Because AO3 runs on an open-source codebase (Ruby on Rails), occasional downtime is required for database upgrades.
Here’s a short, clear, and neutral draft you can use for an AO3 “mirror link” notice, depending on where you’re posting it (e.g., on social media, a personal site, or a fic header). ao3 mirror link
: The host site for the parent organization, serving as a reliable backup. insecure.archiveofourown.org Because AO3 runs on an open-source codebase (Ruby
AO3 is run by a non-profit with a small team of volunteer coders and sysadmins. It receives billions of monthly hits. When a popular fandom releases a new movie, episode, or game (e.g., Good Omens , Harry Potter , or My Hero Academia ), the site gets "hugged to death" by enthusiastic fans refreshing the page. insecure
Tools like Mullvad, ProtonVPN, or ExpressVPN can bypass most blocks.
: Because official mirrors (like .gay or transformativeworks.org ) use the same database, you can log in with your standard AO3 credentials. Avoid logging into unofficial third-party proxy sites to protect your account.
: If the main server is slow or experiencing high traffic, a mirror can sometimes provide a faster connection. Safety and Risks