Just How Much Does NSFW Deter You?

[DruidPeter]

My webcomic series: Kolodruidtale Epilogues, is definitely NSFW. But there's a problem with this designation. For the majority of the webcomic, the NSFW-ishness doesn't really present itself until near the very end. The rest of the comic is not really all that NSFW.

The thing is, I don't want to only use the NSFW tag for the episodes that truly demand it. I feel like the NSFW tag is more like a warning, letting readers know that "yes, there are one or two scenes in this webcomic that are DEFINITELY NSFW". And I think that is an acceptable thing to do, despite the added risk of not getting readers.

In any case, I wanted to ask about just how much the NSFW tag deters you guys, the readers and the creators, from including stuff in your your reading list/drawing to-do list. Do you feel that the NSFW tag is too much of a hindrance, and simply opt out of producing mature content? Likewise, do most of the adults on Tapastic immediately disable the NSFW filter on the website, so as to browse NSFW comics without hindrance?

I'm curious as to how you guys feel on the issue, and also how you cope with balancing the tag usage through various episodes. I've mentioned that I use the NSFW tag on all the episodes, despite there really only being two or three episodes that really merit usage of the tag. Do you guys do the same, or do you juggle it between safe and not safe episodes? Do you think that's a good idea?

[epiale]

I admire you for being cool enough to let your readers know! Seriously, that's a really cool thing to do. : )

As for myself I tend to just turn the NSFW tag off most of the time. I'm kind of difficult to bother, and what stuff does bother me is easy enough to avoid. I mean, I get grossed out by a lot of sexual stuff, but I'm generally willing to at least give a comic a chance if it looks interesting.

As for creating NSFW content myself, I've done quite a bit of it. It's something I find cathartic and sometimes just fun to work on, but I do know it's going to appeal to less people, and tend to keep it in places where people know they're going to be looking at something NSFW, and I make sure to tag and mark it so there isn't any chance of someone just kind of accidentally stumbling across it, haha.

And for recommendations on tag usage in episodes, I'd say only tag the NSFW episodes NSFW, but put some kind of note in your story description letting readers know that those scenes do show up down the line.

[keii4ii]

The thing is, I don't want to only use the NSFW tag for the episodes that truly demand it.

I strongly disagree with this approach. If you simply want to tell new readers that eventually there will be highly NSFW scenes, just put it in the description of the first episode. Start putting the NSFW tag everywhere, and you get a case of boy who cried wolf.

From a reader's perspective: if I can't tell whether your NSFW episode is actually NSFW, then how is that supposed to help me? "Ooh! A new episode of my favorite comic! It says it's NSFW but none of the "NSFW" episodes in this comic so far has been graphic, so I'm sure it's noth--WHOA HOLY SHIT." I would never want to find myself in that situation.

[winglesscomic]

Depends on what the NSFW tag is (I have a problem with it in general because it is too much of an umbrella tag but I digress). I think in place of using a NSFW tag for every single page (really redundant), I'd just make a huge note in the first page of the comic that says that the comic can/may contain NSFW themes. Then just tag the episodes that need it individually. If you already noted the comic was NSFW in the description and the first page I don't feel there's a need to tag every single episode unless it actually contains something graphic.

I generally don't care about NSFW tags cause I delight in seeing things people would vomit at, but there are 2 things I will always avoid, and that's very graphic sexual content and suicide/self harm. That shit always need to get tagged NSFW no matter what.

[bsienk90]

I don't ever mind reading NSFW, I don't even care about a filter...honestly if I had it my way that annoying filter wouldn't exist...but well...you know...
anyway, but I draw a boyXboy comic (Confessions) so I make sure that is in my description. But I only turn on the NSFW filter when there is something that is actually NSFW. Sometimes I even add it if there is strong language.
Currently, I view my tapastic account a work so my filter is on ALL the time. I would find it really annoying to have to turn it off every ep and find out its not NSFW.

[ErithEl]

From a reader's perspective: if I can't tell whether your NSFW episode is actually NSFW, then how is that supposed to help me? "Ooh! A new episode of my favorite comic! It says it's NSFW but none of the "NSFW" episodes in this comic so far has been graphic, so I'm sure it's noth--WHOA HOLY SHIT."

