Fanfiction PSAs

You shouldn't care if you're writing is bad, but it might be a problem if your writing is confusing.

[fanfiction-psas]

Useful Resources:

AO3:

Formatting:

Limited HTML

Creating a workskin

All about workskins

CSS programming

CSS font guide

Fanfiction.net/Other:

Feel free to message me about any online resources/sections for other fanfiction posting sites that I should add.

[fanfiction-psas]

Fanfiction PSA:

If the AO3 staff has something important to tell you,

THEY WILL NOT BE IN YOUR COMMENTS.

They will be in your Email.

Always be on the lookout for scams.

[ao3org]

What to Do If Your Password Is Insecure

If you are receiving a warning that your password has appeared in a data breach from another site and is no longer secure, you will need to change your password to a stronger one before you can log back in.

If you are still logged in on any device, please make sure your email address is up to date before logging out or resetting your password, or you may lose access to your account.

Check below the cut for information on how to check or update your email address, and how to change or reset your password.

Posted: 20:45 UTC 31 July, 2026

Please follow these steps to check and update your email address. If you don't know your password, or if your password is insecure, you will need to reset your password – which requires you to have access to your account's email address.

How do I check what my account’s email address is?

If you are logged in:

Go to your Preferences page (Select "Hi, [USERNAME]!" at the top of the page, and choose "My Preferences" from the drop-down list)

Click on the “Change Email” button at the top of the page

Your email address will be listed on that page, next to “Current email”

If you are not logged in:

Check your email account for recent emails from AO3, such as subscription notifications or kudos and comment emails.

Look at the “To:” field to see what email address is associated with your account.

You will need to enter this email address exactly as it is listed here in order to receive a password reset email.

How do I change my email address? What if I don't have access to my old email address?

You don't need access to your old email address to change it to a new one, as long as you also know your current password.

Log in

Go to your Preferences page (Select "Hi, [USERNAME]!" at the top of the page, and choose "My Preferences" from the drop-down list)

Click on the “Change Email” button at the top of the page

In both the “New email” and “Enter new email again” fields, enter an email address that you have access to

In the “Password” field, enter your current password

Click the “Confirm Email” button

On the next page, make sure that the banner displays the correct new email address

Click the "Yes, Confirm Email" button

Check your new email address for an email titled “[AO3] Confirm your email change”

Click on the confirmation link in that email, making sure to open it in a browser where you are already logged in

Go to the “Change Email” page and double-check that your “Current email” has been successfully updated.

If you still see the banner saying your email change is pending, the most likely reason for this is that you were logged out before you clicked the confirmation link. Make sure to log in to your account before following the email confirmation link, or open the link in a browser where you are already logged in.

I know my current password, but I'm afraid my password is insecure. How can I change my password to a stronger one?

First, refer to the above instructions for checking or updating your email address, so that you can receive a password reset in case your password is insecure. Then:

Log in

Go to your Preferences page (Select "Hi, [USERNAME]!" at the top of the page, and choose "My Preferences" from the drop-down list)

Click on the “Change Password” button at the top of the page

Enter your current password into the “Old password” field

Enter your new password into both the “New password” and “Confirm new password” fields

Click the “Change Password” button

You will be automatically logged out on all devices.

If, upon logging in, you receive a message saying your password is insecure, then the new password you chose was insecure and you can't use it to log back in. You will need to reset your password (refer to the below instructions) and select a more secure password this time. You can use a password generator to choose a stronger password.

I don't know my current password/my password is insecure, but I know and have access to my account's email address.

In a private/incognito browser, go to the Reset Password page: https://archiveofourown.org/users/password/new (also available by clicking the “Forgot Password?” link on the login form)

Enter the email address associated with your AO3 account

Check your email for the password reset email

Click the “use this link to choose a new password” link in the email

Enter a new, secure password

You will be automatically logged in on this device, and automatically logged out on all other devices.

If you continue to receive the message that your password is insecure, then the new password you chose was also insecure. You will need to reset your password again and select a more secure password this time. You can use a password generator to choose a stronger password.

I tried resetting my password, but it didn't work. Help?

The most likely reasons the password reset didn't work are:

You are entering the wrong email address for your AO3 account. Refer to the above instructions on how to check what your account's email address is.

Your email provider is blocking emails from AO3 or sending them to spam/social folders. Search for an email titled “[AO3] Reset your password”.

Your email account doesn't have enough storage and can't receive new emails. You'll need to delete old emails, photos, or videos to empty your storage before requesting a password reset.

