Defining erotica

[wickedchicken84]

If one makes the distinction that a given work is pornographic, is that not to say that the work has no value?

It seems to me that to define a work as pornographic is to say that the only purpose that work has is to cause the consumer to be sexually aroused.

It seems to be that the only difference between erotic and pornographic is that pornographic leaves far less to the imagination in as much as it is far more descriptive of the same act or acts. In essence, both are designed to stimulate the consumer sexually. It is simply that pornographic is far more efficient at it.

Are they really any different? Both may contain plot, character development, and a story line. It seems the only real difference is that pornographic is for lack of a better word more graphic in its description of the same acts.

Well I might agree that based on the arousal one is intending his/her readers/ viewers to feel, that it may be dificult to differentiate the two. Obviously in point, the purpose of an erotic or pornographic work is to encite some form of aroused reaction from the reader/viewer, for if not, aside from the possibly inherent artistic or educational qualities, there isn't much incentive to read/view said work. As for distinction, I do believe that the term pornographic has a derogatory and/or negative conotation and thus frowned upon as a genre description, however I simply view it as a seperate form of media intended for arousal.

If erotica is viewed as more than just a sex scene, and has substance more than just the act of sex and sexualy related activities as its focus, a distinction can be made using those premises. Pornography, if one can assume that its intention is to titilate and arouse as its focus, then there is no need to add further substance than the act or acts of sexualy centered activities. As you had put, "more graphc" descriptions of the same act. I find that the opposite is likely more sensible in erotica, where the author is trying to convey more that just the act of sex but of some message of change or conflict within the story, a substance. Where as pornography though equally designed for arousal, is limited in its scope in its purpose of conveyence to that of pure arousal, thus the act of sex, and not the reasons, is more appropriate for pornographic media.

The difference as I see it is distinct even if difficult to ascertain. The difference is in the intention and result, which one can percieve in the author's work. Though the attempt to stimulate may be similar in kind, the resulting works if viewed together comparitively will be drastically different. One may have an underlying story, character development, purposeful dialouge which moves the story along, design, conflict etc. While the other might have character developement limited to just names, dialogue limited to oh's and ah's and moaning, design limited to the act of sexual description, etc. They each have their place, and neither is negative, however, one can categoricly be defined based on its' attributes as a work of erotica and the other a work of pornoraphic nature.

As for the efficiency of arousal, it really is a qualitive question than fact. One could read or view a work of pornographic nature and be aroused quickly. however if its the speed of arousal than it isnt an argument over efficiency. Another could read or view a work of erotic nature and the result could be the same or more so in the amount of sexual stimulation because there would be significantly more details and emotional setup that the reader/viewer could identify with on a psychologicaly deeper level. Thus the amount of said excitement would increase beyond that of the previous example. Some would argue the opposite, listing sexual response and the quality of the media as reasons to negate, concluding that at best, the matter of efficiency is subjective to the reader/viewer. But, and I say boldly, that though both have their places, works of erotica have far better chance to hit home on an emotional and psychological level deeper than that of works of pornographic nature. That is the difference.

 

[Maximillian_Excaliber]

Kinda off topic

What I find almost funny is that the people who are chosen to usually decide if something is pornographic are also the ones who would first say that the only intent is to arouse and that they found the work so offensive that it did not arouse them a bit? I love the logic.

 

[Softouch911]

One of the problems in defining something like pornography or erotica is that people use the words interchangably at some points and for very different purposes at others.

Pornography has definitions which are legal, literary, cultural, commercial, and marketing.

Erotica has definitions which are literary, cultural, commercial and marketing, but not legal (in most places).

In literature, they are distinguished by intent.
In culture, they are synonyms.
In commerce and marketing, they are distinguished by audience.

And on Literotica you have readers (and writers) who prefer one or the other, and some who enjoy both.

Sometimes, as you've pointed out, there is an overlap. Other times they couldn't be more different, and the difference is obvious.

But if you're writing, as are most of the posters on this forum, you should be clear on what your intent and audience are, and the traditions (expectations)of each.

In this discussion, I think the question of value is specious. Which you will value depends on which you will prefer. Some people never like one. Other people like one sometimes and the other at other times. It depends on your purpose. Is a Ferrari or a Chrysler Minivan of greater "value"? I depends on the sort of driving you'll be doing, I think. Probably it's nice if you've got a large enough garage for both, huh? There's a place, and a value, for each.

ST

 

[usernamenumber4]

Chuck New York from page 1, I'm with you on the "what's wrong" question.

