The Humongous Bigfile:
Posting Rules You Never Knew You Had to Follow and
How to Conform to Them Now That You've Signed Up


We expect that you will fully understand the beauty of the softly humming computer with its shimmering screen, the delicate power of energy that can creep through human nerves, bewitching the mind, ensnaring the senses... we can teach you how to bottle words, brew
theories, even stopper boredom...


[Members MUST read sections 1 and 2 below, especially if you want to post. They give vital information about how this group operates and outline our posting rules, which are
enforced.]

1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Welcome!
1.2 Legal Issues
1.3 Account Settings and Yahoo Information
1.4 Getting Started: Finding Your Way Around HPFGU
1.5 List Administration
1.6 Communications from List Administration
1.7 How to Get Help
1.8 Posting by new members

2. GENERAL COURTESY, NETIQUETTE AND HPFGU-SPECIFIC
CONVENTIONS AND POLICIES
2.1 Be Courteous
2.2 Use the Right List
2.3 Quoted Material (Or "When You Reply to a Post")
2.3.1 Attribution
2.3.2 Snipping
2.4 Keeping Posting Volume Manageable
2.4.1 Make Your Post Worthwhile
2.4.2 Combining
2.4.3 No Introductory or Me-too Posts
2.4.4 One-Liners
2.4.5 Post Limits
2.5 Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar (and Proofreading!)
2.6 Subject Headings
2.6.1 Prefixing
2.7 Observe Spoiler Rules
2.8 Failure to Observe Posting Guidelines

3. OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION
3.1 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
3.2 What All Those Abbreviations Stand For
3.3 HPfGU's Accumulated Wisdom
3.3.1 Fantastic Posts and Where to Find Them
3.3.2 Recommended Posts Database
3.4 The Files, Polls, Links, Database, Photos Sections

4. OTHER AREAS OF ONLINE HARRY POTTER FANDOM: RESOURCE SITES

5. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS


1. Introduction

1.1 Welcome!
Welcome to Harry Potter for Grownups (HPfGU)! The purpose of this group is to
provide a fun, friendly, interesting place for adults to enjoy in-depth and thought-
provoking discussion of the Harry Potter books.

Before you dive right into the discussions, we require that you read this document, which
provides important information about participating in this group (including our posting
rules in section 2), as well as our Most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

Most of our members are over 18 and they hail from all around the world and all walks
of life. Mature teenagers may enjoy the group, but we cannot, for legal reasons, accept
members under the age of 13. We are a large group (over 20,000 members), and
typically between 50 and 150 messages a day are posted.


1.2 Legal Issues

By posting on any of the HPfGU lists, you agree to adhere to the Yahoo Terms of Use.

Further, in so posting, you also grant the HPfGU List Administrators the license to use,
distribute, reproduce, modify, adapt and publicly display such post(s) for the purposes of
providing and promoting the various HPfGU groups and sites.

Links to electronic texts (e-texts) of any Harry Potter book and any file containing the
audio versions of the books or the movie(s) may violate the Yahoo TOU, so please do not
post any or we'll have to delete the post. It's also a copyright violation to reproduce
substantial portions of any article or book, but you can post links to them.

Material posted to other forums is also copyrighted and may be forwarded to HPfGU
lists only if the post states that the express permission of author has been granted, even if
the author also belongs to HPfGU. Otherwise, you can provide a link.


1.3 Account Settings and Yahoo Information

When you join a Yahoo Group, you are automatically set to receive individual messages,
so if you prefer something else make sure to change this by going to the homepage of the
group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HPforGrownups and clicking on "Edit My
Membership."

More details about the different settings and helpful information about Yahoo can be
found here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HPforGrownups/files/Admin_Files/Yahoo_Help_File

If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail your List Elf, or e-mail the list
administrators directly at
HPforGrownups-owner@yahoogroups.com.


