Changes

Not all fans were familiar with the term. This fan in 1992 wrote: {{Quotation2|

Not all fans were familiar with the term. This fan in 1992 wrote: {{Quotation2|

Some general comments of "Slash" — the symbol "/". (Note: The slash in writing is formally called a virgule or diagonal). I must be some sort of square or whtever [sic], never — not even once — having read or heard about this [See "SLASH" by Karen Ann Yost, [http://www.strangenewworlds.com/issues/ SNW] issue #2]. It is a free country and everyone can, at least theoretically, say or write what he/she pleases (the proper use of virgule or slash). [...] I would think science/ficton [sic] readers/fans (S/F: another use of the symbol) would not like their heroes being used in this facetious fashion. <ref> [http://www.strangenewworlds.com/issues/letters-04.html Letters to the Publisher]; [ WebCite] by "The Man From U.N.C.L.E / The Woman From A.U.N.T." (October/November 1992). </ref>}}

Some general comments of "Slash" — the symbol "/". (Note: The slash in writing is formally called a virgule or diagonal). I must be some sort of square or whtever [sic], never — not even once — having read or heard about this [See "SLASH" by Karen Ann Yost, [http://www.strangenewworlds.com/issues/ SNW] issue #2]. It is a free country and everyone can, at least theoretically, say or write what he/she pleases (the proper use of virgule or slash). [...] I would think science/ficton [sic] readers/fans (S/F: another use of the symbol) would not like their heroes being used in this facetious fashion. <ref> [http://www.strangenewworlds.com/issues/letters-04.html Letters to the Publisher]; [http://www.webcitation.org/6wW3HbCsO WebCite] by "The Man From U.N.C.L.E / The Woman From A.U.N.T." (October/November 1992). </ref>}}

Terms like [[gen]] and [[het]] arose to distinguish these types of stories from slash. Although heterosexual narratives can of course be explicit on the level of an R, X or NC17 rating, they were more acceptable than slash at that time. Labeling a story as slash could provide a warning of criminal risk as well. In the early 1970s, any literature depicting homosexuality, even if not explicit, was considered pornography in most states (see [[Slash Controversies#Illegality of Slash]]) and illegal to be sent through the U.S. mail.

Terms like [[gen]] and [[het]] arose to distinguish these types of stories from slash. Although heterosexual narratives can of course be explicit on the level of an R, X or NC17 rating, they were more acceptable than slash at that time. Labeling a story as slash could provide a warning of criminal risk as well. In the early 1970s, any literature depicting homosexuality, even if not explicit, was considered pornography in most states (see [[Slash Controversies#Illegality of Slash]]) and illegal to be sent through the U.S. mail.