Fanfic and differences of opinion

[hp_lexicon]

No: HPFGUIDX 38990

Amanda and Heidi are quite right. My point of view is that fanfic is 
wonderful and exciting and well worth the time and effort it takes 
to write and to read. I, however, do not read fanfic. That is 
entirely for personal reasons, mostly having to do with the fact 
that when I write something for the Lexicon I do not want non-canon 
information creeping in. Simple as that.

But I do have something more to say. I have spent a horrible eight 
months fighting against a small group of people who think they are 
entitled to force others to believe the way they do. I lost. It 
wasn't because I don't know how to argue a point or that I didn't do 
my research. And it wasn't because I was wrong and they were right. 
It's simply because they have the power in this situation and when 
all was said and done, they pulled rank. Now I'm wondering if they 
might be able to knock me down personally--that's still up in the 
air. Since they have officially declared Harry Potter to be Evil, my 
website suddenly becomes an endorsement of Evil. They have the 
power. You do the math.

Now here on the list we are discussing another matter, one where we 
have differences of opinion. Wonderful. That's what makes 
conversations/discussions so much fun. But reading some of what 
people have written makes me pretty darn nervous, probably just 
because I'm overly sensitive. Please don't let the differences turn 
into trying to make everyone agree with one point of view. I have 
discovered just how horrible that kind of approach can be. In this 
case, each approach is perfectly valid and acceptable. That's the 
truth of it. Go ahead and make your choice and explain why. But 
don't expect everyone else to slap their forehead and say, "You 
know, you're right, I'll change my mind." 

By the way, I did read the first few chapters of an absolutely 
delightful fanfic about Draco written by Heidi and I loved every 
word of it. I plan to finish it this summer, when I'm free to think 
the way I please. 

Steve
battered but not defeated
yet