1.4 Getting Started: Finding Your Way Around HPfGU

HPfGU has four main groups:

HPforGrownups (the "Main List") is for discussion of the HP books (i.e., the 'canon'):
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HPforGrownups

HPFGU-Movie is for discussion of the HP films:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HPFGU-Movie

HPFGU-Announcements is for announcements of new sites, merchandise, fanfic
updates, etc.:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HPFGU-Announcements

HPFGU-OTChatter is for off-topic discussion of just about anything; any questions or
discussion about how to navigate JKR's website should go here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HPFGU-OTChatter

HPfGU also has several auxiliary groups:

HPFGU-Convention, where you can learn about HP conferences and other gatherings:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HPFGU-Convention

HPfGU-Feedback, a forum for discussing list policies, administration, and technical
issues. You need special approval to join this list (to verify that you're a member of
HPfGU). Follow the instructions on the HPfGU-Feedback home page:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HPFGU-Feedback

Various regional groups, so that list members can arrange meet-ups. Links to these can
be found in the Links section on the main list, in the Regional HPfGU Lists folder:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HPforGrownups/links/

HPforGrownups-Archives, which contains all the messages which would not fit in the
Messages Section of YahooGroups, including messages from our old Yahoo Club. Thanks
to Paul Kippes for the wwwizardry involved. :-) These zip files can be downloaded to
your hard drive for keyword searches.

HPforGrownups-Archives (YahooClubs, YahooGroups 0-31999):
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HPforGrownups-Archives

HPforGrownups-Archives II (32000-52999):
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HPforGrownups-Archives2

HPforGrownups-Archives III (53000-82999):
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HPforGrownups-Archives3

HpforGrownups-Archives IV (83000-107999): http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HPforGrownups-Archives4/

All these groups and more can be found through our Portkey:
http://www.hpfgu.org.uk/P.html

You'll note that some of the groups have "HPfGU-" at the front, while others have
"HP4GU-" or even "HPforGrownups-". We're sorry – they were created by a variety of
people and are not standardized. Oops. Our bad.

Sunday Chat: We have a weekly chat on Sundays from roughly 2 pm US Eastern (7pm in
the UK, 11am US West Coast). To get to the party, simply go to:
http://www.chatzy.com/792755223574
Enter a user name for yourself, enter the password: hpfguchat and then click “Join Chat”
on the lower right.

1.5 List Administration

The List Administration Team, aka the List Elves, is collectively responsible for all
administrative and policy decisions governing the entire HPfGU community.

A list of the current and former elves can be found in the Admin Files folder; the file is
entitled "List Elves":
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HPforGrownups/files/Admin_Files/


1.6 Communications from List Administration

Onlist messages from the list elves will always have the prefix "ADMIN" in the subject
line, and they will be signed by a list elf on behalf of the list elves team. The list elves use
Admin messages primarily to announce new policies and other matters of interest
to the HPFGU community, and to issue periodic reminders of our posting guidelines.
Please read and adhere to these messages. Of course, list elves are also list members, and
do participate in the discussions as themselves, fellow list members, not as list elves.

Members should not query or discuss an Admin message onlist. If you have a question
or comment about an Admin message or any policy, please contact the list elves at
HPforGrownups-owner@yahoogroups.com or post about it on the Feedback list.

The list elves also send messages offlist to members, for example, to welcome new
members, answer members' questions, provide posting guidance for new and old
members, and send howlers. These are also official communications and will be signed
with the list elf's elf name on behalf of the list elves team. Make sure that you regularly
check the email account you used to join the group.


1.7 How to Get Help

Simple. Email your personal List Elf, who will have contacted you within a couple of
days after you joined or write to the admin team at
HPforGrownups-owner@yahoogroups.com.

Help Desk: We want all of our members who wish to post to be able to do so without it
being a burden, but we realize that our standards for spelling and grammar might be
problematic for some. So, we offer members with any issues that might make posting
difficult (such as dyslexia, visual impairments, English as a second language) the
services of our Help Desk. The Help Desk would be happy to proofread your posts, or
help work out the best way for you to participate fully in our community. If you think
you could benefit from their help, please contact them at

HPforGrownups-owner@yahoogroups.com.