This is exactly what crossed my mind when I read that you had been marking all episodes with the NSFW tag. The way I see it is, it's a warning to your readers saying "Hey, here's something that you might want to read at home. Alone. Or at least check if your boss is looking over your shoulder first."

I'm in a similar situation as you because so far my comic has not been NSFW, but there will be content later on that could definitely do well to be tagged with that warning. One thing that I decided to do about it instead of marking the whole comic as NSFW is this. Now, it's not recommended to break up the comic like this, but I felt that a head's up was due to my readers so they can be prepared that the content from there on out may contain disturbing images/content, etc.

The NSFW tag will never deter me, as long as it is used properly; giving me that considerate head's up about the comic's content.

[AnnaLandin]

The thing is, I don't want to only use the NSFW tag for the episodes that truly demand it. I feel like the NSFW tag is more like a warning, letting readers know that "yes, there are one or two scenes in this webcomic that are DEFINITELY NSFW".

Honestly, I think you should label only the episodes that really are NSFW, and not just generally. Because if your readers start reading your comic, labelled NSFW, and get used to it NOT having NSFW-content, they might decide it is safe to read at work - and then BAM! Suddenly an episode is full of gore, or nudity, or whatever - and then they're in trouble at work.

Label content that is NSFW, and leave non-NSFW-content unlabelled. That's what the label is there for.

.

I am not personally deterred by an NSFW-label as a reader. I work from home - the only one I'll get in trouble with is possibly my cat, and he doesn't really care. I'll read a comic if I find it interesting, regardless of its rating. However, as I am not overly fond of excessive gore, I try to stay away from horror-comics - but that's less to do with how the episodes are labelled, and more to do with my own reading-preferences. I have absolutely no problem with other things that fall under the NSFW-label - nudity, for example.

I haven't had to use the NSFW-label myself yet, as I've kept my levels of violence on more PG-13 levels. However, if I ever were to include NSFW-qualifying content, I'd have to use it. It's only fair to warn people, as some readers WILL be reading this at work, and I don't want them to get in trouble.

[DruidPeter]

Ah! A lot of what you guys say makes a great ton of sense. I never even considered giving my readers a heads up within the comic or in the comic description. That's an excellent idea, and I'll definitely make use of it from now on.

It was also interesting to hear the variety of answers that you guys gave with respect to how y'all deal with the NSFW tag. It's good to know that there are other, more experienced users who have grappled with this sort of thing and can give advice on it. I'll definitely be taking you guys up on a lot of this information. It's good stuff to know!

Also, one other thing with respect to ErithEl: I'm looking into your comic right now as we speak. Thanks for including the link of the example. I have a feeling it's going to be a fun read!

[abbastudios]

Not much. So far the ones I've read, I've been left wondering why they are marked NFSW?

I've only read a handful, so this answer is only based on this small amount.

There's no nudity. I've only read one that had a curse word. The subject matter was never mature, in fact there is hardly a storyline to follow. None have been well drawn.

I feel the NSFW tag was there just to trick readers into looking at it, in the few times I've come across it.

[Caelestie]

The only sexual stuff I am ok with seeing is with ladies doing it or naked ladies. Otherwise I don't touch any other sexual stuff and keep myself far away from it! But violence really doesn't bother me and also language.

[Bii0]

As a reader, nah, I draw worse stuff than what I usually see webcomic hosting sites so it doesn't bother me. But I do like to play a came called "spot the NSFW", there's a lot of vanilla comics that claim to have more mature stuff when in the end it's just a character saying "dang!", or getting a scraped knee. If I liked booze I'd make a drinking game out of it, since I like to binge sure "mature" comics from time to time.
I think having a warning is a good idea, but it'd be nice to have some kind of control system (or more people with common sense) so there's less mislabeling. Also yes, I did immediately disable the NSFW filter, but I doubt that's an adult thing, I would have done the same at 12 or 14.

