To think that reading erotic fiction is OK?

[anyhue]

Following a discussion with some of my female friends over drinks last night...afterwards I was left feeling a bit strange defending a position that reading erotic fiction is "OK" or "acceptable"?

I know there is a range of content, but if you select content you like, then for me it is just fantasy, nobody else involved.

I've not read the "shades of grey" stuff (I like to read books and read so many bad reviews of them that I wouldn't even go there), we were talking about reading online web site fiction, fan fiction, etc. More short stories, rather than a book.

AIBU to think reading erotic fiction is my choice, and it's "OK"?

I read erotica.

It is hurting nobody if a man or woman chooses to read it and you can use your own imagery rather than someone else's such as is the case with porn.

Nobody is exploited, hurt or coerced when they simply don't exist.

"Nobody is exploited, hurt or coerced when they simply don't exist."

Well, quite.

I think some (not all) literotica uses the same kinds of stereotypes as mainstream porn, and I find some of these stereotypes quite misogynist (as PP mentioned, categories like barely legal etc). At least no one is being exploited in the making of it, so that's something. And I absolutely agree that mature adults can tell the difference between fantasy and reality. Still, I've tried to find material that I find acceptable and it's a bit of a challenge - maybe I'm too vanilla or something. But I don't think it's wrong or unacceptable for other people to read it.

I think one potential problem some people have with erotica is that people can become dependant on fantasy to become aroused and then struggle to get satisfaction from physical intimacy without fantasising about different scenarios.

Obviously, if you don't experience these problems then crack on. That's just the only problem I am aware of with it.

Well, 50 Shades of Gray was shite. Maybe it's because I'm a stickler for good grammar, syntax, characterisation and general writing skill in any book that I'm actually paying for, but how are you supposed to find it erotic/exciting/whatever when she's biting her lip for the six-millionth time and it's basically a bad Twilight fanfiction.

There are some seriously good erotic fanfictions out there. The Harry Potter community in particular are very good at them (by and large, there are a couple of notable exceptions!) and whether it's straight or slash, it's a damn sight better than 50SoG.

And no. There's nothing wrong with erotic fiction (as long as it portrays legal, consensual, healthy relationships).

As long as it's not dinosaur erotica...

Hhmmm i don't wanna think about the throbbing member of a stegosaurus...

Oh god the Dino Space Romp stories on Amazon... the descriptions are worth a read, hilarious and all rolled into one

Off to a.azon

Space can be a lonely place, especially when you’re stationed by yourself on the distant planet Zorbus. In fact, Lance isn’t quite sure that can last the whole year before his shuttle pod arrives, but when a mysterious visitor appears at Lance’s terraforming station, he quickly realizes that he might not be so alone after all.

Soon enough, Lance becomes close with this mysterious new astronaut, a velociraptor. Together, they form an unlikely duo, which quickly begins to cross the boundaries of friendship into something much, much more sensual.

It’s not gay if it’s a man and a dinosaur, is it?

This erotic tale is 4,100 words of sizzling human on gay dinosaur action, including anal, blowjobs, rough sex, and space raptor love.

Makes sense that so-called 'dinosaurs' are mixed up in this. Invented by Satanists, just like the so-called 'female orgasm'. :-D

That's hilarious and disturbing in equal measure.

Brain bleach, anyone?

"the definition (-graphy) involves something visual"

I thought graphy could mean writing as well. The storied in Playboy are porn aren't they?

I think it could be included with porn, but doesn't have the moral problems of porn because nobody is exploited to produce it.
As for cheating, I don't see how it's 'cheating' any more than reading Mills and Boon or Jane Austen would be, it's just fantasy.

"people can become dependant on fantasy to become aroused"

That can also be true about people who don't read erotic fiction. Fantasy can develop from anything you think about.

Think this is a really interesting post. Not making light of the exploitation in some porn scenarios, though not all, if the use of erotic fiction for men & women is fantasy & escapism & some men & woman use porn for exactly the same reason, taking away moral issues, got the point of debate, isn't this the same??! Not being goady or anything just intrigued what others think, based on numerous posts I've read on here. Really good post OP