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English
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MXTX fic rec, ao3 codes/tutorials
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Published:
2021-03-15
Completed:
2021-03-15
Words:
436
Chapters:
3/3
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448
Kudos:
2,954
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42,791

A guide to block a fanfic with really long tags

Summary:

Did you see that fanfic with 6 gazillion tags forcing you to scroll endlessly to skip through it? Ever wondered how to block a specific story without having to download a 3rd party app or make an annoying bookmark? Guess what? You can block specific stories and authors directly from AO3, and it works in mobile!

Spanish translation available

Yes this is about a troll fic making it's way around AO3.

Updated with instructions to block works by a user (See ch2).

Notes:

Announcement
Feb 6, 2023
AO3 announced their muting feature is almost ready. It's essentially works the same way as this guide, except you no longer need to fiddle around with a skin and can do it all from a button. See their announcement here for more details.

Currently it seems using the button will mute everything from a user, including their comments on your fic. If you only want to hide their fics when browsing and don't mind if they comment on your fic, you should continue to use this guide for now.

(See the end of the work for other works inspired by this one.)

Chapter 1: The how-to guide

Chapter Text

To block a specific fic:

  1. From Dashboard, go to Skins, and click Create Site Skin.

    Screenshot on how to navigate to Skins.

  2. In the Title field, enter a name for the skin. In the CSS field, paste the following code. I am using an example code with the work ID of 0001, each fanfic has a unique ID you can find in the URL. For example, the ID for this work is 29509287.

    .work-0001 {
    display: none !important;
    }

    Make sure you copy everything, including the period in the beginning!

    Screenshot on how to add CSS code

  3. When you're done, click Submit, and then click Use.

    Screenshot on clicking the Use button

You're all done now! You'll never have to see that monstrosity ever again. It doesn't matter where you're browsing from, as long as you're logged in, you won't see that fanfic anymore.

To block more works:

If you want to block more works, you can go back to the skin you made and add another line of with a different work ID:

.work-0001,
.work-0002,
.work-0003 {
display: none !important;
}

To block by authors, see Ch2.

Tip: If you are already using a site skin such as Reversi, you'll need to do a bit more work.

  1. In Step 2, scroll down to Advanced and click Show to expand.

    Screenshot on how to navigate to Advanced.

  2. Locate Parent Skins and then click Add parent skin.

    Screenshot on finding Add parent skin.

  3. In the field under Parent, enter the name of the skin you want (eg: Reversi) and select it.

    Screenshot on how to select a skin.

  4. When you're finished, click Update, and the parent skin will apply in addition to the custom blocklist you've made.

Note: This only serves to hide the work from you. Each page is meant to display 20 works. If a blocked work appears on a page, you'll see 19 works instead of the full 20.

Chapter 2: Hiding works by users

Summary:

You can now use User IDs to hide works by users.

Chapter Text

To block a fic by user:

  1. Go to the Profile of the user who's work you want to block and copy the user ID.

    Screenshot on how to find user ID.

  2. Go to the Skin you created (see Ch1) and insert this line in the CSS field:

    .user-6054398

    Make sure you copy everything, including the period in the beginning!

    Screenshot on how to add CSS code

  3. When you're done, click Update, and then click Use.

Chapter 3: Disclaimer

Chapter Text

Latest update Aug 28, 2022:

Updated the CSS in the guide to reflect changes made by AO3.

 

Disclaimer:

I am not affiliated with AO3 in any way. I cannot guarantee this solution is a permanent or sustainable fix. I do not know if making a ridiculously long blocklist will negatively impact your browsing experience.

I've also heard there's an issue when naming skins. Each skin must have a unique name, so sadly "Taking out the trash" does not work. Please come up with a unique and original name.

Anyone is free to translate and reuse the guide.

Works inspired by this one:

  • [Restricted Work] by (Log in to access.)