Changes

==Challenges==

==Challenges==

In the early years there were themed monthly [[challenges]] that were not so different from fanfic challenges today. Rentboys, handcuffs, malfunctioning sex toys, crossdressing, [[badfic]], [[Mary Sue|Mary Sues]], personal ads or [[AU]] premises like 1001 Alexian Nights - if it was a popular [[trope]] or just seemed like a good idea, it became a challenge. Often the challenges were accompanied by Theban Band [[manips]] as a source of inspiration and sometimes the challenge was to write something based on a particular manip.

In the early years there were themed monthly [[challenges]] that were not so different from fanfic challenges today. Rentboys, handcuffs, malfunctioning sex toys, crossdressing, [[badfic]], [[Mary Sue|Mary Sues]], personal ads or [[AU]] premises like 1001 Alexian Nights - if it was a popular [[trope]] or just seemed like a good idea, it became a challenge. Often the challenges were accompanied by Theban Band [[manips]] as a source of inspiration and sometimes the challenge was to write something based on a particular manip.

 

However, one particular challenge, [[The Understanding Slash Challenge]],<ref name="slash">[http://www.ditb.org/terma/slash/slash.htm Understanding Slash Challenge], May 1999. (Accessed 30 January 2009)</ref> was very different because of its [[meta]] nature. In May 1999 Rowanne issued the following challenge:

However, one particular challenge, [[The Understanding Slash Challenge]],<ref name="slash">[http://www.ditb.org/terma/slash/slash.htm Understanding Slash Challenge], May 1999. (Accessed 30 January 2009)</ref> was very different because of its [[meta]] nature. In May 1999 Rowanne issued the following challenge:

:''This challenge is brought about by three different influences. First, a recent discussion with an author brought up the fact that people have very differing views on what slash is and how it is viewed. Second, I was very impressed with a recent member's story of how she became interested in slash. Lastly, I have a minor in anthropology and a natural curiosity about cultural phenomena, which I think the slash genre is.''

:''This challenge is brought about by three different influences. First, a recent discussion with an author brought up the fact that people have very differing views on what slash is and how it is viewed. Second, I was very impressed with a recent member's story of how she became interested in slash. Lastly, I have a minor in anthropology and a natural curiosity about cultural phenomena, which I think the slash genre is.''