Regarding the Book Club Comments Section!

In my opinion Snape and Umbridge are both awful people but amazing characters, if that makes any sense? Totally understand why he has fans, just like any well-written antihero (eg Light from Death Note- dislike him but he's brilliantly written). I struggle to see any redeeming qualities in Umbridge, though..both narrators did a really good job portraying her sickening malevolence in the audiobooks, so whichever version he chooses I'm looking forward to Veggie never being able to hear 'hem, hem' without cringing again XD

Jake M

I still think it is sort of "moderate" here with hte discussions. I tend not to comment on thigs on you tube (and in other forum groups). I already had my faire share of hate comments for having "unpopular" views on some characters. Like I really like how Umbridge comes in (as a really sadistic character). Do not get me wrong, I do not like Umbridge - I just think she is an extremely well written character. I sort of tend to defend Snape, since I loved his book version (and yes, I read the books before the films came out - like 3 to that time) and even during the first book I was sure he is just written so obvious villain that he could not be the bad one (and I was already 17 when I read the first book - so maybe I read them in a differnet way then 12 year olds did) The worst thing I ever got told, that I should get my head out of my a.... and drool over Snapey-Poo (and Alan Rickman) since he is a bad person. (the Snapey-Poo stuck with me!) As with Umbridge I have always been able to see he is not a pleasant character and has many, many flaws (and no I would not want him to be my teacher if I am in any house than Syltherin, which I luckily am) I am also a huge fan of almost all the teachers and I still think they are not done justice in the books. Also, IF anything I wirte makes someone uncompfrtable - please feel free to contact me, I am a nice person (my brothers would disagree - but yeah)

Dara Jeeling

I agree entirely with both of you. I've read 1984 which has similar vibes but haven't read Fahrenheit 451, maybe that should be the next book club? XD

Jake M

I totally agree with both of you! Debating or discussing our different viewpoints is great! What I meant was, at a certain point, sometimes you just have to step back and say “we’re not going to agree on this and that’s ok.” We can’t let ourselves get to the point of dismissing other peoples’ thoughts and ideas because that’s not what this is about. I’ve already seen so many things in these stories in a whole new light and I’m loving it! 😊

itsanursething

Different viewpoints are what makes the world. Similar to what Jake said, we are MEANT to interpret things differently. No 2 people are 100% alike. If we all thought the same and all looked the same the world would just be boring. Think to those dystopian society books like Fahrenheit 451 (if you ever read it). It would just be a sad world to live in. I actually enjoyed most of the healthy debates in the comment sections but there was a good 1-2 people who did make it worse by commenting on every thing trying to tell people why they are wrong and basically negate everything a person says. Which made it frustrating. It's just best to agree to disagree and move on. Hopefully this will be the last of the Snape controversy and things can go back to just pure lighthearted fun.

Kunzite Blossom

This is, and always will be a difficult topic. Fans are fans because they care about these characters. Of course I wish those discussions to be civil, but I do understand the heat as well. Especially when it comes to polarizing characters like Snape. Snape is a great character with a lot of flaws, but ultimatley very brave for the way he is dealing with his past. Both sides have their points, but even I have to facepalm if someone argues that Snape is unbiased when it comes to students. Playing favourites is just something you should not do to such an extreme. It is sad that people feel unsafe to comment, I thought the comment section had a normal amount of heated arguments. I've seen far worse in most anime communitys.

Florian Krause

Hey Veg. So, I've been a moderator of a political discussion page/thread for 10+ years now. It's not what I do for a living, but it's part of my experience. From that experience, what I wanted to say is that you're doing great. Thanks for looking out for the community. You're awesome.

Frederique Gillespie

I'm so sorry if this has been upsetting for you Veggie, and thank you for speaking out! I have to say, I've definitely stayed out of certain discussion threads recently where I may have had something valuable to contribute, simply because the tone on one or both sides was far too aggressive for my liking. But it's not all bad! I've had some very friendly, kind and constructive discussions with many members of this group that have actually meant a lot to me. ♥ I think the most important thing (at least for me) to bear in mind is that the point of these discussions should never be to argue, but to come to a better understanding of another person's point of view. If you can reach an agreement, then great, but convincing someone you're 100% correct in your views should never be the be all and end all. Finally, just to echo what itsadancething has also said, I know I can get very passionate about these Harry Potter discussions. I always try my very hardest to be respectful and constructive, and never to come off as aggressive or to make anyone feel uncomfortable - if I ever fail in this, please, call me out! I hate to think of anyone feeling unwelcome in this fandom.

Rebecca May

You're a legend and a saint Mr. Veggie

Koala Banana

I think disagreeing viewpoints makes for a healthy debate! If we all interpreted things the same way, there would be no need for discussion. It's when insults and shutting people down and such get added that it becomes detrimental.

Jake M

I know I can get passionate and I apologize if I came across aggressive to anyone. Please, if this ever happens, call me out on it! I may not be aware that I’m doing it. I am always open to learning and growing as a person. I love this series and this fandom and I would feel terrible if I made anyone feel uncomfortable. We are all entitled to our opinions and biases about the story and the characters. I know it clouds my view in some areas! It’s ok to agree to disagree and also for characters to be more than just one thing 😊

itsanursething

Yeah, you're right Veggie. There really is no point in arguing about opinions (especially on characters) since neither side will convince the other (as I've seen in all my discussions). I don't know if I've been someone that made people uncomfortable (I certainly don't hope so 😕 and I apologize if I have!) but I know that I was a few times at the very least on the verge of getting unpleasant in my discussions😕... So I think it will actually also add to my own enjoyment of these comment sections, if I desist from those kinds of discussion in the future.🤔 Thanks for reminding me that there is also the option to coexist instead of challenge🙂...I think I really needed it.😕

Diego Zenhäusern

Stole my line. LOL

Frederique Gillespie

Yeah, it has become a bit intimidating to comment regarding certain topics. Honestly, I didn’t really want to mention it and then ruin your favourite part of the videos! That felt unfair too. I’m sure we can get things back to a more open place!!

Giorgia M

TROLL! IN THE COMMENTS! Thought you ought to know...

Jake M

Expellium troll-o!

Puns for the win!

Tommy Ross

I'm glad you've said this, I was a little worried after reading some of the comments in the last book club... We all need to remember, it's a work of fiction open to interpretation and we shouldn't attack each other for having different views. Absolutely lovely this aspect of your videos Veggie and would hate to see it end because we weren't able to keep things civil! Or should I say Sybill? 😂

Jake M