Why I love HPFGU

[John Walton]

In the spirit of sharing what we think makes our fandom and our groups
fantastic, I'm going to share too. In fact, I encourage all older list
members to do so -- it's sometimes tough to share a spirit of community when
we have a sudden influx of new members, so let's hear why you're here.

Surprisingly to some people, I rarely get that "oh, being a Mod is
thankless" feeling which pervades other lists and fandoms. HPFGU is such a
rewarding place to be a part of -- and actually takes a big chunk of my
curriculum vitae (that's my resume' for the Americans who don't speak Brit).
Why, you ask? Well, I feel that it's an amazing learning experience -- the
range of people participating in the group is simply astounding.

>From schoolteachers to lawyers to stay-at-home parents to students to
journalists to architects to ministers, the people on this list are
fan-bloody-tastic -- caring, willing to listen and, perhaps most
importantly, willing to lend support in times of need. Nowhere else on the
net would I feel comfortable asking for good vibes for my Aunty Jan, who's
fighting a recurrence of breast cancer (update -- the growth is reducing
with chemotherapy and she can now eat and breathe properly again! Thanks
guys!). I've seen others unburden themselves, whether in chat or on
OTChatter, and every time it occurs to me what a community we have here.

I've met up with various of us off-line in NY -- we truly are as delightful
a group in person as we are online. And that's something.

Well...I have to go to bed, or I won't be awake tomorrow :D

Love you guys.

--John
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"People see you sneaking out of my bedroom at 2am, they might get the wrong
idea."
"Thanks," said Harry, and took the cloak.
"On the other hand, it could only enhance my reputation as a major stud,"
added Draco cheerfully.
--Draco Veritas, Chapter 3, by Cassandra Claire, at www.fictionalley.org

John Walton -- john at walton.vu
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