Occasionally Snarky and Meta

 What is your stance on spoilers?

I think it's a paradox where people either aren't cautious enough, or are so overly cautious it inhibits discussion. I was listening to recaps for a show I like, and they tried so hard to discuss the show without spoiling anything. To give them credit, they did handle it really well, but so many things could have been brought up and explored if they weren't so resistant to any mention of future episodes. I've also seen it be an issue on fan communities, when people get upset about spoilers for books or for series finales that have been out for ages. I just feel that at some point, new fans have to realize that looking up their favorite show/movie/book on websites intended for discussion or listening to podcasts may mean spoilers. I say this as someone who frequently does that very thing. I came so close to being spoiled for the first season finale of The Good Place because of something I read on TV Tropes, but fortunately out of context it didn't make that much sense, so I just shrugged it off. It was my responsibility, though, not the site's responsibility. 

That being said, there's also not being cautious enough. If you're not in a discussion place, at least warn for spoilers. If you're posting a review of a book or series finale, use SPOILERS in the heading as well as before the cut, especially in case the cut doesn't work. (That has happened to me.)

So, you know, that's my stance. Be respectful, but at the same time, let discussion places be discussion places.