This is my first post here, and honestly, so far I don't feel any more sophisticated than I did a few minutes ago when I was watching porn.

But then again, sophistication isn't really my aim, I suppose.
It's the arousal, like you/answers.com said.

 

[sharonerotica]

Porn or Erotica

Originally Posted by Mr_Neb
For me, the difference is simple.

Porn is almost all "whats". What happens. Insert Tab A into Slot B and lots of it in all possible variations. Of course the is the obligatory part where Slots B and C explore their options as well.

Erotica should also have plenty of the "whys". Why does slot B want to have A's tab inserted and how do A and B feel about what is going on? For me, good erotica has plenty of whats, hows, whys, etc.

Both have their place. IMO.

I like to think that I write erotica but I'll leave that judgment to others.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have followed this debate, here and on other sites, and have put forward my own view. But I have to say that the above definitions answer the question very succinctly. Well done!

Motivation and what the characters are feeling are usually left out of stories which concentrate on graphic descriptions of sex. I label such stories as porn.

Stories written for sexual arousal, but with a reasonable amount of "whys" and emotions are in my subjective judgment, erotica.

I try to write what I think of as erotic porn.
Before people shout at me; I do not think that is tautology. For my taste, some porn is definitely not arousing, and therefore is not erotic.
But there I go mixing it all up again

 

[wizard_of_oz]

If the plot is purely or primarily sexual it is undoubtedly porn. If the plot is romantic or otherwise and there is a lot of sexual content it is probably erotica. The line however, as many have said, is not easy to define; in fact it is probably impossible.

But if there isnt a single page in your story that DOESNT have a sex scene then I think calling it anything other than porn is ridiculous.

But the real question that is being asked is not the one that truly matters. The real question is why we care about the difference at all. Answer: it matters to us and how we view ourselves. The image of a porn writer is a pretty ugly one but the vision we conjure up as an erotica writer is more of an intelligent, self-respecting artisan producing works of merit. That is the reason we even bother to discuss a line that even the law cant judge.

I'm a write of children's books (9-12yo) and so sex, bad language or even ANY form of erotic content is simply verboten. A kiss is a huge deal, holding hands is notable. Attraction between the genders is almost never alluded to.

Coming to write here and allowing my fetishes and dreams to be displayed on the screen is a release. Im waiting for my first chapter to be posted here and see the comments.

 

[Fantasies_only]

I would like to add my two cents here, because the nature of this entire site is misleading, allowing (almost) every sexual fetish while calling itself Literotica.

Voyeurism/Exhibitionism = Erotic
Depending on the situation (graphic sex) it can also be pornographic.
BDSM = Porn
I don't see how this can even be considered erotic!
Bound and gagged implies non consent if not rape.
Being disciplined just means cruelty and strange and unusual punishment.
This does not sound erotic to me.
Sexual Violence = Porn
Again, how could this be considered otherwise?

Flirtatious nude scenes and romantic sensuality make a story erotic (mild sexual innuendo included).

I'm going back to my old Eros (the god) argument.
It seems to me, his mother Venus (or was it Aphrodite?) was the goddess of sensual and sexual love, while Eros or Cupid was the god of romance and intimacy.

Intimacy is defined as sexual overtures but in a more mild sensual manner.
This means pornography must be more graphic or raunchy.

 

[Abradix]

I would like to add my two cents here, because the nature of this entire site is misleading, allowing (almost) every sexual fetish while calling itself Literotica.

Voyeurism/Exhibitionism = Erotic
Depending on the situation (graphic sex) it can also be pornographic.
BDSM = Porn
I don't see how this can even be considered erotic!
Bound and gagged implies non consent if not rape.
Being disciplined just means cruelty and strange and unusual punishment.
This does not sound erotic to me.
Sexual Violence = Porn
Again, how could this be considered otherwise?

Flirtatious nude scenes and romantic sensuality make a story erotic (mild sexual innuendo included).

I'm going back to my old Eros (the god) argument.
It seems to me, his mother Venus (or was it Aphrodite?) was the goddess of sensual and sexual love, while Eros or Cupid was the god of romance and intimacy.

Intimacy is defined as sexual overtures but in a more mild sensual manner.
This means pornography must be more graphic or raunchy.

Wow, spouting off about BDSM which you obviously have no clue about. Time to do some research before you let your tounge flap.

 

[Fantasies_only]

Wow, spouting off about BDSM which you obviously have no clue about. Time to do some research before you let your tongue flap.