You requested multiple password resets in a short time period, resulting in either a “Retry later” page or the link in the first password reset email becoming invalid. Please wait at least one hour before trying again, only submit the form once, and make sure you are using the link in the most recent password reset email.

The new password you chose was insecure, so you can't use it to log back in. You will need to reset your password again and select a more secure password this time. You can use a password generator to choose a stronger password.

I don't know my password/my password is insecure, and I don't know or have access to my account's email address.

You will need to submit a Support ticket containing the following information:

your username

your account’s current email address (if you know it)

an email address that you can access and would like to update your account's email to (enter this email into the Email field so we can contact you)

Support will begin the account recovery process with you, which will ask you for further proof of account ownership. Please be patient, as there are many AO3 users who are also submitting account recovery tickets right now.

[ao3org]

Update on Blocked Logins

We have temporarily lifted the block preventing users from logging in to AO3 with an insecure password. If you have been receiving this message recently, please immediately do the following:

Log in to your account using your compromised password.

Verify that the email on your account is one that you have access to and that it is up to date.  a. To do this, go to your Preferences page and select "Change Email" at the top of the page. Your email address will be listed on that page, next to "Current email".  b. If you don't have access to this email account, update your email before you change your password. You don't need access to your old email address to change it to a new one, as long as you also know your current password.  c. If you do have access to this email account, copy-paste the email address so that you can correctly enter it into the password reset form. If you do not enter your email address exactly as it is listed here, you will not receive the password reset email.

Change your password to a unique, strong password by following the steps in our Archive FAQ: How do I change my password?  a. We strongly recommend that you use a password generator to select a new password. Most browsers and devices have a built-in password generator, or you can use this one: 1Password's Password Generator.  b. Use a password manager to set and remember your passwords for you. If you don't want to install third-party software, you can use the password manager provided by your browser or device.

If you are still unable to access your account, you will need to work with Support to complete the account recovery process described in the previous post. Please provide them with your username and the name of the email account you have lost access to. You must wait at least a week so that Support can check that the original email address is truly inactive, and provide multiple forms of evidence that the account is truly yours. The account recovery process will not proceed if you are unable to provide sufficient proof that you are the owner of the account.

Posted: 14:42 UTC 4 August, 2026

[fanfiction-psas]

Fanfiction PSA:

Foolproof

1. of a device: protected against, or designed to be proof against, misuse or error

2. of an idea or plan: certain to succeed in all eventualities, or claimed to be so; infallible

Full-Proof:

containing the full amount of alcohol; not being a low-alcohol variant

[theaawalker]

Alternatives to "Touched"

ᚑ      ᚑ

When the touch is gentle:

»-♡→ Brushed »-♡→ Grazed »-♡→ Caressed »-♡→ Stroked »-♡→ Patted »-♡→ Cradled »-♡→ Rested against »-♡→ Smoothed »-♡→ Trailed along »-♡→ Glided over

...or comforting:

➺ Squeezed ➺ Held ➺ Embraced ➺ Wrapped around ➺ Clasped ➺ Pressed gently against ➺ Rubbed ➺ Supported ➺ Steadied ➺ Cupped

...or affectionate:

➵ Ruffled ➵ Nuzzled ➵ Kissed ➵ Linked arms with ➵ Nestled against ➵ Curled around ➵ Leaned into ➵ Rested a hand on ➵ Laced fingers with ➵ Pulled close

...or romantic:

̗̀➛ Traced ̗̀➛ Ghosted across ̗̀➛ Brushed against ̗̀➛ Skimmed over ̗̀➛ Lingeringly stroked ̗̀➛ Ran a thumb along ̗̀➛ Tilted their chin ̗̀➛ Tucked a strand of hair behind their ear ̗̀➛ Pressed their forehead against ̗̀➛ Intertwined fingers

ᚑ      ᚑ

Follow me if this was helpful :)

[fanfiction-psas]

This has been a fanfiction PSA

[fanfiction-psas]

Fanfiction PSA:

[atwitchyship]

loath: (adj) reluctant, Eg: I am loath to harm him= I don't want to harm him

loathe: (v) hate, Eg: I loathe the taste of peanuts= I really dislike the taste of peanuts.

[ao3org]

What to Do If Your Password Is Insecure

If you are receiving a warning that your password has appeared in a data breach from another site and is no longer secure, you will need to change your password to a stronger one before you can log back in.

If you are still logged in on any device, please make sure your email address is up to date before logging out or resetting your password, or you may lose access to your account.

