ADMIN: List Disagreements, Posting Expectations and Courtesy

[cubfanbudwoman]

No: HPFGUIDX 177424

Greetings from Hexquarters!

In the last few weeks, the Elves have noticed several posts which can
be construed as attacks on individual posters rather than
disagreement with their opinions. We understand that it can be
difficult to discern when a statement will cause offense, especially
when your own opinion is heartfelt. In light of our divergent
emotional and intellectual responses to the books, and the way in
which those views may be expressed, we ask our posters to remember
the following:

*We are a very diverse group brought together by the HP series.
Given our wide range of of experience and differences in
values/belief systems, educational background, and understandings of
the function and meaning of literature, our readings and reactions to
DH and the series as a whole will necessarily differ. Different
readers will attach different meanings and draw different inferences
from the same words.

*We welcome all viewpoints, positive and negative. Especially in this
period of adjustment to the reality of a completed canon, please
remember to respect the validity of other approaches to the books
than your own, no matter how strong your disagreement, keeping in
mind that you're unlikely to win many converts to your positions.

*When posting, aim to make sure others understand your position and
provide canon references to support your arguments. Do not
press an argument in the face of irreconciliable differences.

*If you feel that your position has been misunderstood or that
someone has made a factual error, please point such things out
gently. No one enjoys feeling attacked or having their mistakes
highlighted. Remember that our posting rules ask members to be
courteous to one another. Also consider how other members of our
diverse international community might react to your post and remember
that sarcasm can be difficult to convey in written form.

*In particular, please keep in mind that where beliefs clash, it's
easy to misinterpret a comment about the books as a personal insult,
and accordingly, choose your words carefully, use opinion language
(e.g., "I believe" or "in my opinion) where appropriate, try to avoid
characterizing the people who hold opposing viewpoints, and where
someone characterizes your position in a way that raises your
defenses, seek clarification before assuming you have been insulted.

Happy Posting!

The List Elves