What does this email mean?

[Kax]

I’ve seen sexual themes/content and strong language in other stories I’ve read so I’m confused.

Thanks in advance x

[Dara.Amarie]

“sexual themes” are different than “sexual depictions”. You can have sexual themes in your story, but you cannot show your characters doing anything sexual.

You can have up to 5 curse words per each chapter only.

[JemU776]

Check this conversation:

Let's talk about Lifelike by Cindy Gaultier

No, I don’t think you can use censor bars in sexual situations. I did once and I got flagged for it and had to change it. Also, why shouldn’t it win? It’s a very good story and the directing is fabulous. Almost every story has some kind of innuendos or sexual elements in it. That shouldn’t stop it from winning. If it was problematic, I’d understand why, but it’s really not.

then:

Let's talk about Lifelike by Cindy Gaultier

If these scenes we’re all talking about violate the guidelines, then that’s why it shouldn’t win. When Cindy came on this thread and said it was not , I thought this was a wink-wink-nudge-nudge response, meaning that it is exactly what we think it is but she of course can’t publicly confirm that. Anyway, if it’s found to violate the guidelines, she’s given a chance to amend it anyway, right? To make it suitable for a shelf, should she win. But tbh, I am on the fence about what is and isn’t agai…

then:

Let's talk about Lifelike by Cindy Gaultier

@Hila Episode sometimes overlooks stories that break guidelines… We get that… You seemed to completely miss amber’s point. ^^

then:

Let's talk about Lifelike by Cindy Gaultier

We are not doing the whole if-they-jumped-off-a-cliff-would-you thing, surely not Look, I don’t want to derail this thread. As I said, the scene is probably fine where the guidelines are concerned. But having the mindset of “other people have done it so I should do” is frankly, concerning. I hope people are not thinking this when they write stories.

then:

Let's talk about Lifelike by Cindy Gaultier

I 100% understand your point. But my point is many contest entries that won broke guidelines in their stories one way or another, and still do. I’m just saying.

As u can see just because a story breaks guidelines and slips through, doesn’t make it acceptable. P.S they send that message to you to warn u not to break guidelines as you’re working on ur story as a reminder.

Check out the content guidelines: Content Guidelines

Some people have found them vague and want to have this: Content Guidelines should be Revised

[Kax]

Do you mind providing examples?
Sorry…