This is a follow up to my post yesterday about abuse, etc as romantic plot points in fanfic. It seems that definition might be a key so I'd like to conduct a little experiment. I'm going to ask a series of questions asking you all to 'define' certain things. You don't have to answer everything if you don't want to. This is, of course, mostly just for fun but I think the results could be interesting. Try not to read other people's answers before submitting your own and don't think too much about "well I already said this for this question". Just write whatever comes to mind first.
What characteristics does fic Edward need to have in order for you to consider him to be canon?
What characteristics does Edward need for you to consider him to be dominant?
What characteristics does Edward need to be considered dark?
A manwhore? (yes, I'm being lazy but you get the idea now)
How about abusive?
Now for stories in general:
What elements does a story need in order for you to consider it canon?
What elements does it need to be considered a dark story?
What elements does it need to be considered a BDSM fic? (I realize that may seem obvious but bear with me)
What elements does it need to be considered a rape fic?
What elements does it need to be considered a love story?
Now some general questions:
In your own words tell me what you think BDSM is.
In your own words what constitutes rape?
How about abuse?
Evil?
In the real world what traits would your ideal partner have?
*I'll post my answers in the comments. Remember this is just for fun and to sate my curiosity. No judgment is meant and I do realize that fantasy is different than reality. And as always, everyone play nice with each other please.