Choose Not to Warn, and “The Operative Word” by road_rhythm

A literal throw-back! Recorded in February 2022, Sara didn't get around to editing and posting until September 2022. 

In this belated Season 2 closer, Sara and Laura discuss (after some updates on recent ColdFlash and Gallaghercest obsessions) a commonly forgotten or misunderstood Archive Warning: the "Choose Not to Warn" tag. They discuss the purpose of CNTW in context of and along with a phenomenally written story, "The Operative Word" by road_rhythm, in which Sam Winchester weighs the meaning of life, death, and the existence of Free Will itself. 

Do fanfiction authors have the option to choose their own endings? Do fanfiction readers have the resources to filter out what they do and do not want to read?? The option on all fronts is a resounding YES, and the Talkin' Fanfic gals break it all down, as well dig into the strong audience reaction elicited by road_rhythm's fearless work of near-metafiction.

NOTE: Ironically in order to listen to this episode we are requiring you to first read "The Operative Word". You do not have a choice in this matter!! (Kidding but seriously)--> https://archiveofourown.org/works/21833437

 

Episode References

Descender by Dustin Nguyen (the framed artwork we’re babbling about at the start of the episode. Dustin also illustrates Batman and other comic books for DC Comics)
See episodes 301 and 302 for all things ColdFlash and ColdFlash recs!
Sinners Reconciled by blue_wanderer (the specific ColdFlash rec Sara mentions)
“Now and Then” by Elise_51 (Laura’s Tim/Damian WIP, DC Comics)
"Gallaghercest: A Primer" by Snickfic (we'll speak of this in depth in Episode 303)
"Love in the Time of Corona" Gallaghercest series collab by Jeevey and Savageandwise 
Work - "The Operative Word" by road_rhythm
Work - "Here be Dragons" (discussion of archive warnings) by road_rhythm
Fancake Rec Community (Dreamwidth) 
Fancake Rec Entry for "The Operative Word" (Dreamwidth)
Ao3 Tutorial: Posting a Work on Ao3 (descripton of Archive Warnings)

 

Contact and Credits:

Music: Kyle Laurin "In the Air Tonight" (Twitter: @cobrakylemusic)
Tumblr: talkinfanfic.tumblr.com 
Instagram: @talkinfanfic
Email: [email protected]