SCP Foundation

As we’re ninth-tenths of the way through series IV, it seems like a good time to start thinking about what we really liked and disliked about it. What seems to define the Series IV style? What do you like about it? What do you dislike? How would you compare it to previous series? What would you like to see continue into series V?

Now that we’re down to 100 empty articles…

As we’re ninth-tenths of the way through series IV

Uh… a quick Ctrl+F of the Series IV list gives me 344 hits for "ACCESS DENIED".

Even at 67%, this shows the posting rate has been ridiculously accelerated compared to the past. I don't think that Series IV has been around long enough to even have a chance to develop much stylistic or thematic distinction from Series III; not as much as as the prior two series are distinct anyway.

I won't be at all surprised if the only Series IV article I'll ever have is my contest entry, and if this trend continues this likely will be the case with subsequent series.

If I had to try and nail down a theme for this series currently. Bearing in mind I don't personally feel I've read enough of this series to give an accurate theme. But so far this series has been mostly positive, anything that's not up to modern standards has been downvoted rather quickly.

This series feels like it's taken the best themes and lessons from the previous three series and has been using them to build new and better ideas. I've read SCP's that would fit alongside series one, but with the improvements of series two and three. I've seen really impressive narratives woven into SCP articles. While I can't really give a great description of this series. I'd say it's been one of refinement and polish. A general improvement that sits comfortably alongside the earlier works.

If Series 1 is the era of post-creepypasta, Series 2 is the rise of complex narratives, and Series 3 was marked by big and epic plotlines, then Series 4 has been a time of exploration and soul-searching for our author base. The diversity of this series has truly been impressive, combining more modern attempts at emulating previous series trends with increasing tenacity in finding original ideas and format screws. Attempts at innovation within our format is what has defined the past year for me.