Adding some information on the 404 pages

[molen]

I have a suggestion, for the 404 page instead of just saying:

Sorry, the page you visited does not exist.
It may be that the access link is wrong or the file does not exist

Change it into:

Sorry, the page you visited does not exist.
It may be that the access link is wrong, deleted, or hidden because it violated our TOS (insert TOS link here)

This will provide some information to readers that is confused why some of the chapers link leads to 404 without any explanation. Maybe even put the TOS clause about translation into it, at least for several weeks, to make sure people know why the chapter link doesnt works.

Hopefully this change will give some information to the readers so they dont have to dig into the forum threads for some answers.

 

[Hans.Trondheim]

Would be better if, along with the 404 page, the links to the content guidelines and T&Cs appear as well.

 

[Anonjohn20]

Tony could also change it to "I wipe my ass with this story that broke the rules."

 

[tiaf]

404 error code just states that the page was nuked. It is the same error code that appears when an author deletes their book or selective chapters themselves. The changed message would imply that admin deleted all these, which would be more confusing.

 

[Emotica]

I think this should be the bare minimum. I don't know how difficult of a fix it is, but most platforms give at least a categorical reason for removal. 404 has universally been interpreted on the internet as an error, not a result of moderation. I still haven't seen blatant confirmation that it doesn't refer to error. I've had 2 original novellas removed, and they don't break any of the rules. It's not like I'd even put up a fight if I got a notification saying "this broke X rule," but since they're 404'd and I'm not aware of a rule I broke, or how the decision was made (A.I vs Human Moderation), I have to give the benefit of the doubt and assume it could be an error. I'm not even mad. I'm just confused.

 

[Piisfun]

I have a suggestion, for the 404 page instead of just saying:

Change it into:

This will provide some information to readers that is confused why some of the chapers link leads to 404 without any explanation. Maybe even put the TOS clause about translation into it, at least for several weeks, to make sure people know why the chapter link doesnt works.

Hopefully this change will give some information to the readers so they dont have to dig into the forum threads for some answers.

This is actually not allowed semantically; 404 (not found) indicates that the server either can't find a resource or is pretending that it doesn't exist.
It specifically implies that the server knows nothing more about why the item is not there:

• Whether the item never existed or was deleted
• When the item was deleted
• Why the item was deleted
• Whether it will ever be back

If it were to give any more information than "that doesn't exist" it would be admitting that the resource does or previously did exist, in direct conflict with the error.

If we want to argue that it should instead be returning 410 (Gone) or 451 (unavailable for legal reasons), then fine.

 

[CharlesEBrown]

She's a bore, my 404
She's a bore, my 404
My 404

Well I skipped my TOS and-posted a story
(Giving up giving up 404)
For I thought I might get a little bit o'glory
(Giving up giving up 404)
Bur now I just get a brand new 404
Get away get away get away 404
(Giving up giving up 404)

 

[Hush25]

One of my works got a 404. I don't even know why, as I diligently read the guidelines and TOS and stuck to them like the paper on self-adhesive flooring (don't ask). I've taken a break to write (and renovate my son's kitchen). I hate the stress of uploading while writing. Surefire recipe for writer's block. And I came back, freshly inspired, to find someone took my baby. I'm not particularly techonogical [sic] so I was deeply confused and upset, thinking I broke something. Now I'm broken. *sobs quietly* Good thing I have a whole lot of (very good if I say so myself) Australian Shiraz on board to dull the incipient upset, anger and panic. @CharlesEBrown I really like your poem. *leans over drunkenly but winsomely*

 

[tiaf]

One of my works got a 404. I don't even know why, as I diligently read the guidelines and TOS and stuck to them like the paper on self-adhesive flooring (don't ask). I've taken a break to write (and renovate my son's kitchen). I hate the stress of uploading while writing. Surefire recipe for writer's block. And I came back, freshly inspired, to find someone took my baby. I'm not particularly techonogical [sic] so I was deeply confused and upset, thinking I broke something. Now I'm broken. *sobs quietly* Good thing I have a whole lot of (very good if I say so myself) Australian Shiraz on board to dull the incipient upset, anger and panic. @CharlesEBrown I really like your poem. *leans over drunkenly but winsomely*

It’s hidden and someone reported your work probably out of spite or as a mistake or you were one of the falsely flagged ones. Just write admin via contact us on main site. Manually check if your baby is back. You won’t always get a reply.

 

[CharlesEBrown]

@CharlesEBrown I really like your poem. *leans over drunkenly but winsomely*

Heh. It was supposed to be a parody of "My 409" by The Beach Boys, but the song gets so bland and repetitive I just kind of conked out a verse and a half in.

 

[Hush25]

It’s hidden and someone reported your work probably out of spite or as a mistake or you were one of the falsely flagged ones. Just write admin via contact us on main site. Manually check if your baby is back. You won’t always get a reply.

Thank you for taking the time to explain and give great advice! I've emailed, so hopefully things will be resolved.