Check below the cut for information on how to check or update your email address, and how to change or reset your password.

Posted: 20:45 UTC 31 July, 2026

Please follow these steps to check and update your email address. If you don't know your password, or if your password is insecure, you will need to reset your password – which requires you to have access to your account's email address.

How do I check what my account’s email address is?

If you are logged in:

Go to your Preferences page (Select "Hi, [USERNAME]!" at the top of the page, and choose "My Preferences" from the drop-down list)

Click on the “Change Email” button at the top of the page

Your email address will be listed on that page, next to “Current email”

If you are not logged in:

Check your email account for recent emails from AO3, such as subscription notifications or kudos and comment emails.

Look at the “To:” field to see what email address is associated with your account.

You will need to enter this email address exactly as it is listed here in order to receive a password reset email.

How do I change my email address? What if I don't have access to my old email address?

You don't need access to your old email address to change it to a new one, as long as you also know your current password.

Log in

Go to your Preferences page (Select "Hi, [USERNAME]!" at the top of the page, and choose "My Preferences" from the drop-down list)

Click on the “Change Email” button at the top of the page

In both the “New email” and “Enter new email again” fields, enter an email address that you have access to

In the “Password” field, enter your current password

Click the “Confirm Email” button

On the next page, make sure that the banner displays the correct new email address

Click the "Yes, Confirm Email" button

Check your new email address for an email titled “[AO3] Confirm your email change”

Click on the confirmation link in that email, making sure to open it in a browser where you are already logged in

Go to the “Change Email” page and double-check that your “Current email” has been successfully updated.

If you still see the banner saying your email change is pending, the most likely reason for this is that you were logged out before you clicked the confirmation link. Make sure to log in to your account before following the email confirmation link, or open the link in a browser where you are already logged in.

I know my current password, but I'm afraid my password is insecure. How can I change my password to a stronger one?

First, refer to the above instructions for checking or updating your email address, so that you can receive a password reset in case your password is insecure. Then:

Log in

Go to your Preferences page (Select "Hi, [USERNAME]!" at the top of the page, and choose "My Preferences" from the drop-down list)

Click on the “Change Password” button at the top of the page

Enter your current password into the “Old password” field

Enter your new password into both the “New password” and “Confirm new password” fields

Click the “Change Password” button

You will be automatically logged out on all devices.

If, upon logging in, you receive a message saying your password is insecure, then the new password you chose was insecure and you can't use it to log back in. You will need to reset your password (refer to the below instructions) and select a more secure password this time. You can use a password generator to choose a stronger password.

I don't know my current password/my password is insecure, but I know and have access to my account's email address.

In a private/incognito browser, go to the Reset Password page: https://archiveofourown.org/users/password/new (also available by clicking the “Forgot Password?” link on the login form)

Enter the email address associated with your AO3 account

Check your email for the password reset email

Click the “use this link to create a new password” link in the email

Enter a new, secure password

You will be automatically logged in on this device, and automatically logged out on all other devices.

If you continue to receive the message that your password is insecure, then the new password you chose was also insecure. You will need to reset your password again and select a more secure password this time. You can use a password generator to choose a stronger password.

I tried resetting my password, but it didn't work. Help?

The most likely reasons the password reset didn't work are:

You are entering the wrong email address for your AO3 account. Refer to the above instructions on how to check what your account's email address is.

Your email provider is blocking emails from AO3 or sending them to spam/social folders. Search for an email titled “[AO3] Reset your password”.

Your email account doesn't have enough storage and can't receive new emails. You'll need to delete old emails, photos, or videos to empty your storage before requesting a password reset.

You requested multiple password resets in a short time period, resulting in either a “Retry later” page or the link in the first password reset email becoming invalid. Please wait at least one hour before trying again, only submit the form once, and make sure you are using the link in the most recent password reset email.

The new password you chose was insecure, so you can't use it to log back in. You will need to reset your password again and select a more secure password this time. You can use a password generator to choose a stronger password.

I don't know my password/my password is insecure, and I don't know or have access to my account's email address.

You will need to submit a Support ticket containing the following information:

your username

your account’s current email address (if you know it)

an email address that you can access and would like to update your account's email to (enter this email into the Email field so we can contact you)

Support will begin the account recovery process with you, which will ask you for further proof of account ownership. Please be patient, as there are many AO3 users who are also submitting account recovery tickets right now.

