Content Guidelines

Last updated: December 2024

Our Commitment

ForgeScroll is a community for readers and writers to share stories and connect. We're committed to fostering a creative, inclusive environment where diverse voices can thrive. These Content Guidelines help maintain a safe, respectful space for everyone.

By publishing content on ForgeScroll, you agree to follow these guidelines. Violations may result in content removal, account suspension, or permanent ban.

Allowed Content

We welcome a wide range of creative content including:

  • Original Fiction: Novels, short stories, serialized content across all genres
  • Fan Fiction: Derivative works that respect original creators and follow copyright laws
  • Mature Content: Adult themes, violence, and sexual content for readers 18+ with proper content warnings
  • Diverse Perspectives: Stories featuring LGBTQ+ characters, diverse cultures, and varied experiences
  • Experimental Writing: Innovative formats, interactive fiction, and genre-bending works
Prohibited Content

The following types of content are strictly prohibited and will result in immediate removal:

  • Illegal Content: Content that violates local, state, or federal laws
  • Child Exploitation: Any sexual content involving minors (real or fictional)
  • Hate Speech: Content that promotes hatred, discrimination, or violence based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics
  • Harassment and Bullying: Content targeting specific individuals with threats, intimidation, or malicious intent
  • Graphic Violence: Excessive gore or torture presented for shock value without literary context
  • Copyright Infringement: Plagiarized content or unauthorized republication of copyrighted works
  • Spam and Scams: Commercial spam, phishing attempts, or fraudulent schemes
  • Personal Information: Sharing private information (doxxing) of individuals without consent
Mature Content Requirements

If your content includes mature themes, you must:

  • Mark your novel as "Mature" or "18+" in novel settings
  • Include specific content warnings at the beginning of chapters containing:
    • • Sexual content
    • • Graphic violence or gore
    • • Self-harm or suicide
    • • Sexual assault or abuse
    • • Drug use or substance abuse
  • Use chapter titles and descriptions that don't expose readers to unwanted mature content

Proper tagging protects both readers and authors by ensuring content reaches the appropriate audience.

Copyright and Plagiarism
  • Original Work Only: Only publish content you created or have explicit permission to share
  • Proper Attribution: Credit sources, inspirations, and collaborators appropriately
  • Fan Fiction Guidelines: Clearly label derivative works and respect original creators' wishes regarding fan content
  • AI-Generated Content: Disclose if content is AI-assisted or AI-generated

Plagiarism is a serious violation. We use automated tools and community reports to detect copied content. First offenses may result in content removal; repeat violations lead to account termination.

Community Interactions

When interacting with other users through reviews, comments, and messages:

  • Be Respectful: Offer constructive criticism, not personal attacks
  • Stay On Topic: Keep discussions relevant to the content
  • No Harassment: Respect authors' creative choices even if you disagree
  • Report Issues: Use the report feature for guideline violations instead of public confrontation
Reporting Violations

Help us maintain a safe community by reporting content that violates these guidelines:

  • Use the "Report" button on any chapter, novel, or comment
  • Provide specific details about the violation
  • Our moderation team reviews all reports within 24-48 hours
  • False or malicious reports may result in account restrictions

For urgent safety concerns, contact us directly at safety@forgescroll.com

Enforcement and Appeals

Violation consequences depend on severity and history:

  • Warning: First-time minor violations receive a warning
  • Content Removal: Violating content is removed from the platform
  • Temporary Suspension: Repeat violations result in account suspension (7-30 days)
  • Permanent Ban: Severe violations or repeated offenses result in permanent removal

If you believe content was removed in error, you may appeal by contacting appeals@forgescroll.com with a detailed explanation within 30 days.

Changes to Guidelines

We may update these Content Guidelines as our community grows and evolves. Significant changes will be announced via email and platform notifications. Continued use of ForgeScroll after updates constitutes acceptance of revised guidelines.