On the contrary, I do know what it's all about.
Humility, power, and sexual arousal from degradation.
I admit I haven't had the experience (nor would I want to), but I have seen movies, TV shows, gone to Websites (don't register), and have read articles about it.
The HBO series "Real Sex" is also an eye opener.

 

[jomar]

I know it when I see it. Has that been mentioned? No? Not sure? I'll say it then, "I know the difference when I read it, if you know what I mean."

 

[jomar]

I would like to add my two cents here, because the nature of this entire site is misleading, allowing (almost) every sexual fetish while calling itself Literotica.

Voyeurism/Exhibitionism = Erotic
Depending on the situation (graphic sex) it can also be pornographic.
BDSM = Porn
I don't see how this can even be considered erotic!
Bound and gagged implies non consent if not rape.
Being disciplined just means cruelty and strange and unusual punishment.
This does not sound erotic to me.

Flirtatious nude scenes and romantic sensuality make a story erotic (mild sexual innuendo included).

I'm going back to my old Eros (the god) argument.
It seems to me, his mother Venus (or was it Aphrodite?) was the goddess of sensual and sexual love, while Eros or Cupid was the god of romance and intimacy.

Intimacy is defined as sexual overtures but in a more mild sensual manner.
This means pornography must be more graphic or raunchy.

Wow, spouting off about BDSM which you obviously have no clue about. Time to do some research before you let your tounge flap.

On the contrary, I do know what it's all about.
Humility, power, and sexual arousal from degradation.
I admit I haven't had the experience (nor would I want to), but I have seen movies, TV shows, gone to Websites (don't register), and have read articles about it.
The HBO series "Real Sex" is also an eye opener.

I think Abradix has a point Fantasies. The implication is not the reality. You've heard of topping from the bottom? In real BDSM it is typically a respectful, loving relationship and the submissive allows and gives the top trust and permission. In fact, the top has to earn the trust. It's pretty complex. True, there are real masochists, but if they find a sadist who meets their needs and a match is made that serves them both, will you judge? I won't.

 

[JustinStrange]

What's the difference between 'porn' and 'erotica'? The same thing that's the difference between 'rap' and 'hip-hop', 'punk' and 'oi', 'comic books' and 'graphic novels'.

One term is used as a generally accepted description of a particular genre. The other term is used generally by elitist hipsters trying to sound cooler than thou.

 

[Matadore]

What's the difference between 'porn' and 'erotica'? The same thing that's the difference between 'rap' and 'hip-hop', 'punk' and 'oi', 'comic books' and 'graphic novels'.

One term is used as a generally accepted description of a particular genre. The other term is used generally by elitist hipsters trying to sound cooler than thou.

One could say that sounding "cooler" than this post would not be such a stretch for any competent writer. This subject is so boring as is the blather about what is "art." It has been said that art is what an artist does.
I used to enjoy porn, but then they took my pornograph away. Just because I had more hair growing on my palms than on my back, too. I even promised to shave!

The difference between "porn" and "erotic" is something akin to the difference between the pickup lines "Care to drop by my place and see my collection of Tang Dynasty erotic ivory figurines?" and "Wanna pork?" The results may turn out to be the same, but one can only assume that whatever one's interest in fucking may be, the figurines will hold the conversation to a more interesting level. Or not, assuming money isn't directly involved in either encounter.

 

[JustinStrange]

It has been said that art is what an artist does.

I agree with this. I was just merely trying to say that some people try to dress up certain genres of things with what they call that thing.

"I listen to post new wave revival punk bands such as Blaqk Audio" is to "I listen to AFI". "Care to drop by my place and see my collection of Tang Dynasty erotic ivory figurines?" is to "Wanna pork". "I'm going to the cinema" is to "I'm going to the movies". They are essentially the same, and generally have the same endgame, but one is just said in a manner which makes the speaker appear to be deeper and more interesting to certain people. And that's all I was noting.

 

[Fantasies_only]

The difference between "porn" and "erotic" is something akin to the difference between the pickup lines "Care to drop by my place and see my collection of Tang Dynasty erotic ivory figurines?" and "Wanna pork?" The results may turn out to be the same, but one can only assume that whatever one's interest in fucking may be, the figurines will hold the conversation to a more interesting level. Or not, assuming money isn't directly involved in either encounter.

It's not just a matter of pretence, but a matter of intent that defines the two.

