Last Thursday, “Harry Potter” fans everywhere gathered around their computers to watch author J.K. Rowling reveal her newest Potter project — Pottermore.
“I am thrilled to say that I am now in a position to give you something unique — an online reading experience unlike any other,” Rowling told fans through a YouTube video.
Pottermore is an interactive reading experience of the Harry Potter books. It’s a free website that allows readers to help shape the world of Harry Potter.
Some have likened it to the popular game “World of Warcraft.”
“I will be sharing additional information I’ve been hoarding for years about the world of Harry Potter,” Rowling added in the announcement video.
Rowling was vague but revealed that a group of fans can experience Pottermore before its October launch. She will announce how lucky readers can compete for an early Pottermore spot on her main character’s birthday — July 31.
“It’s the same story with a few crucial additions. The most important one is you,” she said.
The Pottermore website is also where, for the first time, Harry Potter e-books will be sold exclusively.
Students had mixed reactions about Pottermore.
Nick Bertrand, LSU Quidditch captain and psychology senior, said while he’s interested in the Pottermore project, he’s more excited about the latest Harry Potter movie.
“[Pottermore] seems pretty cool,” he said. “I guess I’ll learn more about it in October.”
Jodi Hernandez, curriculum and instruction doctorate student, said she hasn’t heard about the latest Potter installment.
“I’ve been so busy with school,” she siad. “I don’t even know what that is.”
“I wish I knew more about the Pottermore project,” Skye Jackson, English senior, said. “It sounds really interesting.”
While he agreed Pottermore was interesting, Michael Cheatham, environmental engineering junior, said he prefers to watch.
“I’m not a reader,” he said. “I’m just ready to see the movie.”
Jeri Marchan, English senior, was ambivalent.
“I like that the Harry Potter series is finished,” she said. “If anything’s missing, the reader can just make it up in their head.”
Until Pottermore launches in October, fans have other means to feed their Potter addiction.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Pt. 2, the eigth and final movie, comes out July 15.
Bertrand said the Quidditch team would be attending the eighth and final movie in uniform.
To learn more about the project, visit pottermore.com.
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Contact Rachel Wilson at [email protected]