Everything up to and including HBP is fine - I think it is probably unreasonable to expect any fansite to completely cover every spoiler from that book now. It's been out for ages, and most people will have read it by now.

But from this point, any topics containing information about Deathly Hallows MUST be covered by a SPOILER warning in the title of the thread. We would also ask that you use the SPOILER TAGS within your posts to hide any words or phrases that could be regarded as spoilers. This is particularly important if you are posting in a thread outside the protected DH forum, for example, in one of the club threads in the Lounge.

All you need to do is put [spoiler ][ /spoiler] around the word/sentence that is a spoiler (only without the spaces). If someone wants to read it, then they'll have to click on it.

Any threads started with spoilers in the headings or that do not carry spoiler warnings will be edited at a moderator's discretion. Repeatedly posting spoilers after being asked not to will result in an official warning. Please don't make that necessary

If there are any questions or concerns regarding VTM's spoiler policy, please either Owl me, any member of the Wizengamot or a Head Auror who will be pleased to help you out.

Update: May 24, 2007

I updated the spoiler tags that way they are a bit more efficient. Using the tags [spoil*][/spoil*] will work however it is not advised to use them because they only hide text. The blacking out of the text doesn't hide images (such as emoticons/smilies) therefore isn't one hundred percent effective.

Our new spoiler tag design will now embed everything within it's layer (as you will see below). I have edited Louise's post above but I will put it in this one too; in order to successfully use the improved spoiler tags, please type in the following BBCode - without the asterix (*):

[spoiler*][/spoiler*]

If done correctly, the outcome will look like the following.



All current BBCode will function correctly within the new spoiler tag; all font attributes (such as: font styles, font types and font weight), quoted text, hyperlinks and codes.

Again, I have left the old [spoil*][/spoil*] blackout tags as to not reveal the existing spoilers using those but I would not advise using them for hiding your spoiler.

If there are any issues with the new spoiler defense or a suggestion for improvement, please don't hesitate to contact me via PM. If there are any questions about our spoiler policy please contact one of the Wizengamot or Head Auros (linked in Louise's post above).

Working for a more efficient VTM experience!

While I'm thinking about it, I want to add one more thing about spoilers...

In the days following the release, there will undoubtedly be an avalanche of avatars, signatures, icons, images etc containing spoilers from DH.

This is advanced notification that NO DH containing icons, avatars etc will be permitted here until at LEAST a good month, possibly longer, after the release of the book.

Please do not attempt to include them because they will immediately be removed by a moderator and an official warning will be issued - it will be treated as a breach of the spoiler rules and may even earn you a suspension so please, don't be tempted.

I may even disable people's use of avatars and signatures altogether if any of the staffing team come across a spoiler in someone's sig so please, don't spoil it for everyone else and resist the temptation

Thanks.

EDIT : UPDATE May 19th 2007 - Just to clarify that after the book is released, please ensure that you post about any plot details ONLY in the Deathly Hallows forums which will be accessible by entering the password 'spoiler' to acknowledge that you have read and understand our policy.

If you wish to talk about the book in threads outside that forum, such as in the ships threads, for example, then you MUST use the spoiler tags and put a spoiler warning in the title of your thread.

Please use your common sense - don't create topic headings like 'Harry Dies!' or something like that because they'll still turn up when users click 'View New Posts', whether in the Deathly Hallows forum or not. Be sensible - don't put spoilers in your subject titles.

EDIT : UPDATE - July 23rd 2007 - All avatars and signatures are currently disabled to avoid spoilers. They will be turned back on in about two weeks time, but as stated above, no sig images or avatars containing spoilers will be allowed until at least the end of August.

ATTENTION VTM MEMBERS:

You no longer need to have spoiler tags surrounding spoilers in the forum. As it has now been three months since the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, we feel that sufficient time has passed for those who really wanted to read it to read it. I realize that this does not cover everyone, and I'm sorry for those who might have to be careful on this site for a bit until they can compete the book, but SPOILERS are allowed now without any covering.

The Deathly Hallows forum is also now accessible without the password.

I do ask that you try to be sensitive outside of the DH forum with regards to posting spoilers.

Again, please be very wary if you have not yet completed the Deathly Hallows book for there will be visible spoilers in the forums. Thank you!