Those are the two extremes, Katie. They do not represent the full spectrum of possibility.

Jess, I can't speak for everyone, but I can tell you that I think exactly what Katie whitefonted. And it's the most likely explanation.

Katie - I don't agree that those are the only possibilities - see Lyra Jane's post and I think there are even more possibilities. And again, this information will be evident from the pre-season promos (which are already fair game), the title credits (the ones that run with photos, while the theme song plays), and was long ago officially announced by the WB in a "We renewed the series, here's the regular cast" sort of announcement.

People are not going to get this information first from the plot. Are people (sincerely) really getting their HSQ moments from the title credits sequence?

When, how, why, where did this change?

our previously agreed upon definition of non-spoiler

Elena, this is in no way to single you out. I think this statement, however, is where some of the issues are coming from. When did this become "our previously agreed upon definition of non-spoiler" and who agreed to it?

By definition, the fact that SMG had chosen to leave BtVS was a casting spoiler. It should not have been discussed ever. Period. And we should now be living in a state of "What will happen in S8?" But that was, for me and I think for many other people, taking spoiler status too far.

The question is, for me, when do casting changes become news as opposed to spoilers? If, for example, an ME cast member had been arrested for hypothetical X event and wouldn't be on the show for an extended period, should we not ever discuss it?

Could someone explain to me why it's a problem to not openly discuss the issue(s) until they meet our previously agreed upon definition of non-spoiler?

Under the current definition, I don't know if that kind of news would ever be considered non-spoilery. The anger comes from things being declared spoilers for no apparent reason, when they were openly discussed in the past.

ASH. JAR. AA.

AH being in American Wedding. SMG being in Scooby Doo.

All. Not. Spoilers.

Why is this summer suddenly different, and how did it change with no discussion on the matter? That is where the anger comes from.

Could someone explain to me why it's a problem to not openly discuss the issue(s) until they meet our previously agreed upon definition of non-spoiler?

Given we discussed SMG after The Gift, and ASH's status, I don't see this as meeting the previously agreed upon definition of non-spoiler or spoiler, or whatever. It's like someone took the definition and planted a really thick hedge around it.

X-post with juliana and Jess. Elena - I was just trying to answer you, not pig-pile on you.

I can tell you that I think exactly what Katie whitefonted.

But you drew that conclusion based on spoiler-free speculation. Nothing I can spoil you for would confirm or deny it.

And again, this information will be evident from the pre-season promos (which are already fair game),

Yes, and when the pre-season promos air then it will be fair game to talk about it.

I think this statement, however, is where some of the issues are coming from. When did this become "our previously agreed upon definition of non-spoiler" and who agreed to it.

It's been our definition of spoiler since we were on WX, agreed upon by the people who have been members of our community as we were building it.

And, yes, SMG not renewing would technically be a spoiler, but it was in magazines and newspapers that were not entertainment related. My local newspaper had a headline about it (and a full colour picture - oooh) and this is a case of something really being common knowledge.

I just don't know that this/these items are at that point. And if they are I will bow out and shut my mouth. But I would hate to see people spoiled - as I was spoiled - by those who think that 'everyone knows'.

But you drew that conclusion based on spoiler-free speculation.

No, Jess, I drew that conclusion after being spoiled for the news twice. The first time entirely explicitly, the second time by inference.

I am startled by the impression that "everyone knows", and even more startled that I was asked how I knew everyone didn't know.

However, I'm fully opined that "most everyone will know".

Now, I have absolutely no discussion to have about any of the casting news I know, and I suspect that many who are burning to talk about it -- have.

Jess [to pluck a name out of the hat], what do you gain by having the news no longer a spoiler? How does this balance with the virgins (who have stated what they lose by being exposed)?

Okay, backing up: I know we had a discussion where we decided on spoiler rules. I think it was post-Giles-leaving - either on WX or when we moved here. Does anyone remember when that was? Because if we can track down what we agreed to, maybe we can figure out why people have different memories of what "generally agreed-to" means.

It's entirely possible that we used the word "spoiler" and didn't realize that people would have different definitions of that, of course.

(And on that note, I'm off to an hour-and-a-half meeting which, frankly, I'd rather be discussing spoiler policy minutiae. See y'all later.)