Please, use these resources. List Elves love getting mail. Contact us with anything you're
not sure about. Technical problems. Book questions. Legal issues. If we don't know, we
can find out for you. Really, email us!


1.8 Posting by New Members

To help members adjust to our list's unique posting conventions, all new members start
out on "moderated" status. This means that your first few posts will automatically take a
detour to our List Elves. One of the elves will review the post to make sure it is formatted
correctly and conforms to the posting guidelines before sending it on to the main list.

The elves may make some minor edits to your post, such as correcting typos, adding a
signature, fixing the subject line, snipping extraneous quoted material, etc. Please make
sure to look at your post when it's reached the list and make note of any edits made; an
elf may also contact you to explain any edits made to your post. The substance of the
post will never be changed, but if you'd rather we not make any edits, please let us know.

The elves may instead return your post to you with a note of explanation so that you
may make the edits yourself. Please don't be offended; this is quite normal as we realize
that our posting conventions are a bit unique and may take some getting used to.
Sometimes a post will appear on the list that's a lot like a post that was sent back to you.
That doesn't mean the elves are selectively enforcing the rules. When unmoderated
members violate list rules, the infractions are addressed offlist after the fact.

As we do return posts or contact people offlist about their posts, please keep an eye on
your email account, especially while you're still on moderated status and especially if
your posts are not showing up on the list.

Sometimes a list elf will add an "Admin Note" (a short comment) at the end of a post; this
doesn't mean there's anything wrong with the post, usually it's a reminder directed to
readers of the post. For example, "Though this post is on-topic, please remember when
replying that OT subject matter should be sent to HPfGU-OTChatter."

Moderated status also applies to the OTChatter, Movie, and Feedback lists. All posts to
the Announcements list are moderated; please note that this group is not a discussion
group, but serves as a "community bulletin board". Please also note, the posting rules
below in Section 2 apply to all our groups.


2. GENERAL COURTESY, NETIQUETTE AND HPFGU-SPECIFIC
CONVENTIONS AND POLICIES

Our posting conventions may be summarized as ordinary netiquette (courtesy to your
fellow group members) plus a few quirks that we think are particularly worthwhile in our
community.

The goals of our list rules are:
- To facilitate fun and intelligent adult discussion of the Harry Potter books.
- To foster an atmosphere of mutual respect for other list members.
- To make it as easy as possible to follow and keep up with our very busy list.

Please observe the following:

2.1 Be Courteous

Do not flame, send obscenities or spam, engage in other discourteous, disrespectful or
illegal behavior or discuss list policy onlist (send comments to

HPforGrownups-owner@yahoogroups.com instead). We welcome debate, but do not attack or insult other list members.

If you disagree with someone's message, no matter how strongly, please respect the other
person's right to his or her own opinion. Cite canon to support your arguments and give
chapter references; when expressing an opinion (as opposed to citing canon) or other
beliefs (e.g., religious) be sure to make this clear ("I believe..." or "In my opinion...").

If you do wish to argue against the post, do so by building up your own case, rather than
just knocking down the other person's. Your post should advance the discussion and not
merely repeat arguments you've already made. There is no need to have the last word in
a discussion. Difficult as it is, when faced with irreconcilable differences, list etiquette
means it is better to walk away.

Also consider how other members of our diverse international community might react to
your post and remember that sarcasm can be difficult to convey in written form. When in
doubt, save your message overnight and reread it in the light of dawn.


2.2 Use the Right List

Put on your Sorting Hat and send your posts to the correct list.

All posts to the main list should discuss the "canon," that is, the written works of JK
Rowling. Discussion of information about the books and characters provided by JK
Rowling in her interviews or website is also permitted.

Posts that discuss the movies should go to HPFGU-Movie, including posts that use the
movies to make a point about the books or that use the movies as a jumping-off point for
canon discussion. Any post that does not discuss the books or movies (such as how to
navigate JK Rowling's website) should go to HPFGU-OTChatter. Posts that announce
or publicize other websites, groups, fics, etc., should be made to HPFGU-Announcements.


