A look at one of the most active fandoms in history and where it is today.
The pages have been read reread and memorized word for word. The speculations have come to a rest, although some questions still remain. The movie franchise have wrapped up the scripts for the final adaptations. It is true that the buzz has died down. But the characters still remain just as alive in the minds of the dedicated Harry Potter lovers. A year has passed and although the fandom may not be as active as a year back, its fans still cherish the young wizard and his conquests. Conventions are still being held, podcasts are still recorded, fan fictions are still being written and read, and the movies are generating as much interest as before. It is truly the magic of JK Rowling's writing that has managed to not only create a legend, a modern myth of sort, but also sustain it for more than 10 years; as a result JK Rowling has been lifted to the heights of one of the greatest.
We may be a bit quieter. We might not frequent the Harry Potter sites as much as we did. However it doesn't mean our love for the series has diminished in the slightest. Sure its more peaceful having finally known how the story ended, but a certain part of my mind still wishes it hadn't. The excitement, the adrenaline rush, the anticipation were all deeply cherished by most of us and all of them wilted away with the final book. Sure there is respite in the form of a movie, but that could never fill up the void left behind by the books. The fandom is actually constituted of a wide variety of activities:
Fan-fiction
Before the seventh book: A mild albeit active community with plenty of dedicated readers and an equally generous writing community.
After the seventh book: A roaring sea of hungry readers failing to catch up with an exponentially increasing writing community.
There was no doubt fan-fiction would finally make its mark once the seventh book hit the stores. The millions of dedicated readers were left wanting for more. Surely they couldn't go long without tasting the pleasure of fan-fiction. Thousands and thousands of stories flooded various websites and it was just an appetizer for those who were finding it too hard to say goodbye.
Podcasts
Before the seventh book: An enjoyable past time that also gave us some food for thought by providing analysis of the books and the movies.
After the seventh book: Still as engaging, although some podcasts have wrapped it up, and are now putting out episodes occasionally.
Fansites
Before the seventh book: A boom in user traffic as the final book neared. Even the non-obsessive fans couldn't resist taking a peek.
After the seventh book: Recent surveys have indicated that the number of visitors have decreased. The forums aren't as active as before. But they are not entirely abandoned by their loved ones.
Movies
Before the seventh book: Fans were ecstatic to see their favorite characters brought to life on screen and some hardcore fans also dissected every frame to find out clues that could help predict the ending.
After the seventh book: They still generate the same frenzy and most people view it as the final offering for the fandom.
Conventions
Before the seventh book: A platform for fans to meet an interact with each other. A thrilling and fun way of meeting with each other and discussing various aspects of the series.
After the seventh book: Still held with just as much excitement. The latest of them being Terminus which was held at Chicago, Illinois earlier this year. These conventions have the potential of sticking around for many more years, and will be seen by many as an annual tribute to the series.
Miss JK Rowling
Before the seventh book: No other living author has managed to do what JK Rowling has done. To engage an entire generation of people and create a folklore that will forever be ingrained in the history of literature. Need statistics? How about this one. The first 24 hours saw a whopping 32 crores of Deathly Hallows being sold out.
After the seventh book: Still as modest, maybe even more. Despite the ugly legal battle she had to dig into( with one of her own fans ironically), reports state that she has begun work on her next book. So the question remains, will lightning strike twice at the same spot? JK Rowling says its quite unlikely. However her fans think otherwise.
As I read this, I'm actually watching Harry Potter on the television. It's tonights special feature, The Goblet of Fire. Right now he is battling Voldermore. You are obviously a big fan of this genre. This is an inspiring article for fans and those with a similar interest. It's a wonderful insight into the world of Mr H.Potter, well done.
#3 by Melissa Joyce, Oct 6, 2008
I have a feeling that her next books will also do well. J K Rowlings is a great writer. I originally read the first book because my son wanted to read it. It was way above his grade level at the time and I had heard so many parents say that they wouldn't let their kids read it. I was pleasantly surprised. It turned out to be a book I couldn't put down and was happy to share with my kids. As a family, we've really enjoyed her books and the movies. Years later, my son had a school assignment to send a letter to his favorite author. He chose J K Rowlings. He was the only kid in the class to have the author respond. She sent a beautiful letter and a picture. I can't wait to see what she does next.
While I agree that JK Rowlings did a great thing for this generation I hesitate to say she did what no other author has. I still remember hearing stories from one of my teachers in high school talking about reading Lord of the Rings for the first time and people writing on subway walls that \"Fordo Lives\".
But don't get me wrong, I am as proud a Harry Potter nerd as anyone. ^_^
