I see three basic positions represented:

1) We want to discuss the elephant. We feel previous elephants have been discussed, that this exception to the stated policy has precedence. Please, please, please let us discuss the elephant in the main thread.

2) The spoiler-phobes have gotten out of control. We're afraid to post anymore. We want the website and offical ME press releases considered non-spoilery.

3) We enjoy watching the show unfold. We like the policy the way it is, the less we know the better. We'd prefer if you'd whitefont questionable matters but we don't think it should be policy.

There is a fourth position that has been referenced but I don't see represented at all which is: Don't tell us any thing about any actor past, present or future who may be on the show.

You know, saying that Leonard Nimoy will not be on AtS is not a spoiler. Saying that he will be is. Saying that AA will be returning is not a spoiler (because, IMO, status quo is the expected);

So what you're saying is, the Spoilerfree determine what is and isn't a spoiler, and you'll just let the rest of us know?

"Hey everyone, I heard that Christian Kane will not be returning, and since I'm spoiled, and I heard from the other 14 people who are spoilerfree that they know it, we can discuss that."

Not trying to be hyperbolic, I'm trying to find where this line is, who decides that line, and whether or not that line increases or decreases the spirit of the thread.

Edited for grammar, which will henceforth be known as, "EFG"

Sean, the lead-up conversation was in lightbulbs. The proposal was in bureaucracy. That's the way it works.

A couple of questions to clarify terms:

1. When I refer to the BCS, I'm referring to one specific actor, and not to the entire suite of possible change(s) to the AtS main cast. Is this also how other people are using it?

2. My impression is that anti-spoiler refers to discussing the plans of actors who have not ever been in the AtS credits, but theoretically could--AtS recurring characters, and BtVS main and recurring characters. Is this correct?

3. If my understanding of the above is correct, how do the people who would be OK with a compromise allowing us to discuss the BCS in the Angel thread feel about including other possible additions/deletions to the main cast in that compromise?

I don't see represented at all which is: Don't tell us any thing about any actor past, present or future who may be on the show.

That's perceived climate.

My point of view is kind of a combination of the first two points. I think some things are promoted by the network and the production company. I think we should allow discussion on those things. I think the BCS is an example of something being promoted we're not allowed to discuss.

While the BCS may disappear, I don't think the issue will.

So what your saying is, the Spoilerfree determine what is and isn't a spoiler, and you'll just let the rest of us know?

Allyson, in my edit I discuss my realisation that I was, somehow, expecting that my definitions were the norm. I may not have sufficiently explained that of course I should not expect that.

It seems that the only way we have to tell us what a spoiler is, is our spoiler policy. But, clear as that policy is to some, it does seem to have become muddied.

ita - I'm just checking in and skimming periodically. I can't find the info you asked me to white out in that post that you linked. If you white it out (because I'm blind) or if any other stompy does, I will not be offended.

Heather, part of what frustrates me is that I have been spoiled by people who thought what they were talking about was common knowledge... It's not.

I think why they think it is common knowledge is that it is official. And that's part of our reason for wanting the available sources broadened from network tv promos to all official promos. You may easily avoid it (although you haven't) or may not get exposed to it because you see the shows on other networks. That doesn't mean it isn't common knowledge. I, for one, am way more likely to see an official cast list than I ever am to see a WB season promo? Does that negate the season tv promos from list, too?

Yes, Allyson, that is what she is saying. The policy should be up to Elena t /sarcasm

Until now unspoiled has been the default and spoilers had to go elsewhere (since people can't be UNspoiled once sullied).

Sean, the lead-up conversation was in lightbulbs. The proposal was in bureaucracy. That's the way it works.

Actually, I don't think there can be 2 proposals on the floor at the same time.

I'm not saying that to be a bitch; I think that's our policy. So I actually don't know how one would get Lightbulbs closed, unless there was something definitely definite, and I think there are too many people who think there is NOT definite reason to close the thread right now.