2.3 Quoted Material (Or "When You Reply to a Post"):

Please write your post *below* the quoted material (quoted material is the content from
another post you are replying to).

"Top-posting" is not permitted, as members find it very frustrating to read your response
without understanding what you are replying to. Also, top-posters almost never
remember to snip the quoted material (see 2.3.2 below).


2.3.1 Attribution

Please identify the author of quoted material at the beginning of the quote. When
replying to a post containing comments from more than one person, make sure you
attribute each quote to the proper person.

Please preface your comments with your name or handle (for example, "Snapeskitten:")
or sign your posts at the bottom with your name or pseudonym – it helps people quoting
you to properly attribute your comments to you. Do not use "Now me:" as readers of
down-thread responses may have difficulty properly attributing your comments. Finally,
leave some blank space between the quote and your comments.

Please clearly indicate quoted material by using chevrons or angle brackets [>], which
Yahoo and many e-mail programs insert automatically; or by putting quoted material
between quotation marks.


2.3.2 Snipping

People do not like to have to scroll through acres of irrelevant material to find the part
you're replying to (not to mention your new comments!) so please snip (delete) all quoted
material, leaving only the minimum necessary for others to understand your reply. This
basic consideration helps those with slow internet connections and bandwidth concerns.

Snipping properly can be trickier than it sounds, though, so here are some additional
guidelines:

You should assume that anyone reading your response has already read all of the other
messages in the thread, so it is not necessary to reproduce the gist of the entire thread in
your reply.

If you've quoted more than a paragraph without inserting a comment of your own, or if
the quoted material is longer than your own remarks, you probably haven't snipped
enough.

If you are using Yahoo's automatic attribution feature (which happens when hitting
"reply" to a message), please make sure to remove any unnecessary information,
including names of people who are not being quoted in your message. Don't forget to
delete Yahoo footers and ads at the end of the post.

As both attribution and snipping can be confusing at first, we ask that before you post to
the list you first read our Formatting Tutorial, which can be found in the Admin Files
folder in the Files section on the main list:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HPforGrownups/files/Admin_Files/


2.4 Keeping the Posting Volume Manageable

To help keep our posting volume manageable, please do the following:
*read the entire thread before posting, and don't merely repeat what's already been said
*combine all responses on the same topic into a single post
*limit your posting volume to no more than five a day
*don't post a one-line response
*don't post to ask a simple factual question
*send comments like "me too!" or LOL!" offlist, or cleverly insert them into a longer, more
substantive post
*don't post anything that violates the TOU (see section 1.2)


2.4.1 Make Your Post Worthwhile

The best posts are not just written; they are constructed, with an introduction, argument,
supporting evidence from canon, and conclusion. We strongly encourage posters to take
their time writing posts, and to consider before posting whether the post will add
anything new to the discussion or merely repeat things that have already been said.

Before starting a new thread, check to see if there has been a similar discussion in the last
few weeks.


2.4.2 Combining

Read the entire thread before posting, and combine all responses on the same topic (even
if they are in different threads) into one post. To do this, you can simply copy the quotes
you're responding to into an email as you read through the threads, holding off posting
until you're finished. Also, Yahoo's threading function often fails to pick up all the posts
in a thread, so please also check the subject headings of recent posts before responding.


2.4.3 No Introductory or Me-too Posts

Don't post just to say "Hi, I'm Melanie from Wisconsin." We do want to get to know you, but conventions have to be adjusted for a list that gets an average of 10-20 new subscribers each day. Instead, include your introduction within your first substantive post, or post it to OT-Chatter.

Similarly, do not post just to say "great post!" or "me, too!" (even if it takes you three paragraphs to do it). Onlist compliments are welcome, but only as part of a substantive response. If you have nothing to add, please send your compliments offlist.


2.4.4 One-Liners

The HPFGU standard is for members to submit substantive posts; therefore, one-liners are strongly discouraged. Off-topic and "me too" one-liners are not allowed, just as lengthier off-topic and "me too" posts are not allowed. We recognize that the occasional canon-supported or humorous one-liner has its place, but don't forget that a one-liner counts against daily posting limits.