As a creator, I just tag the entire thing, it's easier seeing as I'd probably have to tag half of it anyway. Also the majority of readers get discouraged by NSFW material, so it's a nice way to keep my comic from getting too noticed.

[hannahmcgill]

I don't like violence, torture, or gore, but I am interested in consensual, healthy adult situations, and will happily read as long as there's a nice story leading up to it. It depends on what type of NSFW is on there.

[ErithEl]

@mitzeigreuenshaeden Thanks very much! For any future posts, you should also include a link to your own comic so people can check out your work! I think a lot of people discovered @AnnaLandin's comic, Grassblades, through the forums (which I would recommend checking out as well).

[joannekwan]

A NSFW warning won't deter me in the least, regardless of what type of graphic imagery it is.
Like the others said, just warn people in the comic's description that it will contain NSFW themes and then label the episode individually.
As for deciding whether it should be labeled, ask yourself would you show an elementary kid that or will someone's job or occupational reputation be in jeopardy if they were caught browsing this at work. And for language, I would only use NSFW for the truly offensive, derogatory terms.

[serenitysquirrel]

I recognize it as "Don't look at this at work" Though, if you're worried about triggers, try to invite the community to add the triggers in the title of the page or the description.

[Vikiro_Hop]

Doesn't deter me at all. I think I am pretty lenient on what I consider NSFW though. Most of my worries about marking it NSFW stem from language, but I sorta decided in the context of what I do if I say fuck or bitch or what have you it isn't in such a way I would find it nsfw. The only thing I can really think of is nudity and maybe really graphic violence. Ya know the sorta stuff you would have to explain if someone just randomly saw what was your screen.

More than a few comics I have found and thought. "Hah what the fuck? If this is NSFW then I better go back and edit a bunch of my comics." I think I've been in this discussion probably three or four times since I joined here and at the end of the day I think Tapastic wants you to use your best judgement. Their description is pretty vague and mostly focuses on extreme violence, and nudity. As far as language goes as long as it isn't an onslaught of abusive slurs I doubt it will matter much.

Honestly I'm not sure how big of a deterrent it is for most readers, but I always viewed the internet as an at least young adult place. Not to say there aren't children on the internet, it's more like they are there at their own peril.

[DIT]

i'm 100 percent ok with nudity and violence/ gore, but it depends. depends on what kind of NSFW content depicted, ok here goes:

the kind of NSFW content that i DON'T like : nudity/ violence/ fanservices that does absolutely nothing for the plot development. e.g. most ecchi/ hentai manga

the kind of NSFW content that i'm OK with : nudity/ violence that enhances the plot, or gives the readers/ the viewers an insight of the overall nuance of the story or the characters. e.g. nudity in NG evangelion, or violence in mad max.

[gearpunk]

I guess I can explain this better off example; Fractured Parallel has NSFW, in more of the language, gore, and violence context than the sexual manner, but like yours, it isn't until later on in the story.

What I plan on doing is having a readers discretion page at the beginning before the prologue, so there aren't any surprises and I don't wind up having any minors reading something they shouldn't be. But also yes the tag will still be present where it counts. Not on everything, but where it counts at least. I'd say its really only needed where it's important!

Edit: Forgot to mention, I am definitely not turned around by NSFW, in fact I welcome it! I'm a mature(PFT) adult!
But only if it isn't smack in my face for no apparent reason, or not even explained later on.

[infectedbloodcomics]

My comic has a few pages that I marked NSFW and in the future I will have a lot of that, so I'm not going to be turned off by it I think it's fair to mark the comic as generally NSFW and tag the individual pages as such only as required.

I'll read all NSFW, except for heterosexual sex, which bores me to death (if the story is interesting, I'll just skip the sex pages). I'm not super interested in men on me sex either, but it bothers me much less (at least, I read the dialog, if it contributes to the story to any decent extent).

@Caelestie I just read your post (I also found your comic again, I read it some time ago maybe in a different community, and then it slipped my mind), high five for ladies doing it

[Caelestie]

You know what I find funny is that we both draw muscular women that are all lesbians. It is quite interesting when you think about it! Oh yeah high five!