The term "Erotica" is an invention of the pornography community to define the difference between "Blue" movies (B-Rated porn), pornography (top of the line porn), and artsy adult films (seen at The Cannes Film Festival).
For instance a dramatic movie that includes a heavy subject like a pedophile seeking redemption who's shunned by friends and family, and has nude and rape scenes (The Woodsman) is not pornography, but does have adult themes, with at least 1 fetish (public nudity and voyeurism) one may find erotic (all actors and actresses are over 17).

Just to be clear, the movie is more disturbing than erotic anyway.

 

[Matadore]

Erotica, top of the line porn, B-Rated porn, artsy adult themes,disturbing...?

It's not just a matter of pretence, but a matter of intent that defines the two.

The term "Erotica" is an invention of the pornography community to define the difference between "Blue" movies (B-Rated porn), pornography (top of the line porn), and artsy adult films (seen at The Cannes Film Festival).
For instance a dramatic movie that includes a heavy subject like a pedophile seeking redemption who's shunned by friends and family, and has nude and rape scenes (The Woodsman) is not pornography, but does have adult themes, with at least 1 fetish (public nudity and voyeurism) one may find erotic (all actors and actresses are over 17).

Just to be clear, the movie is more disturbing than erotic anyway.

I am not sure of your point in the above post. I guess that I've been considering your examples as different sets and sub-sets. I think that all of your suggestions have in common an emphasis on physical sex and arousal as an important part of the plot. For example, all pornography has some sort of sexual content, but all art that has sexual content is not pornography.

By "intent" am I to understand that you are referring to the motive of the creators of the art regardless of media, be it film, literature, still photography, cartoon, etc.? If so, then are your distinctions (above) more of quality than content? That is, are artsy adult themes, erotica, pornography, B-rated porn, different mainly in degree of competence of execution or is the distinction more of a matter of the degree that the creators are trying to create physical sexual arousal in their intended audience members?

I admit that I'm no expert nor have I done any research on the question, but all of the art (of this form) that I've experienced and have seen a consensus among other viewers, their opinion was that one of the main distinguishing characteristics of pornography is the emphasis lavished on the portrayal of genitalia engaged in some type of coitus, usually prolonged. The closer and tighter the camera angle shot, the more likely that the art was considered or labeled pornographic.

In works considered erotic, the physical act of coitus played a much less pronounced role to other events, no matter how important to story or plot line.

The difference between B-rated adult film and pornographic film seems to be one of talent more than one of intent. Unless by intent you mean style distinctions that hold the portrayal of emotion, the escalation of tension, the moment of climax (of dramatic action as opposed to orgasm), all as of secondary importance to depicting coitus with almost a clinical fascination.

 

[sharonerotica]

Erotica or Porn

This debate can be very tedious, and tends to go round in circles, based on subjective views.

The Wizard is absolutely correct in stating that one or other of the categories is used because that is how the writer wants it to be viewed. I would add that publishers are also responsible for confusion by the way in which they categorise stories with a sexual content.
A story published in a men's magazine might be called porn on the cover; but the same story might appear in another publication and be described as erotica.

In dictionaries, porn and erotica are both defined as - writing intended to arouse.
The main structural difference is simply really.

A good porn story goes flat out to produce a hard-on or wet pussy, with no unnecessary detail which will distract from the arousal effect. All descriptions should have a sexual connotation, but not necessarily graphic acts only.

An equally good erotic story will contain sexually arousing passages, but they will be interspersed with non-sexual descriptions, often at length. This is not ideal for maintaining a state of arousal in the reader.

A fair comparison is physical seduction; if you are aiming to arouse a partner in preparation for sex, you don't stop stroking her/him to chat about the weather.

I thought that my idea of the difference was summed up perfectly in one of the earlier posts, when she wrote words to the effect that in porn - "you don't want a South Seas travelogue."
Smile

I try to write for the arousal of my readers and I am not in the slightest way ashamed to call it porn.

 

[galento]

This debate can be very tedious, and tends to go round in circles, based on subjective views.

The Wizard is absolutely correct in stating that one or other of the categories is used because that is how the writer wants it to be viewed. I would add that publishers are also responsible for confusion by the way in which they categorise stories with a sexual content.
A story published in a men's magazine might be called porn on the cover; but the same story might appear in another publication and be described as erotica.

In dictionaries, porn and erotica are both defined as - writing intended to arouse.
The main structural difference is simply really.

A good porn story goes flat out to produce a hard-on or wet pussy, with no unnecessary detail which will distract from the arousal effect. All descriptions should have a sexual connotation, but not necessarily graphic acts only.