2.4.5 Post Limits

As a courtesy to other list members, please try to limit your posting volume to no more
than five per 24 hour period. Although this is not a strict daily limit, please observe it as a
guideline, as excessive posting is a violation of posting rules.

During times of increased activity on the list, the List Elves may decide to reduce the
posting limit again to 3 per day. If this action is taken, an Admin (or Special Notice) will
be posted to announce the change.


2.5 Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar (and Proofreading!)

Use standard English grammar, standard spelling, capitalization, and punctuation. Bear
in mind that HPFGU members come from many countries, and some speak English as a
second or third language, making it imperative that all members use standard English.

This includes using capital letters at the beginning of sentences, "I" when referring to
yourself, and proper names. Periods should be at the end of sentences, commas in the
middle to show phrasing, and question marks at the end of questions. Please restrain
yourself from using multiple exclamation marks or question marks.

* Never use all lower case letters or, worse still, all CAPITAL LETTERS. It is visually
jarring and using all caps is considered SHOUTING!

* Do not use netspeak. Some common abbreviations are fine (the "btw," "iirc," "afaik"
type) but using numbers or single letters for words ("2" for "to", "u" for "you", "r" for
"are", etc.) are not.

* Please write with paragraphs, separating each of them with an empty line (like this
section). This "white space" makes it much easier on the eyes, as it is exceedingly
straining to read long blocks of unbroken text.

* Before hitting the 'send' button, please take a few minutes to look over your post and
correct any typos, spelling/punctuation errors, or problems with sentence structure or
capitalization. This will make it much easier to read and help in getting across your point.

If you're used to forums where speed is important (chat rooms, role playing games, etc.),
it's easy to fall out of the habit of proofreading. Here, however, your post will be as
relevant in twelve hours as it is now.


2.6 Subject Headings

Use appropriate subject headings so that others can find the topics that interest them
most (e.g., not "Digest 5000," and not "Snape's greasy hair" if the topic has changed to
"Lupin's gray hair"). Not everyone has a good threading function on their e-mail. If you
are combining responses to more than one post, please change the subject heading to
reflect that (e.g., House Elves/Hogwarts Plumbing/Evil!Albus).


2.6.1 Prefixing

We've found that some topics provoke a strong reaction. Some people run screaming at
the sight of them, while others can't get enough. As a courtesy to other readers, please
use the prefixes listed here.

FILK: for HP song parodies
SHIP: Canon-supported speculation about romantic relationSHIPs between the
characters
TBAY (Theory Bay): HPfGU's wild and wacky role-playing posting style, featuring
cyber-action role-playing (CARP) using fictional settings such as Theory Bay and/or
extended metaphors to make a canon point. For more information and examples,
visit Hypothetic Alley.


2.7 Observe Spoiler Rules

If any spoiler rules are in effect, observe them. Also, please be considerate when
revealing spoilers from other works (such as The Lord of the Rings), keeping in mind that
many members will not have read those books.

In other words, observe basic netiquette and the conventions of the list. If you're not sure
of either, ask your List Elf or contact the Admin Team at

HPforGrownups-owner@yahoogroups.com. We lives to serve, sirs and misses!


2.8 Failure to Observe Posting Guidelines

We all make mistakes from time to time, and occasional lapses, such as spelling and
grammar errors, will not earn anyone detention.

However, ignoring our netiquette or posting conventions will result in an offlist
reminder. Repeated violations or more egregious ones, such as personal attacks on other
list members, or doing anything that could be construed as illegal, will result in an offlist
Howler. Receiving too many Howlers could result in you being placed back on
moderated status or even losing posting privileges.

Offlist communications are sent to the email account you used when you joined HPFGU,
so be sure to check this account regularly. If it appears from your posts that you have not
read or heeded our reminders, we will add a note to one of your posts asking you to
contact us; if you do not, we will have to suspend your posting privileges as a last resort
until we hear from you.

