We’re currently living in a golden age for movies and TV shows, with so many fantastic concepts being released to the big screen and popular shows, it’s almost hard to keep up. However, sometimes we catch on to a great show later than most, making it difficult to avoid major plot points, but this is to be expected. However, with a world connected to social media, it’s hard to avoid spoilers hours after they have been released, making it difficult to enjoy the magic and surprise in the moment, which is a major part of the experience. So, here are some ground rules when it comes to talking about movies.
Give it at least two weeks
It can take some people a while to get themselves to the cinema; after all, most people lead hectic lives and keeping up with the latest pop culture isn’t always top of the list. Of course, if you’re a major fan, then it usually is, but this doesn’t mean you get to spoil it for someone who isn’t quite as dedicated. A general rule of thumb is to wait at least two weeks before posting comments about a film online, or even to someone directly. Of course, an exception is to state how you feel overall, but even then it’s best to keep it vague. This then gives people a particular amount of time before they should expect spoilers galore online because let’s be honest, people are gonna want to talk about it; it’s half the fun, right?
Don’t post major plot points
If and when you do decide to take to social media, or speak to someone who hasn’t seen the movie, don’t talk about major plot points. There’s a whole movie to talk about; you don’t need to mention every major surprise because it’s not something you can ever get back. If you’re talking or replying to someone who has seen it, then you’ll both know what you’re talking about without having to explicitly state precisely what it is. So, whether it’s a funny meme or your opinion, don’t post the most significant plot points; at least not until an appropriate lapse in time.
Use ‘spoiler alert’
If you’re writing something on the internet, whether it’s a comment, a tweet, or a blog post, use ‘spoiler alert.’ At least this then gives people fair warning that they ought to not read any further and, if they do, it’s their own fault they found out, not yours. For the best results, always put it before anything you write, what it’s about, and in the largest, boldest font you can find. This is something most people have already adopted, and are being mindful of others who may not have seen the movie in question. However, some people enjoy posting spoilers for the sake of it, and if you think how much you’d hate to see a huge spoiler, or every spoiler, then it’s best to adopt the ‘spoiler alert’ approach.
Ask if they’ve seen it
Quite simply, if you’re talking to someone, ask if they’ve seen it. It’s as easy as that! If they haven’t seen it, then you’ll avoid accidentally spoiling any detail for them, and avoid potential disaster and upset.
So, it doesn’t matter who you are, and if you follow these simple guidelines, then it’ll make avoiding spoilers easier, and give people a more straightforward idea of when they can start posting their opinions.
