We’ve all had our complaints over the years ever since the ban of NSFW content on Tumblr, mostly that of artistic creations and illustrations. But, as we’ve all heard, witnessed, or experienced, the censorship of erotic literature is developing on the platform we all used to love so dearly. Last year was the first announcement of the community labels, the main content label being mature, enforced by either the post who selects the label themselves, or the platform slapping it on their regardless.

The purpose of this petition is exactly as the title says - to end the censorship of NSFW content, specifically to put an end to the community labels. Creators and audience members alike have all suffered due to this ban, blogs have entire posts censored or taken down, and readers losing content they so enjoy all for the benefit of those whom Tumblr claims to not cater to - underaged individuals. When looking at your app store, Tumblr has selected 17+ as the age group that is permitted to use the app - adults. Yet, the platform still banned NSFW content for the purpose of “protecting” the community. What community? The community you say should not be using the app?

All writers alike, including myself, have experienced censorship of our content, resulting in a smaller audience, as the algorithm limits our interactions, and furthermore, lesser content, content that is the main source of Tumblr usage.

Yes, Tumblr is also used for artistic purposes and creative outlets, but from my own research, the majority of Tumblrusers engage in nsfw content - smut, resulting in a subpar experience as most of the material is censored! 

In a world where an increasing number of people never experience love or intimacy, erotic literature provides an outlet for fantasy, for imagining. We always say that we as writers are here to dream together with our readers. No one needs an ID to purchase a copy of ‘Fifty Shades of Grey.’ A book that is considered mainstream and yet is most definitely NSFW. So why should our work on Tumblr be subject to censorship? We too are writers, we take our work seriously and put our hearts and souls into the stories we create. We were grateful for Tumblr allowing us to be heard. It is not easy to get published, much talent gets drowned in the noise of those who can afford marketing.

So please, if you are a reader, a bystander, a writer, and a human, please sign this petition so Tumblr may see that its users are unhappy with its performance. I have seen more complaints than I can count, but not once has Tumblranswered any of them. No donations are needed or required, this is solely a headcount of those who desire change.

Please, and thank you.

Sincerely,

The Authors of Tumblr