The best face I can put on this using the FAQ is this
1. Having an AO3 "work" that consists only of a single link is not a fanwork 2. We only allow single link "works" that link to files that cannot be hosted on AO3 3. We host text (but only HTML or Rich text). 4. A PDF contains letters and that is text and therefore you cannot link to a PDF
It would be like saying:
Congrats! AO3 now hosts fanart. We can only host jpg files. If you want to host your png files, you must convert them. If you embed a png offsite we will delete your fanwork and threaten you with permanent suspension if you mess up again.
Except...they don't tell you they will delete works that contain embedded png links. And in order for you to convert your png file to a jpg it will take a week of work and a $500 scanner.
None of this is clear. You should not have to be a lawyer to use AO3. And to penalize a fan writer for their vague FAQ is.....mean-spirited and capricious.
According to the email they sent, the only way to appeal is to write back to the same two Abuse volunteers who made the decision originally and who are the only ones talking. I have no sense of oversight or any escalation paths. Which is why I'm here now, going WTF?
no subject
1. Having an AO3 "work" that consists only of a single link is not a fanwork
2. We only allow single link "works" that link to files that cannot be hosted on AO3
3. We host text (but only HTML or Rich text).
4. A PDF contains letters and that is text and therefore you cannot link to a PDF
It would be like saying:
Congrats! AO3 now hosts fanart. We can only host jpg files. If you want to host your png files, you must convert them. If you embed a png offsite we will delete your fanwork and threaten you with permanent suspension if you mess up again.
Except...they don't tell you they will delete works that contain embedded png links. And in order for you to convert your png file to a jpg it will take a week of work and a $500 scanner.
None of this is clear. You should not have to be a lawyer to use AO3. And to penalize a fan writer for their vague FAQ is.....mean-spirited and capricious.
According to the email they sent, the only way to appeal is to write back to the same two Abuse volunteers who made the decision originally and who are the only ones talking. I have no sense of oversight or any escalation paths. Which is why I'm here now, going WTF?