[HPFGU-Feedback] Re: ADMIN: We'd Like to Pick Your Brains About TBAY

[Jennifer Boggess Ramon]

Chiming in late as usual . . .

>  > 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?

A TBAY theory is a theory that has become sufficiently nuanced in the 
minds of its adherents and detractors to become a character, prop, or 
setting.  (Stoned!Harry, the MAGIC DISHWASHER, and the Good Ship 
LOLLIPOPS, for instance.)  A TBAY message is a post about one or more 
such theories that has become a narrative in order to accommodate the 
theory/ies.  That it is narrative rather than persuasive makes it 
different from a regular post, to me.

>  > 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 haven't read more than a few posts a day of the main list at all 
since June, mostly because of time issues on my part, but prior to 
that I specifically sought out TBAY posts to read, especially ones by 
established posters.  I don't recall whether I've ever posted in full 
TBAY format, but I've sailed on the LOLLIPOPS and took a ride on the 
Fourth Man hovercraft before Hurricane Jo capsized it.

>  > 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 don't have any accessibility issues, but I do agree that some 
topics are more suited to TBAY format than others.  I also was around 
before the Bay exploded, which probably helped.  I might find it far 
more confusing if I were following it closely now.

>  > 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?

I think I agree with GulPlum that if you have to ask, you're not 
ready yet.  I was wary about posting in TBAY style even when there 
were far fewer denizens of the bay, not because I didn't like the 
theories but because there's a certain craft in the narrative, which 
I'm not always up to.  For that reason, I also don't think there's 
anything wrong with responding to a TBAY post outside of the TBAY 
format.
-- 

  - Boggles, aka J. C. B. Ramon			boggles(at)earthlink.net
"It is not knowledge, but the act of learning, not possession but the 
act of getting there, which grants the greatest enjoyment. "
	- Gauss, in a Letter to Bolyai, 1808.