Community Guidelines

Herix Studios is built around human-written fiction.

Writers may use tools such as:

• Grammar and spelling assistants
• AI-assisted editing
• Brainstorming and idea generation
• Research tools
• Translation tools

However, generative AI may not be used to write the actual prose of a story or chapter.

The words that make up your story must be your own.

Using generative AI to produce chapters, passages, scenes, or other substantial portions of the actual story may result in the work being flagged for review and may affect your ability to participate in the Herix writing program.

Writers are not required to disclose the use of AI-assisted editing, brainstorming, or other permitted tools.

AI-generated artwork

AI-generated artwork is not permitted for story covers or artwork used within stories.

If AI-generated artwork is discovered, Herix may remove the artwork from the platform.

Herix may review a story if there is reason to believe that generative AI was used to write its actual content.

If a writer is found to have knowingly submitted AI-generated fiction:

1. 1First offense — Warning
2. 2Second offense — One-week suspension
3. 3Third offense — Permanent removal from the Herix writing program

Permanent removal may also result in the loss of participation in any Herix Studios Original Works partnership.

Severe or repeated violations may result in stronger action at the discretion of Herix staff.

Herix allows writers considerable freedom in what they choose to write.

Stories may contain mature themes, violence, gore, sexual content, disturbing subjects, controversial ideas, and other material intended for mature audiences.

However, writers are responsible for appropriately labeling their work.

Mature content

Graphic violence, gore, and sexual content are permitted when they comply with all other Herix guidelines, but a story containing them must be given the Mature content rating.

See Content Ratings below for what each rating tier covers. Readers will see a warning before accessing a story rated Mature.

Prohibited content

Fictional depictions of disturbing, controversial, or offensive subjects may be permitted when they are presented as part of a story and appropriately labeled.

Content containing offensive language or themes should include an appropriate warning when necessary.

Herix staff may remove content that violates these guidelines or presents a significant risk to the community.

Every story on Herix must be given a content rating: General, Teen, or Mature.

Writers choose the rating themselves when publishing a story, and it helps readers know what to expect before they start reading.

As a reader, you can choose which of these ratings you're comfortable seeing across the site under Reading & Content Preferences in your settings.

General

General-rated novels are suitable for a broad audience, including younger readers.

General-rated novels may include:

• Mild or infrequent conflict
• Non-graphic violence
• Mild fantasy or action themes
• Mild romantic themes
• Occasional mild language
• Themes appropriate for a general audience
• Non-disturbing depictions of danger, injury, or death

General-rated novels should not contain substantial graphic violence, sexual content, excessive profanity, or other material primarily intended for a mature audience.

For writers: Choose General when your novel can reasonably be enjoyed by a broad audience without requiring significant content warnings. If the story contains material that may be unsuitable for younger readers, consider using the Teen or Mature rating instead.

For readers: General-rated novels are intended to provide a broadly accessible reading experience. However, individual stories may still contain themes that some readers find uncomfortable.

Teen

Teen-rated novels are intended primarily for teenage and older readers and may contain more intense themes or situations than General-rated novels.

Teen-rated novels may contain:

• Moderate or recurring violence
• Some blood or non-graphic injuries
• Stronger language used occasionally
• Romantic relationships and kissing
• References to sexual relationships without explicit sexual content
• Alcohol or drug references
• Horror or suspense
• Death, grief, bullying, or other serious themes
• Mildly disturbing or frightening situations

Teen-rated novels should not contain prolonged graphic violence, explicit sexual content, or other content intended primarily for an adult audience.

For writers: Choose Teen when your story contains themes or situations that may be inappropriate for younger readers but are generally appropriate for a teenage audience. When necessary, use additional content warnings to identify specific subjects.

For readers: Teen-rated novels may contain stronger language, violence, romance, frightening situations, or mature themes. Readers and parents/guardians should review a novel's content warnings when available.

Mature

Mature-rated novels are intended for adult readers and may contain themes, language, situations, or subject matter that may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

Mature-rated novels may contain:

• Strong or frequent profanity
• Graphic or disturbing violence
• Detailed descriptions of injuries or death
• Sexual themes or references
• Adult romantic or sexual situations
• Drug or alcohol use
• Crime or abuse
• Horror, gore, or disturbing imagery
• Psychological or emotionally intense themes
• Other serious or adult-oriented subject matter

For writers: Writers are responsible for accurately rating their novels and providing appropriate content warnings. If a novel contains significant mature themes or material, the Mature rating should be clearly selected before publication.

For readers: Mature-rated novels are intended for adult audiences and may contain content that some readers find disturbing, offensive, or uncomfortable. Review a novel's content warnings before reading if you have concerns about particular subjects.

Fan fiction is welcome on Herix.

When publishing fan fiction, writers must:

• Clearly identify the original franchise, game, book, series, or other work in the story description.
• Properly tag the story as Fan Fiction.
• Make it clear that the story is based on an existing fictional property.

Fan fiction may not be presented as an original Herix work.

Writers may publish stories that have previously appeared on other platforms.

However, previously published works are not eligible to become:

• Featured stories
• Herix Studios Original Works
• Herix Partner Program projects

This distinction allows Herix to highlight writers and stories that are being developed specifically within the Herix community.

