[ID: a blackboard sign with each letter in a different color of chalk. in all caps, it says, “some stranger somewhere remembers you because you were kind to them.” end ID]
Yet another AO3 bot situation - please spread the word!
Hi, it's me again, the person who wrote that viral post about fanfiction plagiarism! Today I'm here to warn you about abuse perpetrated by bots who have stolen AO3 usernames.
There's currently an epidemic of bots going around leaving (apparently random) horrible, hateful comments on people's fics. This isn't the first time bots have invaded AO3, but the big problem with this wave is that they're using real AO3 usernames to do it.
I learned about this when another writer contacted me after receiving the following comment on their story:
ALTNow, while that is my username, I DEFINITELY did not leave this comment (and anyone who would leave something like that on a fic should be slapped! What an awful thing to post). This fic is in a completely unrelated fandom that I have never participated in, nor has that author participated in any of my fandoms, so the probability of it being some intentional fandom drama thing to make me look bad is also low.
The writer whose fic the comment was left on enlisted the aid of some friends and tracked down other guest comments with unrelated usernames attached, which is pretty strong evidence that they are being left by bots at random.
The TL;DR: If you receive a cruel comment from a (Guest) with an actual AO3 username attached, it's most likely from a bot. Please do not lash out at or dogpile the AO3 user who owns that name, and who in all likelihood has no idea that their name has been hijacked for evil.
If finding this kind of comment on a fic, even left by a bot, is likely to upset you, I would recommend changing your comment settings so that only users who are logged in can leave comments. To do this, edit your story settings, and under "Privacy," select the radio button that says "Only registered users can comment," as shown below.
ALTPlease spread the word to other AO3 users! And if you see mean guest comments on other fics, maybe let the author know that it's probably from a bot and not a real person who thinks their writing is bad.
‘dont say gay if youre bi’ lmao lets all leave the house! lets all go outside and get a big gulp of fresh air is what im thinking
can you believe that we have fanfiction. that we have websites dedicated to fanfiction. that there is a place that you can go and read tens, hundreds, thousands and thousands of pieces of writing that strangers have made. people who are not "writers". people who come home at the end of the day and have feelings and say, i am going to put that into words. i am going to share those words. short, long, sweet, sad, horny, funny, wonderful words. we are all just human and we all love to make and remake and share that with others. can you believe that.
It’s what makes the world a better place. Tbh: idk what I would be doing if not reading fanfiction
ALTCalling all Lokius artists
We’re looking for you to sign up to the Lokius Reverse Bang, an artist-led event to celebrate 1 year since the Loki S2 finale aired.
Artists will create 1 or more pieces of art for the event. Writers will claim art and collaborate with the artist to write a fic based on the art.
Please tag your artists to let them know of this event.
Artist requirements
You must complete at least 1 piece of finished art for the Reverse Lokius Bang. You can submit up to 2 submissions to be claimed. Each submission can contain 1 or multiple art pieces. Your art must be able to be shared digitally and must be created specifically for the event.
Types of art allowed:
- digital art
- trad art
- comics
- gif sets
- vids/edits.
Other artforms not listed above may be suitable for the event. Please contact mods to discuss.
No AI art is allowed in this event.
Dates
- 16 June—artist sign ups close
- 30 June–7 July—art submissions
- 20–21 July—claims period
- 28 July—teams confirmed
- 25 August—check in
- 22 September—check in
- 20 October—check in
- 9–20 November—posting period.
Art must be either a rough sketch or a storyboard by submission.
If you want to collaborate with another artist as part of the reverse bang, please contact mods to discuss.
— but I guess I was never much of a writer ( j.p. )
@lgbtqcreators creator bingo: green | blue | free choice
woke up to this and OH GOSH LOOK AT HIS HAIR 🥰 How is it getting fluffier every time we se him??
📸: california naturals ig
