Should all the tags/genres be added up front?

[FayeBliss]

I have an idea for a long-term story that involves some significant changes to the character over time. There are several tags/genres that would be appropriate for events in those later chapters, but don't appear in any way in the earlier ones.
The argument in favor of adding all the tags/genres is so that people starting the story won't get blind-sided when it adds something they don't like.
The argument against is that those elements aren't in the story as is exists, so it is kind of lying to current readers who might get annoyed when the content they are looking for is not there.

 

[LunaCampari]

Hmm, int that case, I would include all tags but set a reminder (maybe in the Author's notes) that some of the tags will only happen in the future. Also, name these tags there.

For example war and power struggles, you can add these tags to your story and mention that they will only happen in later chapters after you build up your world.

Hope this helps a little.

 

[Ilikewaterkusa]

I have an idea for a long-term story that involves some significant changes to the character over time. There are several tags/genres that would be appropriate for events in those later chapters, but don't appear in any way in the earlier ones.
The argument in favor of adding all the tags/genres is so that people starting the story won't get blind-sided when it adds something they don't like.
The argument against is that those elements aren't in the story as is exists, so it is kind of lying to current readers who might get annoyed when the content they are looking for is not there.

Yes

 

[Renaxan]

Both are choices that are not wrong, but I preferred to put all tags upfront. As long you are not lying, you can always counter that kind of argument with "The reason why I add this tag would be revealed in the future. or any kind of the same explanatory argument". If they do not believe it (the reader), then it is their own problem. The key here is you are really not lying though.

If you choose not to, well... if in the future you somehow added a tag that your reader actually wants to avoid within every part of their soul, the possibility of they will drop your story at that moment is much bigger, and even there is a small possibility that they will begin to harass you due to the change on your story. Remember that this is the internet, so believe me... it does actually happen and exist, lol.

 

[Zirrboy]

Both are choices that are not wrong, but I preferred to put all tags upfront. As long you are not lying, you can always counter that kind of argument with "The reason why I add this tag would be revealed in the future. or any kind of the same explanatory argument". If they do not believe it (the reader), then it is their own problem. The key here is you are really not lying though.

If you choose not to, well... if in the future you somehow added a tag that your reader actually wants to avoid within every part of their soul, the possibility of they will drop your story at that moment is much bigger, and even there is a small possibility that they will begin to harass you due to the change on your story. Remember that this is the internet, so believe me... it does actually happen and exist, lol.

Adding later technically is their own problem as well. Still stops no one from ranting.

 

[Sp4de]

I have an idea for a long-term story that involves some significant changes to the character over time. There are several tags/genres that would be appropriate for events in those later chapters, but don't appear in any way in the earlier ones.
The argument in favor of adding all the tags/genres is so that people starting the story won't get blind-sided when it adds something they don't like.
The argument against is that those elements aren't in the story as is exists, so it is kind of lying to current readers who might get annoyed when the content they are looking for is not there.

I added in a tag later. Specifically a romance one. I added it after I had approached the romance elements of my story. But would I add in things that will very obviously point to a certain person being the wife or main heroine at the end of the story? Absolutely not. Tags can be spoilers unto themselves. Just keep that in mind, and know that when in doubt, you should probably keep them out until approaching those topics.

 

[georgelee5786]

I have an idea for a long-term story that involves some significant changes to the character over time. There are several tags/genres that would be appropriate for events in those later chapters, but don't appear in any way in the earlier ones.
The argument in favor of adding all the tags/genres is so that people starting the story won't get blind-sided when it adds something they don't like.
The argument against is that those elements aren't in the story as is exists, so it is kind of lying to current readers who might get annoyed when the content they are looking for is not there.

You should add them upfront

 

[RepresentingSilence]

First of all this question should really be a poll second Yes but if you want to be all secretive about it you could always make a "spoiler" chapter of some kind with those potential future tags hidden there

 

[FayeBliss]

I wasn't aware of the poll option, thank you for telling me.

 

[CadmarLegend]

I have an idea for a long-term story that involves some significant changes to the character over time. There are several tags/genres that would be appropriate for events in those later chapters, but don't appear in any way in the earlier ones.
The argument in favor of adding all the tags/genres is so that people starting the story won't get blind-sided when it adds something they don't like.
The argument against is that those elements aren't in the story as is exists, so it is kind of lying to current readers who might get annoyed when the content they are looking for is not there.

I would think, for something like a mystery, using generic tags to lure in readers, explaining why you don't have all the tags, telling them some tags that might be controversial which others may not like, and then going on with your life as an author would be okay.

I don't know as much for other genres.

 

[Deleted member 58005]

I'd say yes. If you're planning to include it later on as a major part of the story, then I see no reason to not do so

 

[RepresentingCaution]

It depends on how well you've planned out your story.

 

[Deleted member 57675]

Better to be upfront about it and put tags so readers can decide right then and there if they wish to continue reading or not. This helps avoid readers getting heavily invested in the story only for something to happen midway they don't like and they drop/complain about the story.

You don't have put tags that are too descriptive that its a spoiler in itself. Put tags that generalize or give just a rough idea what the story is about -yuri, genderbender, transmigrate to another world.