George Orwell Matters! discussion

Our Group Rules:

Not to get too Big Brother about this, but with an author like George Orwell it might be best to spell it out!

1. Be respectful and courteous at all times. Please treat others how you would like to be treated. No inappropriate behaviour is allowed i.e. no swearing, cyber-bullying, or disrespect of any sort eg. of political opinions or religious beliefs.

2. Be an active member when you can, and join in.

3. No party politics! We are here to discuss George Orwell's works, not party politics. Please keep your comments to the remit of the group. Keep it relevant: only use specific examples when they form part of a discussion of a particular group read, of a work by George Orwell. Do not proselytise; political campaigning is not allowed. Please discuss issues in broad terms, and be objective. This is an international group, so try not to be insular; do not talk exclusively about your own country, or assume that everyone has your viewpoint. Any mention of current political figures or parties is likely to be deleted from the group.

4. Only the moderator of this group can post threads to the main folders in the book club. This is to avoid duplication, and to keep the group organised. However, if you would like to post a thread, you may do so in the "Members' Threads". Anywhere else and it will be deleted.

5. If you are an author as well as a reader, you may do book promotions, but only in the "Members' Threads" folder. You may also advertise your blog in this folder. However, please also join in with our reading activities, and be aware that if you promote your book anywhere other than this folder, then the post will be deleted.

6. Please be aware that if you break any of the group rules regarding respect for our members, you will receive one warning, and if this is ignored you will then be removed from the group. Also, please know that the moderator reserves the right to delete any posts which are considered offensive or inappropriate.

Thanks!

PLEASE NOTE: A shortened form of these rules will pop up whenever you visit a new thread. This is not an accident - it is to remind everyone, as all groups have slightly different rules. It is easy to get rid of these by refreshing your page.

Why RULE 3?

This may cause some new members to raise their eyebrows, as George Orwell was motivated by his political views all his life. However, our rule states "No party politics!" and talks about political campaigning, and naming individuals such as current heads of state. It is difficult to put succinctly, as Goodreads limits the space for rules, so you see a shortened form in the pop-up.

Rule 3 is not intended as a dampener on discussion, but to protect us all. As an experienced moderator (4 groups currently) I have found this necessary, by watching other groups go into meltdown with vicious diatribes and insults hurled back and forth. This almost always has a party political basis. And it is usually very insular and parochial. Whatever is under discussion, some cannot seem to discuss it in context, but have to bring in the current political situation in their own country, and worse, proselytising and going completely off the point :( In Politics and the English Language, George Orwell has a lot to say about the meaningless hyperbole and metaphors used in political campaigning. His party political views were very complex, and he supported different causes at different points in his life.

George Orwell's contention in Why I Write is that the best writing is writing with a political purpose. But he did not relate this to any political party whatsoever! He was speaking much more broadly, using "political" in its proper sense, as relating to and defining the way that people living in groups make decisions.

I hope this explains our rule 3, in case you are wondering. Sadly there are some on Goodreads who do not discuss respectfully, and the rule is intended for that very small minority, should they ever come across this group and want to cause trouble.

All the rules are non-negotiable. Thanks!