TBAY questions

[Tiggersong]

Dear Abigail,

>1. We'd like to know how you perceive TBAY. How would
>you describe TBAY messages? What do you feel is the
>most important >aspect of a TBAY message? What does
>the term 'TBAY theory' mean to you? What, if any, is
>the difference between a TBAY theory and a regular
>HPfGU theory? 
 
I've always assumed that the TBAY theories are ones
which some poster cared enough about to phrase in TBAY
format.  

>2. Do you read TBAY messages? Have you ever posted a
>TBAY message? If you have, what prompted you to do
>so? Have you ever wanted to respond to a TBAY thread
>but chose not to because of the format? What about
the
>TBAY format made you reluctant to post?

I don't tend to read TBAY messages.  The few I've read
are amusing, but I get a strong feeling that the whole
thing is an exercise in in-jokes and Old-School
camaraderie.  I have, therefore, never posted in any
TBAY thread; both the format and my lack of
understanding of the personality politics have made me
feel like it's impossible to get in.  
Ah, here's a better way of phrasing it:  TBAY feels to
me like it's performance theater; I'm watching
theorists act out their theories.  Sort of.

>3. How accessible do you find the TBAY format? Do you
>find discussions of older theories (such as MAGIC
>DISHWASHER) on TBAY more or less accessible then
>discussions of older theories in regular posts (such
>as Evil!Lupin)? Do Hypothetic Alley (home of several
>major TBAY theories)and Fantastic Posts help to make
>TBAY posts more accessible? What can veteran TBAY-ers
>do to make newbies feel more welcome?

I find older theories completly impenetrable. 
However, since I don't have lots of time to read the
list, and I scramble just to keep up with the regular
postings/threads I'm trying to follow, I haven't spent
any time in Fantastic Posts or Hypothetic Alley trying
to get information.  AND, I didn't know to look there.
 (Yes, this is probably me being dumb and not reading
information clearly posted, and for that I apologise.)
 As for making TBAY more accessible and making newbies
more welcome, something like a roll call list with
names of TheoryShips and the Captains of same might be
a good start.  Apparently there are people in a
"Control Room" - it would be helpful to know who they
are also...  (I can feel it: now I'm rambling.)

>4. What do you find confusing about TBAY? What would
>you like to know before posting? What would make you
>more likely to post in a TBAY style?

Uhm.  I guess I don't find TBAY superconfusing
exactly.  More like it's an inclub and I'm too new
(and too much of a lurker) to be 'in'.  (I'm not
offended by my lack of 'in' status.  I don't work hard
enough at my posts and theories to earn 'in' status.) 
So, I'm probably never going to post in TBAY format. 
If I had a better understanding of what the theories
are and who believes what, I might *read* more of
them, though.

Deep breath.  I think this is the longest post I've
ever made to any HPfGU list.  I'm so proud of it. 
*pets post on the head*  I hope it's not going to
offend anyone.

Stasia

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