Versions	Edited versions of a chapter or scene, separating the story or chapter typically into PG-14, R or NC-17 ratings.  Links to these versions are available at the bottom of the chapter  before the scene in question is due to begin.  See the definition for "R" and "NC-17" for information about the meaning of these ratings.
"PWP"	"Plot? What Plot?"  These stories can be anything from G to NC-17.  The laughingly coined nickname applies to "scenes with- out stories," whether they be romance, humor, action, or some strange mix of all genres.  Sometimes it's done on purpose as a "short short," sometimes it's simply that the rest of the story refused to cooperate but the scene just wouldn't leave the author alone.  Think of these as quick glimpses into the fan- dom universe, or else as  SNL/Monty Python sketches.  On the rare occasion that you find a long one of these -- well, it's prob- ably a romance and you should just go with the flow.

Ratings:
G	"General Audiences" The only requirement is that you have some familiarity with the fandom and/or characters.
PG	Above age 12 recommended Material of some maturity, such as implied violence and occasional strong language.  No sexual content beyond a kiss.  Possible references to themes such as abuse.
PG-14	Above age 14 recommended Material of a higher level of maturity, such as actual violence in scenes.  Possible references to themes such as abuse.  Still no sexual content beyond a kiss and/or indications of sexuality.  Typically but not always more use of strong language.  This rating is typically about the same level as most of the episodes of a show would contain.
R	Above age 17 recommended Material of still higher maturity, including violence, sexual relationships or implied sexual activity, and other adult themes such as rape or abuse.  Sexual content up to summary of activity or touches, but never a full description.
NC-17	Above age 17 required Material of fully adult maturity, including violence and explicit love-scenes.   Stories with this rating are kept on separate indexes and will always link to an Age Verification/Warning page.  While most are short-stories specifically geared towards romance, some of them are action stories from which the love-scenes could not be extracted for "A" and "B" versions without disrupting the flow of the story.

All stories are now and always will be clearly marked for content and rating.  Remember: Freedom of expression = freedom of will.  Iffen ye don't like ta see it, and/or ye're too young ta read it, then ye don't hafta follow the link to it.  ;-)