Core Viewpoint - The recent police summons of authors from Haitang Literature Network has sparked significant public attention and debate regarding the legal implications of "producing, copying, publishing, selling, and disseminating obscene materials for profit" in the context of the BL (Boys' Love) literary genre [1][2][4]. Group 1: Incident Overview - Multiple authors from Haitang Literature Network were summoned by the Lanzhou police, reportedly linked to local reader complaints [1][4]. - This incident follows a previous crackdown in Anhui province, where several prominent authors were also investigated for similar charges [2][5]. - Approximately 50 authors were reportedly summoned in this latest round, although official numbers have not been disclosed [2][4]. Group 2: Legal and Social Context - The legal framework surrounding the definition of obscene materials has been criticized for being outdated, with calls for updated standards that reflect the current digital landscape [1][10][15]. - The existing legal standards, established in 2004, set thresholds for criminal liability based on click counts and profit, which many legal experts argue are no longer appropriate given the evolution of internet usage [13][14][15]. - The controversy centers on how to objectively assess the social impact of literary works and the appropriate thresholds for criminal liability [12][16]. Group 3: Community and Cultural Impact - The BL literary genre, while niche, has gained significant attention due to its unique themes and predominantly female readership [2][3]. - The community has expressed concerns over the potential mischaracterization of BL literature as solely pornographic, which could undermine its artistic value [3][4]. - The incident has led to increased anxiety among authors and readers, with many seeking legal advice and considering measures to protect themselves from potential repercussions [16][6]. Group 4: Industry Dynamics - Haitang Literature Network, established in 2015, operates as a platform for various literary genres, including BL, and has been criticized for its lenient content moderation policies [3][4]. - The platform's business model, which includes paid content and reader donations, has drawn scrutiny in light of the legal actions against its authors [5][8]. - The evolving regulatory environment has prompted authors to adapt their writing styles and content to comply with stricter guidelines, impacting the creative freedom within the community [9][10].