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Keeping It Anon

During a collection or exchange set-up process the moderators have the ability to set the collection to both unrevealed and anonymous. Unrevealed works mean that the titles are not known and no one can view the work. Anonymous means that the authors are unknown.

As part of the fun of our exchanges, we like to reveal the works for a week, to allow people to read, comment, and enjoy their works, while speculating on who gave them their gift and treats. During this week long period you can reply to comments and your identity will remain secret. Many people like to "accuse" others of having created for them. Hilarity ensues.

Creators are revealed after the week long anonymous period. This means any work you add to the exchange collection will eventually reveal you as its creator.

But sometimes you may want to keep a work anonymous without orphaning or abandoning the work. This allows you to still see comments, track stats, and eventually reveal the work on your own terms if you choose to. You may want to do this if it is a pairing or trope you don't normally write or simply because you like the mystique.

Remaining anonymous is as simple as adding an anonymous collection to the work. ao3commentoftheday wrote a great guide on anonymous collections, how to use them, and how to remove them. You can find that guide here on their blog.

FAQs About Anonymous Collections​

1. Who runs the collections?​

It's unknown who runs most anonymous collections. The people who have set them up have created a sock account and set-up the collection. None of the anonymous collections are officially run by AO3.

2. Can the collection owner see who created the work?​

Yes. Collection owners and maintainers can see creators on works submitted to the collection. However, the oldest anonymous collections on AO3 have been around for a very long time and have neither been revealed or (as far as we are aware) had any leaks concerning author anonymity.

Although we can't guarantee it, it is likely the anon sock accounts were created and then abandoned.

3. Wait. They can reveal the authors if they want?​

Sure. Just like we can reveal exchange participants by unchecking the "This collections is anonymous" setting, the anonymous collection owners could do the same thing. However, the oldest collections have been around since the early days of AO3 without any issues so far, so there is very likely nothing to worry about.

4. Can I set-up my own anonymous collection?​

You can! You would need to create an AO3 sock account with an anonymous name that couldn't be traced to you. Then create a collection named whatever you want (preferably something well... anonymous). When setting up the collection, select the "This collection is anonymous" setting. Add your collection to works you wish to remain anonymous, and you're done. Your very own anonymous collection.

5. Will you set up an anonymous collection?​

Maybe. If there is enough interest from our event participants in having a collection for our events that remains permanently anonymous, we'd be happy to set a collection up.

6. Can you add more than one Anonymous Collection?​

Absolutely. This may be a good option if you are concerned about an anon collection potentially being compromised. You can add several anonymous collections, so that if one is revealed or some other thing goes wrong, you have a back-up anonymous collection.

7. How are anonymous collections different than orphaning?​

Orphaning a work permanently detaches it from your AO3 account. It is impossible to reverse. This means you will no longer receive kudos, comments, or see the stats of the work in your profile. It is considered an alternative to deleting the work entirely and should not be used lightly.

For more information on orphaning, please read through the AO3 FAQ carefully before deciding to orphan. Remember you have other options which may resolve whatever issues or worries you have about your work before you orphan it:

  • turning off comments
  • screening comments
  • blocking other users
  • using Anonymous Collections

If you are having any particular issues you need to resolve, feel free to contact the moderators so we can help you brainstorm potential solutions or alternatives to orphaning.