[ SECRET POST #4358 ]

[case]

⌈ Secret Post #4358 ⌋

Warning: Some secrets are NOT worksafe and may contain SPOILERS.

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Notes:

Secrets Left to Post: 02 pages, 38 secrets from Secret Submission Post #624.
Secrets Not Posted: [ 0 - broken links ], [ 0 - not!secrets ], [ 0 - not!fandom ], [ 1 - too big ], [ 0 - repeat ].
Current Secret Submissions Post: here.
Suggestions, comments, and concerns should go here.

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

I guess my first question is, is it obvious that it's this particular character? That is, would a generic self-harm tag be spoilery or could it refer to any one of a number of characters? If a vague tag for self-harm can be used, I don't think it will take away from the reveal.

My second question would be how graphic does it get and when does it start playing a major role in the story? If it's right away and/or very graphic, tag it. If it's later on, especially if more "abstract", you can do an author's note later once readers might start to realize what is happening but before anything really triggery. In that case, also tag "chooses not to tag" or similar.

My third (and arguably biggest) question is, is the REVEAL actually that important or is the character/story arc more important to the story you want to tell? If the latter is true, go ahead and tag it. I think fic writers (myself included) have a tendency to put undue emphasis on what they consider major plot points whereas most readers are there for the characters/story as a whole. Readers who want to read a story about this character self-harming will likely read it and enjoy it even with the tag (hell, it might even help interested readers find it). Readers who don't want to read that will be able to decide right away and will thank you for it.

If none of these thoughts help, I think overall, I would err on the side of caution and tag it. But then, this is not a personal trigger OR interest of mine (that is, I neither write nor read fic about it but not because it triggers me). So, I'd be interested to hear from others who might have more insight or experience.