Fanlore:Featured Article Archives/2024: Week 34

No Beta We Die Like Men is a phrase commonly used by fanfiction writers. It has many variations.

It is usually found in the tags, summary or author's notes of a fic to announce or warn that it was not checked over by a beta before being posted. It is a variation on previously-existing disclaimers/tags such as "Not beta read" and "Unbetaed."

The phrase signals that the fic has not been proofread or edited by a third party, meaning that readers might find mistakes in the text. It also adds a humorous, sometimes self-deprecating twist implying that the writer is aware they should perhaps have used a beta, but instead are choosing to face the consequences of their actions.

Loved by many, the phrase has also prompted confusion in some fans, and criticism in others.