[HPforGrownups] Like ships that pass in the night...

[Sheryll Townsend]

No: HPFGUIDX 8278


--- Neil Ward <neilward at dircon.co.uk> wrote:
> I'm a bit disappointed that, of late, the so-called
> 'shipper' debate has moved away from friendly,
> good-natured teasing and taken on a rather bristly
> tone.  Surely, there is no need for that in an
> enlightened literary discussion group?  
> 
> The relationships and potential relationships
> between the three main characters in the Harry
> Potter books are, IMO, valid topics for discussion,
> and although a lot of it ends up filed under "that
> old chestnut" on my computer I don't agree with the
> suggestion that it is now just gainsaying between
> the H/He and R/He camps.  With new people joining
> all the time we often end up repeating previous
> discussions and get valuable new input. I've had my
> mind changed several times by points made in this
> group. 
> 
> I think one of the the main reasons romantic
> pairings are such an enduring topic here is that
> there is a *huge* subculture of HP fanfiction
> dealing with relationships between the characters
> and, inevitably, some of that has encroached upon
> this group.  Anyone who has joined our Sunday chats
> recently will have noticed that shipping and fanfic
> now feature heavily there (and it goes way beyond
> H/He and R/He, I can assure you!).  A lot of the
> 'clique' talk goes over my head, because I've only
> read a smattering of fanfic, but I either ride it
> out (and maybe pick up some recommendations on the
> best fanfics to read), attempt to change the subject
> or log off.  What I don't do is say "shut up and
> talk about something else."
> 
> Now... let's all join hands and skip around in a
> circle of friendship: the most important 'ship' of
> all.
> 
> Neil

Beautifully said, Neil. I think the important thing
for us to remember is that we've managed to find so
many people of diverse backgrounds and viewpoints, all
of whom have something in common and can come together
to discuss it. While I may not be a particularly vocal
poster on this list, I always enjoy finding out how
others view the books and look forward to checking my
email and hearing what everyone has to say.

On that note, I wish you all a very Happy New Year and
wish you all the best in 2001.

Sheryll, who must now go try to stop the cat from
eating tinsel off the Christmas tree.

=====
"Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy and taste good with ketchup."

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