Why are Potter-Haters Still Here? (Ranting)

[potioncat]

 "Katie"  wrote:
 
> I just am finding the main group less and less fun, and it's 
because 
> the threads seem to be getting really negative and unpleasant. And 
I 
> know that if I hated something, I sure wouldn't waste my time and 
> effort writing about it. Like, I hate brussel sprouts, and I don't 
> belong to a brussel sprouts discussion group. :) 

Potioncat:
I like brussel sprouts and I wouldn't join a brussel sprouts 
discussion group!  ;-)

Well, I feel  your pain. I see two things going on, but I haven't 
been reading all the posts or following all the threads.

There are some long time members who are honestly disillusioned by 
DH. For whatever reason, it did not meet expectations. These are 
members who have spent a deal of time and thought on the series over 
the years; they are people who have written incredible posts, done 
research, debated carefully. So it saddens me to hear their 
disappointment. But in most cases, I'd rather they stay and make 
their case, than leave. I even agree with some of them--or to some 
extent.

The other thing I've seen, that I don't recall seeing like this 
before (I've been a member of the main list for several years.) is 
members telling each other that they shouldn't be posting. Or that an 
thread shouldn't be continued. I think that as long as someone wants 
to discuss it, a topic is viable. It wouldn't make much sense to post 
if no one posted back.

I've quickly stopped reading many current threads because of the 
negativity or because they've become repetitive. I generally read 
only those posts written by folk I know, unless I'm enjoying the 
thread. I can barely keep up doing that!

There have always been trolls. (A troll is someone who comes to the 
list just to stir up trouble.) There have been some HP-fans who like 
to make mischief and will play devil's advocate for the fun of it. 
But now I think there's also a feeling of sadness in general that the 
last book has been written. I think it's coming out in how we respond 
to things.

So, I'm trying to encourage you (collective you or is it impersonal 
you?) to stick with the main list. Even if it's just to dart in and 
out.

> Katie:
> By the way, Potioncat's new thread about "One Moment" is a lovely 
> breath of fresh air, and I thank her for that. 

Potioncat:
<blushes> oh, I think I'll come here more often! Thanks, I'm enjoying 
the way that one's playing out, too.