For security reasons, we will place anyone who sends spam or viruses to the list on
moderated status immediately. If this was inadvertent on your part, please let us know so
your privileges can be restored.


3. Other Useful Information

3.1 Frequently Asked Questions

HPfGU has put together a list of answers to Frequently Asked Questions. Please read
them before posting. They can be found here:
http://www.hpfgu.org.uk/HPfGU_FAQ_.html and they are also available in
the Admin Files folder in the Files section of the main list:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HPforGrownups/files/Admin_Files/


3.2 What All Those Abbreviations Stand For

We've collected a list of the most common abbreviations used at HPfGU, including
internet abbreviations, HP abbreviations, fanfic terms, emoticons -- and put it into a
separate file called HPfGU_Abbreviations.txt which can be found in the Admin Files
folder in the Files section on the main list:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HPforGrownups/files/Admin_Files/

And don't forget to check out Inish Alley where you'll find a complete list of acronyms
coined by HPfGU members to memorialize their favorite theories. This can be found in
the Database section on the main list:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HPforGrownups/database


3.3 HPFGU's Accumulated Wisdom:

3.3.1 Fantastic Posts and Where to Find Them

HPFGU's Fantastic Posts is a series of topical essays based on the great posts of
yesteryear. They cover a wide range of topics, from JKR to the HP world to the
characters, books and fans. All members should read them – they're witty, entertaining
and informative (low-calorie, too!).
http://www.hpfgu.org.uk/faq/


3.3.2 Recommended Posts Database

As a supplement to the Fantastic Posts essays, the two Recommended Posts database
tables (pre- and post-OOP), found in the Database section:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HPforGrownups/database contain lists of posts identified
by various readers as great posts. We welcome nominations from all our members. If you
read a really thoughtful and well written and/or groundbreaking post that you think
everyone should read, drop us a line at
HPforGrownups-owner@yahoogroups.com.


3.4 The Files, Polls, Links, Database, Photos Sections

Lots to be found in these sections, ranging from excellent essays, old contests, pictures,
photos of list members, film locations, possible geographic locations for places in the
books and all sorts of other things. Check out our polls, where you can register your
opinions on a variety of topics, and wander through the Database section where we have
a number of tables you might like. Loads of links to other places around the HP fandom
in the Links section, too. All can be found via the lefthand menu of the group's
homepage:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HPforGrownups/

Be sure to check out these sections in the OTChatter and Movie groups, too.


4. Other Areas of Online Harry Potter Fandom: Resource Sites

You'll often see various websites and forums referenced at HPfGU; these are excellent
resources to draw upon for the discussions:

J.K. Rowling Official Site
http://www.jkrowling.com - If you thought JKR was cool before,
you should see what she's doing for her fans! Frequently updated by The Woman
Herself, this web site contains interesting tidbits, trivia, rumor-squashing, news items,
and canon clues.

The HP Lexicon
http://www.hp-lexicon.org -Winner of JKR's Fan Site Award July 2004,
the Lexicon is produced by HPfGU member Steve Vander Ark and is perhaps the most
complete resource to the Harry Potter books apart from JK Rowling (and she admits to
using it sometimes when writing away from home!). It deals only with facts from the
books and interviews, and not speculation. It's a truly fantastic work and should be read
by every fan.

The Leaky Cauldron
http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org - A news site for everything HP;
JKR is known to frequent this site.

Quick Quotes
http://www.quick-quote-quill.org - A great tool for searching all the
transcripts of JKR interviews that are posted online.


5. Acknowledgements:

Various incarnations of this document have been written and coded by Amy Z, Debbie,
~Joy~, Kelley, Maria, Queer as John, and Wendy, with many contributions, blatant
nickings, and edits from various sources, including list elves, poltergeists, and Members
Like You.


Do you have comments or questions about this file? Do you have a question not
answered here? Ask your list elf or e-mail the list administrators directly at
HPforGrownups-owner@yahoogroups.com.

* * *
Revised [September 21, 2006]