The Magnus Archives: Content Warnings

margaret (peggy) whitfield

Sexual violence is a big one. Though I'm super happy that there hasn't been any so far in TMA. So many shows/series use sexual violence against women as a cheap narrative device and it really pisses me off.

Rhydwyn

I recently recommended this podcast to a friend of mine and I was surprised by her enquiry, she is keen to start listening but asked me to tell her if any episodes included harm to animals, in particular pets. I told her to skip the killing floor and the bone turners tale. So that might be worth thinking about as a content warning.

Rhydwyn

I really appreciate the content warning. Because different kinds of horror effect us differently, and it means I can come back to a particularly nasty episode when I feel up to it.

Tarryn McKay

I don't personally think content warning is necessary either, it's a horror podcast, by it's nature it's going to be covering horror content. If that's not your thing, listen at your own peril!

I don't think content warnings are necessary, at least for a horror podcast. As I think the comments show, either the warnings would have to cover a really long list in order to cover everyone's particular issues (not to minimize any of those issues, there are just lots of them, cumulatively), or be so generic that they wouldn't really help anyone. That said, I have no problem with something in the show notes or in the first 15 seconds, as suggested above, so they're not a major disruption.

C&Rsenal

I won't lie. I don't tend to favor particularly gruesome descriptions and find a lot of horror that focuses on "gross out" to be poorly written for suspense and just out for cheap reactions. That said, I'm listening to a horror podcast so I'm not concerned about tagging every little thing. The point is to be startled or unsettled. I take it the most recent episode got some reactions? I thought it was a bit over the top but here is the thing, it was in context. This was a statement from the other side, someone inflicting horror. Of course they gloried in it and it's good that I was revolted.

Sexual violence or threatened sexual violence. Animal abuse or death. Major character death if it's 'on screen' (I do not want to listen to a character I care about being permanently killed).

Although this one doesn't apply to me, drug use is always a good one to warn for. Self harm and suicide are also good ones.

I like the idea of content warnings in the show notes at the bottom. For myself, I would appreciate a warning about death of babies/small children. Thanks for asking!

Think it’s a great idea. Would appreciate content warnings for any descriptions of self harm.

Bremen J. Savage

Content warnings are a great idea, and finding a way to place them where folks who don't want spoilers won't see them is also excellent! For myself, I'd appreciate warnings for miscarriage/stillbirth/pregnancy horror, or the death of infants or young children. Don't know if the show will go those places, but a heads up before venturing there helps a lot.

Sean Valentine

If you’d include Tryptophobia I’d appreciate it. My partner, if they have something that triggers them bad enough, can be dealing with some pretty nasty thoughts for a solid fortnight. I know it’s not recognised as a real phobia by some, but believe me, for some people it’s a big problem.

Seconding animal death/cruelty, and I'd also appreciate warnings about mentions of alcoholism.