AI-assisted translation is permitted.

Stories that have been translated using AI must be given the Translation tag.

The original author remains responsible for the content they publish and should ensure that the translated version accurately represents their work.

Herix is a community for writers and readers.

You are welcome to disagree with someone's writing, interpretation, opinions, or creative decisions.

You are not welcome to attack the person behind the work.

Constructive criticism is encouraged when it is respectful and focused on the writing.

Harassment, hateful language, personal attacks, and attacks based on someone's personal beliefs, identity, status, or personal life are not acceptable.

Critique the story. Don't attack the author.

Comments are intended for discussion and constructive feedback.

Authors cannot completely disable comments on their stories.

Authors may, however:

• Hide comments
• Delete comments
• Report comments to Herix staff

Readers and writers may report comments they believe violate these guidelines.

Herix staff may remove comments that are hateful, harassing, excessively abusive, or otherwise inappropriate.

Comments such as "this sucks" may be removed depending on the context and circumstances.

Herix uses a five-star rating system.

Readers are free to rate stories honestly, including giving low ratings.

Ratings should be made in good faith and should not be used to harass, target, or intentionally damage another writer.

Written explanations are encouraged but are not required.

Manipulating ratings through multiple accounts or other deceptive methods may result in suspension.

Writers are welcome to promote their own work and social media.

Self-promotion is permitted:

• On your own stories
• On your own profile
• Through links to your external platforms
• By sharing your Herix stories on other websites

However, advertising your own work in another author's story, comments, or community space without permission is not permitted.

Repeatedly using comments to advertise external websites or content may result in a temporary commenting restriction.

1. 1First violation — Warning
2. 2Continued violations — One-week commenting restriction

Users must be at least 16 years old to use Herix.

Each person may maintain one Herix account.

Pen names and anonymous identities are permitted. You do not have to use your real name publicly.

Users must have a verified email address to:

• Rate stories
• Comment
• Create a profile
• Apply to become a writer

Impersonating another user, writer, public figure, or organization is prohibited and may result in suspension or removal.

Attempting to evade a suspension by creating another account may result in further action.

Becoming a Herix writer is not automatic.

Applications are reviewed by Herix staff to determine whether an applicant is a good fit for the platform and its community.

Acceptance may consider factors such as:

• Quality of writing
• Originality
• Commitment to writing
• Respect for the community
• The type of work the writer intends to publish

Being rejected does not necessarily mean that a writer's work is bad. Herix is intentionally selective because we want to maintain the type of community we are building.

Unless you enter into a separate Herix Studios partnership agreement, you retain full ownership of your stories.

Herix does not claim ownership of ordinary stories published on the platform.

Writers are responsible for ensuring that they have the necessary rights to everything they upload, including:

• Written content
• Artwork
• Images
• Fonts or other creative assets where applicable

Do not upload someone else's work and claim it as your own.

Herix Studios may work directly with selected writers through the Herix Studios Partner Program.

A writer may apply for consideration once their story:

• Has reached at least 50 chapters
• Is actively being serialized

Herix staff may also approach writers directly.

Participation is subject to a separate contract.

Partner agreements may vary from creator to creator and may grant Herix Studios exclusive rights to the partnered work for the duration of the agreement.

During the partnership, the work may be promoted, edited, developed, and distributed through Herix Studios and future Herix divisions or adaptations covered by the agreement.

The author may not publish the partnered work on competing websites or platforms while the applicable agreement is active.

When a partnership contract expires, the rights covered by that agreement return to the author according to the terms of the contract.

Partnered stories cannot be independently removed from Herix during the active agreement.

Herix has a staff team responsible for reviewing reports and enforcing these guidelines.

Moderators may consider the circumstances, severity, intent, and history of a violation when determining an appropriate response.

Not every violation will receive the same punishment.

Depending on the situation, Herix may:

• Issue a warning
• Remove or hide content
• Restrict commenting
• Temporarily suspend an account
• Remove a story from public view
• Suspend a writer from the writing program
• Permanently remove an account from Herix

Deleted stories remain accessible to their author but are no longer publicly available. Authors may restore their deleted stories.

Some violations may result in immediate suspension or removal rather than following the normal warning process. These may include:

Herix staff may determine the appropriate action based on the circumstances.

If you believe another user has uploaded your work without permission, contact Herix Studios and provide information demonstrating your ownership of the work.

Herix may temporarily remove the reported work while the claim is reviewed.

If the claim is found to be valid, Herix may remove the work and take action against the account responsible.

False or malicious copyright claims may themselves result in moderation action.

If you encounter content or behavior that violates these guidelines, report it to Herix staff.

When submitting a report, provide as much relevant information as possible.

Reports may concern:

• Stories
• Chapters
• Comments
• Users
• Copyright violations
• AI-generated content
• Harassment
• Other guideline violations

Please do not use reporting tools to target writers simply because you dislike their work or opinions.

Users who receive moderation action may appeal the decision.

Appeals should explain why the action should be reconsidered and should provide any relevant information that may have been missed during the original review.

Herix staff will review appeals on a case-by-case basis.

Submitting an appeal does not guarantee that a decision will be reversed.