Ratings and an Explanation

I can't believe I haven't updated my blog in so many years. Last post in 2006. Wow.

I’m adding in my two cents to the lovely brouhaha, that’s happening on ff.net. Before I really get moving though, I thought we could all benefit from a few term definitions. I’ll start off with the ratings, specifically M and MA. It should be noted beforehand that FF.net does not allow MA rated stories on their site.

http://www.fictionratings.com/
M rated , as per ff.net: Not suitable for children or teens below the age of 16 with possible strong but non-explicit adult themes, references to violence, and strong coarse language.

MA rated, as per above source: Content is only suitable for mature adults. May contain explicit language and adult themes.

Now that that issue is cleared up, let’s move on, shall we? From www.dictionary.com
ex•plic•it
  –adjective
1. fully and clearly expressed or demonstrated; leaving nothing merely implied; unequivocal: explicit instructions; an explicit act of violence; explicit language.

2. clearly developed or formulated: explicit knowledge; explicit belief.

3. definite and unreserved in expression; outspoken: He was quite explicit as to what he expected us to do for him.

4. described or shown in realistic detail: explicit sexual scenes.

5. having sexual acts or nudity clearly depicted: explicit movies; explicit books.

6. Mathematics. (of a function) having the dependent variable expressed directly in terms of the independent variables, as y = 3x + 4.Compare implicit def. 4.

So, as you can read, I’ve bolded number five. That’s the pertinent one, for this case.

Case 1, Edward and Bella are going to have sex, and there are innuendos left and right. However, the author does not depict the actual act of sex, instead using the traditional ‘Fade to black”. This story would be properly rated as M.

Case 2, Edward and Bella are going at it again. In this story, every part of their anatomy is described in great detail. This story would be rated as MA. MA stories are clearly not allowed. I hope maybe this clarifies a few things.

Tune in next time for my words on censorship and free speech.

Wes