[HPforGrownups] Just wondering

[Amanda Geist]

No: HPFGUIDX 106869

Not speaking officially; just from long list experience, and hoping to
clarify. Elves, I invite correction if my understanding is incorrect.

Inge:

> I just wonder. Not too long ago there was a thread on homosexuality > in
HP and in general. The thread was taken off the list because (as I > was
told in a private email by my elf) it was not canon talk.

I have not been paying close attention. But to my knowledge, the thread
wasn't "taken off." The focus was clarified. This is my understanding: (1)
Discussions of homosexuality in general--statements of personal background
and experience a la "qualifications" to discuss the subject, position
statements, etc.--that was what I think was discouraged. (2) Actual analysis
of the canon in terms of homosexual themes, overtones, hints, etc.--that is
perfectly acceptable here.

This can be a fine line and difficult to distinguish sometimes. I know that
in the past, listmembers have run an "advance copy" of a post past the list
administration to help clarify which side of the "canon line" it fell on,
maybe you should do something similar?

Threads do just get talked out, too. Sometimes the list, collectively, tires
of one subject and focus shifts. If you hang about long enough, I guarantee
you'll see threads repeat, as new members come in or new thoughts occur.

> Why then is it allowed to keep posting on the French article-thing
> and discussing political stuff that happens to be no more canon than
> the gay thread?
<snip>
> Why not ask members to keep those political grumbling posts private
> as well?

Understand: even if every person who has posted on a certain thread has been
sent a huge howler that flamed and swore--the list at large will not know
this. As you yourself have experienced, discussions with posters about the
appropriateness of a post take place "offscreen."

I have no idea if the posters to which you refer have been contacted. But I
do know that if they have, it would not be something the rest of the list
would generally know about.

As to your actual question? I can't answer; and as you suspected, this isn't
really the place to ask. That would probably be a list elf.

~Amanda