Changes

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.

[[Image:Terma.jpg|thumb|250px|TER/MA archive banner by The Theban Band]]

[[Image:Terma.jpg|thumb|250px|TER/MA archive banner by The Theban Band]]

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, [http://www.ditb.org/terma/slash/slash.htm The Understanding Slash Challenge], 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.''

:''That said, this month's challenge is to write a description of what your personal relationship with slashfic is. This can include whatever you feel appropriate—your history with it, what you think the definition of slash is, how you think the public views slash, how you think various actors/actresses view slash, how open you are about being a slash fan with others, including your friends, coworker, family etc... You might also include information about your demographic background like education, nationality, sexuality, employment, age, and experiences.''<ref name="slash"/>  

:''That said, this month's challenge is to write a description of what your personal relationship with slashfic is. This can include whatever you feel appropriate—your history with it, what you think the definition of slash is, how you think the public views slash, how you think various actors/actresses view slash, how open you are about being a slash fan with others, including your friends, coworker, family etc... You might also include information about your demographic background like education, nationality, sexuality, employment, age, and experiences.''<ref name="slash">[http://www.ditb.org/terma/slash/slash.htm Understanding Slash Challenge], May 1999. (Accessed 30 January 2009)</ref>  

39 people responded and the archived responses give a valuable insight into what people thought about the genre at that point in time.

39 people responded and the archived responses give a valuable insight into what people thought about the genre at that point in time.