I probably should do it after, but I can't help but constantly go to the page while in the middle of experiencing a video game or a book and going "I really want to add such-and-such example... but if I click the edit button, I'll see spoilers! Decisions, decisions." Sometimes I'm able to fight the urge to hit the button. Other times, I fail.
Edited by RacattackForce on Dec 30th 2022 at 7:11:04 AM
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I also read WMG pages last, as stated in this post!
Edited by Sourguy on Dec 30th 2022 at 11:14:31 AM
Currently Reading: N/AAnother benefit of waiting until after is that when I get to the Wild Mass Guessing pages, I get to laugh at all of the theories that ended up being Outdated by Canon.
When you feel like reading it. It's that simple.
The greater truth is that the answer is different for everyone. Some people can read TV Tropes page first and be turned on to something they might not otherwise check out (or, conversely, warn them of something they may not enjoy or tolerate).
Some people would rather not basically have the entire work spoiled for them, so they might not want to read the page first.
Some people are so neurotic about spoilers that they wig out if they see what a character ate for breakfast in the first 15 seconds of the movie; these people probably shouldn't read TV Tropes at all, given the nature of what the site is.
I know what you mean in that regard. There are benefits and drawbacks for both.
In regards to the works I listed as "being interested in checking out someday", I've been lucky to not have had many major plot points spoiled. I just read some details regarding a series and think to my self "Hey, that looks pretty interesting!"
Currently Reading: N/AI'd say before, but only for the summary.
"...This is too much information for a brain that just wants to visit Planet Tensuns..."
As in, the first few lines of dialogue or the Laconic page, because sometimes it's the plot summary that makes me go "Hey, that sounds pretty interesting! I should check that out someday!"
Another thing:
Unless they're familiar with the work in question, it's unlikely the reader will care about things like the Fan Fic Recommendations, Fan Works, and Wild Mass Guessing sections, right?
Currently Reading: N/ADepends. If I actually want to see the work for myself, I avoid it until later. If I have no motive to actually check it out, though, I'll binge the page.
Edited by WarJay77 on Jun 13th 2023 at 5:47:19 AM
Working on: Author Appeal | Sandbox | Troper Wall![]()
Basically, this is what I do too. If it's an unreleased work, I may also browse the page.
I prefer Before. Knowing what happens is not a dealbreaker, and often turns me on to things I otherwise would have avoided. Sure, I'm less surprised when a spoiler happens, but I usually feel all the other emotions the creator intended (if they did their job correctly), and seeing where all the plotlines go, knowing their end point, often makes them more effective.
Edited by BILLYMAYS!!!! on Jun 16th 2023 at 3:58:49 AM
I hold on 'cause that's the one thing that I can control. | She/They

Although there have been works that I've been interested in checking out someday after discovering more information about them/their existence through here, I find it more satisfying to read a work's page after I've consumed most/all of the material in question. It allows me to reflect on aspects of the work that I might not have pick up on the first time, learn more about the work's reception and fanbase, and the Fridge, Headscratchers, and Wild Mass Guessing pages give me alternative "food for thought" ideas surrounding the work.
How about you? When do you read a work page? Post your answer and explanation below!
Edited by Sourguy on Dec 30th 2022 at 6:19:11 AM
Currently Reading: N/A