Are we really that old?

[Penny Linsenmayer]

No: HPFGUIDX 187825

It's been so long since I posted that I don't even know where to start, but
I promised Heidi I would, so here we go.  :D

1.  How long have you been a member of HPFGU?

For those who don't remember me (and why would you, I haven't posted
anything since 2003 I don't think) -- I was the 2nd "list mom" for this
group.  I joined the Yahoo Club version of this group in January 2000, when
there were only about 100 members.  About 2 months later, the original owner
of the group approached me about taking over ownership as she was too
swamped with other interests to keep up with the group anymore.  I was List
Mom, flying solo, for some time after GoF was released, but then the list's
explosive growth led me to recruit a few other people to be group moderators
also (Flying_Ford_Anglia and John were the first 2 moderators).  We
eventually expanded to a team of 7 moderators and numerous List Elves.....
but I admit to not knowing what kind of admin structure is in place now.  :)

2.  How did you find us?

Surfing the web after finishing PoA and desperate to talk to other obsessed
fans, I found the Yahoo Club version

3. What was your best and/or most unexpected experience here?

The lasting friendships made with this large and diverse group of fans!

4.  What's been your favourite topic of discussion?

Well, I haven't discussed anything here since 2003, but back then it would
have been: Harry/Hermione shipping, Hermione generally, Sirius and the
Marauders, PINE (Percy is Not Evil), HP is not "just" children's literature,
and crazy flint-like things like the Student Population at Hogwarts.

5.   Favourite post of your own to the group?

I truly don't remember and no time to search.

6.  Favourite post of anyone else's to the group?

See above, but I do remember well that post that Heidi referenced about
"Sirius Dead Sexy and I heard JKR say it myself."  That was a good one!  :)

7.   If you were given the chance, what would you ask JKR?

Well ..... that's tough to answer for several reasons.  Yeah, I think I'll
just say "pass."

8.   Have any of your online friendships here gone on to real life
meetings/friendships?

Yes, absolutely!   Many of my Facebook friends are old long-time HP fandom
friends, and I've been very involved with HPEF events, starting with
Nimbus.  It's always great to meet up with my friends here, and some of them
have been my friends for nearly 10 years.  Amazing!

I'm really glad to know that this group is still going strong, and if I had
more than token free time these days (my kids are 8 and 4.5), I would love
to participate some.  Maybe someday?  After all, it looks like the group
will be here for many years to come, and that's a good thing to know.
Thanks to everyone who has worked so hard to keep it running smoothly!

Penny


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