There are a few things that need be addressed, based on recent letters the mods have received.

We're going to come out and say it: we are not a perfect archive. We strive for perfection, yes, but we do make mistakes, and over the past few months, we've made them in an abundance. The mods have varying schedules; the most active mods live not only in different time zones, but different hemispheres, therefore coordinating to review submissions in great detail is not only time-consuming, it's near impossible considering the submission ratio we receive on a daily basis. For this reason, we've been a little lenient in what we've validated. Our personal lives have interfered with the way the archive is managed; this is our fault, not yours, and it will be addressed immediately, involving a full revamp in how we validate to make it more thorough and manageable. However, to do so, we need some help from you.

 It has come to our attention that a variety of fics violating the Terms of Service were validated. Again, this is NOT the fault of the writers —it is entirely on our shoulders for not being thorough or checking in with each other before validating whatever was in our submission box. However, we are not going to negotiate or amend the TOS to accomdate the fics currently in the archive. The process will be a long one, but necessary in order to maintain the integrity of Elysian Fields, and play fair with the authors who are already following the rules.

 Here's what's going to happen. The mods are going to pick through the archive as it stands based on varying reports we've received from readers. If we find a story that needs addressing, we WILL contact the author to alert them to the problem and give them the opportunity to remove it (we won't be so presumptuous as to ask them to change it, but that option is, of course, available). If the story is not removed or we have not received a reply within 5 days, the mods will take action. The process will begin immediately, though given our conflicting schedules, as previously stated, it will be a long process we don't expect to really get underway until the beginning of the year.

 What can you, the author, do? Refer to the TOS. If you have any questions — (ex. "Does my story violate any of the rules?") —please do not hesitate in contacting the mods. We will look over the story in question and respond within 24 hours.

 We understand this problem is one we allowed to happen, and the blame is ours and ours alone. We are not punishing any of the authors who published a story in violation of the TOS. We, the mods, should have watched the submissions more carefully. We should have scrutinized every entry. We accept full responsibility for what has occurred, and while we are incredibly apologetic to all our authors and readers, we expect full cooperation.

 The next major issue is the following: in corresponding with the moderators, there have been select instances of disrespect from authors or readers. The following is NOT addressed to members who have written us regarding pennames, passwords, and accessing stories; we understand the aforementioned (and other like-problems) can be frustrating, and are therefore very understanding to any letter we might receive concerning these issues. However, there are select instances in which authors or readers have written to the mods and, after receiving an answer they didn't like, become argumentative. It's perfectly fair to have a differing opinion; we merely ask you to remember that, yes, while this archive is open and free to the public, it is so because we, the mods, pay for the space and, even with our blunders, manage its content. It is at our discretion what we do and do not want at the archive. There have been mistakes, and we're owning up to them now, but we do ask that your letters remain professional and respectful in tone, as well as the understanding that disagreements are allowed, but when it comes to the archive and its content, the mods have the final say.

 We desperately want to maintain a friendly atmosphere at Elysian Fields, and we understand the blunders on part of the mods and the clean-up process we are now undertaking might make that difficult. We are NOT above approach, so if you have any questions, comments, observations or so on, PLEASE drop us a note. We WILL listen, we WILL respond in kind, and we WILL do our best to accommodate your needs. We just ask your respect and cooperation in turn.

 Thank you, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience.