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Rule 8 clarification regarding a story touching upon present times

Discussion in 'Announcements and Rules' started by Napalm222, Dec 28, 2022.

  1. Napalm222

    Napalm222 SmugShroom

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    I noted a gamer story set in the present times, so there is some precedence regarding it being possible.

    What I wanted to know is if a story started in the nineties and went in to the future, how much would I have to gloss over for the present time period and what would have to be avoided in the future period.

    1. If set in the future, 2025+, could a story reference modern geopolitical scene in any way?
      1. How far apart would it have to be to not infringe upon rule 8?
    2. Could a story reference or take place in a modern conflict without talking about politics?
      1. This is most likely a no.
      2. Would coming up with a conflict between two real countries be too much?
      3. Where's the line? In Fallout, there is a war between the USA and China. At what point would it go from current politics to fiction and not bother rule 8?
        1. Could I write about such a war in the 2030s?
        2. 2040s?
        3. What about, say, Russia invading a fictitious country?
    3. Would the story leading into a fandom in the future change anything?
      1. Say Mass Effect?
    4. What about current entities?
      1. Would using the monikers FBI, CIA, be allowed?
      2. What using Pear instead of Apple? (Not that I plan on referencing real companies.)
    5. Real names and people are out but what about stand in's?
      1. If using a stand in that's completely made up but could be coincidentally aligned with a real person (7 billion people, so it's going to happen), would a disclaimer that all characters being fictional cover any issues?
    6. I don't plan on even discussing Trump, feminism, men's rights, SJW (Not sure what that is), or anything contentious, but it might some things might be mentioned or referenced as a decision in-story in regard to fictional events.
    In the end, if this is too much potential to end in a shitshow or just too close to breaking rule 8, I'll just not write it. Let me know.
     
  2. ses

    ses Experienced.

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    It's very difficult to break rule 8 within the text of the story unless you're very flagrantly and purposefully trolling. Even then not really. Rule 8 is 100% about discussion in threads, not story text. Don't argue politics in the comments even if the story itself is political in its message and you're fine. QQ mods are excellently consistent about maximizing freedom to post fiction as far as they reasonably can.
     
  3. Napalm222

    Napalm222 SmugShroom

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    Ah, thank you for the clarification! I felt it was better to ask rather than write a story and not be able to post it.