An equally good erotic story will contain sexually arousing passages, but they will be interspersed with non-sexual descriptions, often at length. This is not ideal for maintaining a state of arousal in the reader.

A fair comparison is physical seduction; if you are aiming to arouse a partner in preparation for sex, you don't stop stroking her/him to chat about the weather.

I thought that my idea of the difference was summed up perfectly in one of the earlier posts, when she wrote words to the effect that in porn - "you don't want a South Seas travelogue."
Smile

I try to write for the arousal of my readers and I am not in the slightest way ashamed to call it porn.

Iunderstand what you say,
when the story is about as hot as it can be , you cannot start having issues breaking into the dialogue such as the next door neighbour is coming around the next morning.
When all you want to hear is the you are screwing having orgasms.

 

[Fantasies_only]

[/COLOR]

I am not sure of your point in the above post. I guess that I've been considering your examples as different sets and sub-sets. I think that all of your suggestions have in common an emphasis on physical sex and arousal as an important part of the plot. For example, all pornography has some sort of sexual content, but all art that has sexual content is not pornography.

By "intent" am I to understand that you are referring to the motive of the creators of the art regardless of media, be it film, literature, still photography, cartoon, etc.? If so, then are your distinctions (above) more of quality than content? That is, are artsy adult themes, erotica, pornography, B-rated porn, different mainly in degree of competence of execution or is the distinction more of a matter of the degree that the creators are trying to create physical sexual arousal in their intended audience members?

I admit that I'm no expert nor have I done any research on the question, but all of the art (of this form) that I've experienced and have seen a consensus among other viewers, their opinion was that one of the main distinguishing characteristics of pornography is the emphasis lavished on the portrayal of genitalia engaged in some type of coitus, usually prolonged. The closer and tighter the camera angle shot, the more likely that the art was considered or labeled pornographic.

In works considered erotic, the physical act of coitus played a much less pronounced role to other events, no matter how important to story or plot line.

The difference between B-rated adult film and pornographic film seems to be one of talent more than one of intent. Unless by intent you mean style distinctions that hold the portrayal of emotion, the escalation of tension, the moment of climax (of dramatic action as opposed to orgasm), all as of secondary importance to depicting coitus with almost a clinical fascination.

One would assume the intent of the author and his or her art would be one in the same.
If you have seen Jenna Jameson's interactive DVDs.
You know the interactive part is erotic (which doesn't necessarily mean sexually stimulating) while the same DVDs have the direct approach (pure naked girl on girl action) complete with voyeur cams (multiple angles).
The direct viewing is porn, but one could say the same action off camera, in private is not porn (but somehow it isn't erotica either).
As for talent, no, it's the script that dictates what the movie will be like, which again falls under the category of intent.

This site draws porn addicts, porn collectors, and just general perverts.
Readers and writers of conventional stories with adult themes are hard to find, so you can't see true erotic art here unless you look very carefully.
The naked body in itself is not porn, and it depends on the action or interaction the person is doing which makes it so.

There is such a thing as graphic nudity (the magnification or close inspection of the genitals), which has the implication that something pornographic will happen or is happening, but can't be called pornographic itself, such as a sleazy pervert with a spycam looks down blouses of busty women.
This implies a pornographic scene is coming.
Now let's take the same scene, and delete the sleazy pervert and not even mention spycams (usually done in period pieces).
This is not pornographic at all.

 

[Fantasies_only]

Just because there's bad porn - and there is some truly bad porn - posted here doesn't mean that it's a "porn site."

I know this is an old quote, but it still applies.
Yes it means it's a porn site.
If any erotica in any medium included porn, it wouldn't be erotica, therefor I think the name should be changed (Lit-O-Porn) as it's misleading.

Although adult advertisers, sponsors, links, and services can be here, if it was truly an erotic site, there would not be so much emphases on pictures of sex and compromising positions.

 

[Fantasies_only]

Pornography (from answers.com): Sexually explicit pictures, writing, or other material whose primary purpose is to cause sexual arousal.

I find many different types of art delightfully pornographic. What's wrong with calling something porn anyways? Does it make people feel less sophisticated?

Edit: I did not really read the posts following the first one, and I'm too lazy to do so. I'm no writer btw.

