Mail Formats (was Re: An Elfly Reminder)

[Steve]

--- In HPFGU-Feedback at yahoogroups.com, "Jordan Abel" <random832 at ...>
wrote:
>
> I would like permission ... to start an experiment: 
> zero quote posting.
> 
> ... instead of quoting ... others' message .... 
> instead appropriately paraphrase for context. Where 
> necessary ..., _short_ verbatim quotes could be included, 
> but properly included in text with an indication of what 
> was said and included in proper "quotation marks" ...
> 
> ...

bboyminn:

I'm probably treading on thin ice here with the Mods, but what you are
proposing is not absolutely against the rules. While the rules here
are strict, they also have some flexibility for the dynamics of
discussion and a reasonable context driven need. 

For example, there are many times when I reply specifically to the
subject of a thread, but not to any one specific person. In that case,
I sometimes don't quote anyone since, as I said, I'm not replying
specifically to anyone. If fact, there are times when I do briefly
quote a previous poster and then make a general comment, and get in
trouble because the poster is sure I'm referring to him/her.

While it would be considered non-standard and not acceptable for
general use, a post where you paraphrase rather than quote a previous
poster might be valid within a certain context. 

Also, within a fair and reasonable context, you might be able to quote
a previous poster /in-line/. But again that would be considered
non-standard and wouldn't be acceptable for general use. Further, you
would still be require to atribute the quote to the person making that
statement.

For example-
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
On the subject of Harry's future happiness, I am reminded of what
Honest_Abe said in a previous post -

"Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be."
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I don't think you would get any grief for that statement in that context.

Lastly, all posters are encouraged to Trim/Snip/Edit out as much of
the previous post as is reasonable possible. While it is done all the
time, it is frowned on when you post the previous posters complete
statement. So, trimming things down to the minimum is a good thing.
Yes, if people want full details, they can simply go up-thread and
read the full post. But in your/our reply, we want to trim it down to
just the key aspects. If there is one area where we all are most lazy,
this is probably it.

My point is that the rules, as ridged as they may seem, do contain a
fair and reasonable amount of flexibility. However, you seem to be
looking for a way around the rules altogether rather than a fair and
reasonable exception.

The rules here, regardless of what you think of them, work. Also, note
that many of us have resisted them in the beginning, myself included.
But, relax, go with the flow, and in time they will become second
nature, and you will grow to appreciate them. 

There is a thread in the main group now that has a title something
like 'Voldemort must be assimilated. Resistance is futile'. With no
intent for offense, we could apply that to you. Though what is at
stake is far less significant that the fate of the world or your
personal soul. Still, I think if you just ride it through for two or
three months until it all becomes second nature, you will see that the
rules really do make for orderly discussions. 

I've been in other less ridged groups, and yes you can decipher what
is being said, if you are willing to wade through all the confusing
formatting, incoherent babble and infantile musings. Here we keep the
discussion focused, clearly formated, and on-topic even if it means a
little extra work for everyone.

Really, at least for a while, go with the flow.

Steve/bboyminn