Fictive Etiquette - post by Tyn
Something I very commonly see in system spaces, especially with newer systems and singlets in said spaces, is a lack of fictive etiquette.
So what does it entail? A few simple things that are pretty easy to remember if you start with one specific detail: fictives are not their source material.
This means that reaching out to a system solely because they have a fictive of a character you like is not okay nor is it safe. The concept of sourcemates can be dangerous— you do not know the system! They could have bad intentions, you don’t even know how old they are until you ask. I’ve seen many younger systems get into relationships with adult systems on this mistake. As tempting as it can be to seek comfort in people that are ‘from’ the same place, one’s ficto-memories are just that; fictitious. Plus, anyone could lie about being a system, or having a certain alter. And trauma survivors can be fragile and easy to manipulate, so it’s something you keep in mind. ‘Sourcecalls’ are a damaging concept as a whole.
That being said, do not treat a fictive like they are their source. If you see a fictive whose source is a problematic media, or the character they are based on is problematic or evil, do not assume that they are exactly like their source. One of the nicest people I have ever met was a fictive of the main villain of a violent video game. She is very sweet, and we are lucky to know her. Again, fictives are not their source. It’s impossible to say this too much. Don’t judge a fictive on their source.
If you or someone close to you believes themself to be their source, it can be extremely unhealthy. The solution: source seperation. (Moonali is making a post on that soon.)
All in all:
Fictives are their own people. You don’t know them until you get to know them properly. Treat them with respect and do not act like you know them simply because of their source.
Basic respect is easy, and for that, there is no excuse.
Nuance:
Not all systems feel this way. We are not ones to tell systems that they’re wrong for not doing something. Our word is not god, and no one should be harassed for not agreeing with anything we say. Further, we should not be attacked unless we have said something truly damaging.
Tyn out. Thank you for reading. Have a good one!