This is another old post that applies.
This comes from the three prong pornography test called The Miller Test.
The Miller Test is inaccurate and out of date considering how erotica has pushed it's way into our culture in the 90s, almost as much as porn has in the 80s.
Erotica may or may not stimulate a sexual feeling, and may or may not be intended to do so, although it is not intended to create the urge to have sex, just have the fantasy of sex.

 

[Softouch911]

I'd suggest that the conversation has veered off to make the assumption that the words' current usage is their complete and entire meaning. Your conversation relates your personal experiences and reactions, and that's fine. In fact, it probably underlines how emotionally loaded the words are that the conversation has continued!

Each term -- erotica and pornography -- has specific and limited definitions in literature, in publishing, in marketing, in popular culture, and -- to a lesser extent -- in law. And while the definitions overlap as you move from area to area, it's not exactly the same, and the differences are crucial to writers.

Publishing writers have to figure out how to meet and deal with the several meanings as they prepare text for agents, editors, publishers, and the others who will be involved.

The terms have similar, but different in important ways, meanings when you move to film. A number of posts above had made the distinctions pretty clear and it's fun to rehash, but I wanted to re-establish a broader context than individual experience and subjective reactions.

Best wishes,
ST

 

[Fantasies_only]

I'd suggest that the conversation has veered off to make the assumption that the words' current usage is their complete and entire meaning. Your conversation relates your personal experiences and reactions, and that's fine. In fact, it probably underlines how emotionally loaded the words are that the conversation has continued!

Each term -- erotica and pornography -- has specific and limited definitions in literature, in publishing, in marketing, in popular culture, and -- to a lesser extent -- in law. And while the definitions overlap as you move from area to area, it's not exactly the same, and the differences are crucial to writers.

Publishing writers have to figure out how to meet and deal with the several meanings as they prepare text for agents, editors, publishers, and the others who will be involved.

The terms have similar, but different in important ways, meanings when you move to film. A number of posts above had made the distinctions pretty clear and it's fun to rehash, but I wanted to re-establish a broader context than individual experience and subjective reactions.

Best wishes,
ST

Sexual content in all media is the same, just as sensual content in all media is the same.
An adult comic book may have sensual art, but it includes pornography, so it's called porn.
An MA rated TV show may be uncensored porn (HBO's The Man Show), but censor it on the slightly more mild TV14 (Comedy Central), and it still is porn, just hidden and/or edited porn.
Radio may be the exception, for you can't see it, but you know it's pornographic as the intent is to picture pornography in your head as you hear it (The Howard Stern Show).

As you were saying all that ("author, marketer, publisher") stuff, I was thinking that the reaction of the story teller may not be the same as the reader.
As a result the label of erotica is misleading and must be marketed under it's true name, this is why I think the site title should be changed.
Because the site owners did not know their audience (visitors), it is no excuse for misleading them, even if some people were expecting porn here.
The only clue to pornography are the links, ads, and services, such as the pay per viewing pornographic films service.

I want to hear what a moderator thinks of this.

It seems we are in agreement that erotica must have an artistic story behind it, where porn is just a visual depiction, but is that all it is?
To get to the root of this argument, the term "artistic" must be defined.
Although it has taken more meaning in popular culture, the main idea remains anything created that requires imagination in "Literature", "The Arts", "Fine Art", "Art", "Arts and Crafts", "Modern Art", "Animated Art", "Interactive Art", "Digital Art", and "3D Art".
None of these define straight pornography as any form of art.
The intent is to please or stimulate the senses (see nakednews.com), not arouse them sexually.

 

[Fantasies_only]

Incidentally, I looked all this up (on Wikipedia) for the video game violence debate.
All of these definitions have an artistic expression or free speech that can't be censored (3D Art is the exception), however, the definition of "Web Art" CAN be censored due to the global nature of the Internet.
This law was taken advantage of in the Second Life and WoW cases.

In Second Life, there were 5 lawsuits that I know of.
One was about pedophilia or sexual torture avatar roleplay, one was about an unauthorized hack that can make other players (Porntube videos) look however and do whatever you want on your computer (led to a real sex ring), one was over copyrighted MP3s and videos sold over a virtual eBay without consent, one was a dispute over "virtual land" payment, and the last was about promotions for stores and restaurants without residuals going to the owners or a percentage to the managers.

 

[Rob_mDear]

Ummmm.... anyone mind if I think it's both pretentious and silly to be arguing this point? Erotica is a word. In the words of Louis Carroll, or rather his character Humpty Dumpty:

"When I use a word it means what I choose it to mean -- neither more nor less. The question is which is to be master -- that is all."