[fanfiction-psas]

Fanfiction PSA:

Advice:

n. an opinion offered to guide behavior in an effort to be helpful. Rhymes with "precise".

Advise:

v. to give advice. Rhymes with "surprise".

[ao3org]

Trust & Safety Phishing Comments

Date Posted: July 23, 2026

AO3 has recently seen a wave of comments claiming to be made by the "AO3 Trust & Safety team", notifying you that your account has been restricted. These claims are not true. These comments are not being made by real AO3 volunteers and your account has not been restricted.

AO3 volunteers, including the Policy & Abuse committee, will never communicate with you through comments on your work. All important communications from AO3 will be sent through the email associated with your account. More general announcements will be posted on our official social media accounts or published as news posts on AO3 or OTW.org.

If you receive one of these comments, do not click on any of the links in it, reply to it, or interact with it in any way. The links in these comments lead to sites asking you to verify your identity by providing payment information. This is a common credit card scam. AO3 does not ever ask users to provide payment information, and the Policy & Abuse committee will never comment on your works asking you to "complete an identity verification process".

If you encounter one of these comments or believe your account has been compromised, please view the instructions under the cut!

We suggest that you review your account to verify that you're using a unique and secure password. Check out the advice from our Policy & Abuse committee on Protecting Your AO3 Account and Keeping Your Account Secure.

If you believe your AO3 account has been compromised for any reason (i.e. you received an email that your username changed), you can change or reset your password to ensure control of your account. Changing your password will automatically log you out of all sessions on all devices. You can find the option to change your password in your Preferences.

If you encounter one of these comments on your own work or someone else's, please report them to the Policy & Abuse committee. To do so:

Select the "Thread" button on the scammer's comment. This will take you to the specific comment page.

Scroll to the bottom of the page and select Policy Questions & Abuse Reports.

In the "Brief summary of Terms of Service violation" field, enter "Spambot".

In the "Description of the content you are reporting" field, enter "This is a spambot, their username is USERNAME."

Reporting in this fashion helps us auto-sort your report so that it can be handled as soon as a Policy & Abuse volunteer is available. To help us address reports about these types of bots as fast as possible, please only submit one report per account, and don't include multiple accounts in the same report.

We also encourage you to share this post and help spread the word about how to protect yourself from scammers and reduce spam on AO3.

For more information about spambots on AO3, you can review our News Post on the topic.

[fanfiction-psas]

Fanfiction PSA:

[toastyglow]

see also

sheath > sheathe

[fanfiction-psas]

Fanfiction PSA:

Wanton:

adj. reckless

Wonton:

n.

[fanfiction-psas]

Fanfiction PSA:

Silicon

semimetal. The 14th elelment. Used in computer chips. Rhymes with "Nicholson."

Silicone:

material used in lubricants and rubbery plastics. Rhymes with "cornerstone."

[transformativeworks]

Spambot Comments on AO3

As spam continues to be a problem on AO3, here's an update on the types of spambot comments you may see, what we're doing to combat them, and how you can help! Read more at https://otw-news.org/mr42w8j9

[transformativeworks]

As of June 2026, bots are also leaving guest spam comments that are:

suicide baiting (often machine translated into other languages)

asking you to mail them your work with a promise of payment

As always, please be cautious if something in the comments seems untrue or strange, and follow internet safety best practices.

If you're not sure if something is a spambot comment, you're welcome to contact Policy & Abuse for assistance. Refer to the original post for more information!

[fanfiction-psas]

Fanfiction PSA:

Content:

adj. satisfied, pleased

Contempt:

n. the feeling or attitude of regarding someone or something as inferior, base, or worthless; scorn, disdain

[fanfiction-psas]

Fanfiction PSA:

Conformation:

the act of adapting to something by more closely matching it, especially something normative.

Confirmation:

a verification that something is true or has happened.

[transformativeworks]

The OTW is Recruiting for Legal Committee Paralegals, Legal Committee Trademark Specialists, and Policy & Abuse Volunteers

Are you a paralegal interested in helping the OTW carry out legal advocacy? Do you have legal experience, preferably trademark-specific, especially in the EU and US? Would you like to assist AO3 users by resolving complaints? The OTW is recruiting! Learn more at: https://otw-news.org/bde35ryc

[fanfiction-psas]

KNOW YOUR IP LAW?

Join the fight to protect transformative works today!

This has been a Fanfiction PSA

[writingdose]

this used to be a common knowledge

via AO3Tikli 2022

[fanfiction-psas]

This has been a Fanfiction PSA