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JULY 19, 2007 at 8:32 AM
Posted by GERI
Source: HPANA
To the dismay of many fans the New York Times has released a review (which we will not link to) of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The review appeared on their web site late last night and the author of the review pointed out that the newspaper bought the book at a local New York store.
Bloomsbury, the UK publisher of the series said earlier today:
As the originating publisher, we're really disappointed with what happened in the US. We're relying on the support of retailers and the media in the rest of the world to allow readers to find out for themselves. We are asking people to wait.
There's only 40 hours to go.
Bloomsbury press release is below:
Bloomsbury Publishing, originating publisher of Harry Potter, was extremely dismayed to learn last night about early sales in America of a small number of copies of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows prior to the UK, US and worldwide embargo time agreed with retailers, suppliers, and all third parties involved of 00.01AM British Summer Time on Saturday July 21st 2007.
We are aware of some speculation in the media that internet "spoilers" purporting to be extracts from the book have come from the few early copies sold. We confirm that this is not true as is clear from the press release of July 18th issued by Scholastic Inc, the US publisher of Harry Potter. The "spoilers" remain unauthenticated.
The release date and time embargo of 00.01AM BST on Saturday July 21st is being enforced unflinchingly and without exception by the publishers. We confirm that all Bloomsbury's customers in 93 countries worldwide are robustly supporting this embargo time to ensure secrecy for the children and adult readers of Harry Potter.
We would like to thank our customers and suppliers again for their full support given in so many different ways. We would also like to thank the worldwide media for their own observance of, and strict policing of, the embargo to preserve the secrecy of the plot for the readers of Harry Potter.
JK Rowling said at 1pm today, 'I am staggered that American newspapers have decided to publish purported spoilers in the form of reviews in complete disregard of the wishes of literally millions of readers, particularly children, who wanted to reach Harry's final destination by themselves, in their own time. I am incredibly grateful to all those newspapers, booksellers and others who have chosen not to attempt to spoil Harry's last adventure for fans.'
You, as a fan can voice your displeasure with their actions by writing a letter using this address: Letters@nytimes.com. Please remember that spoilers are currently rampant on the web and it would be better if you just turned off your computer right now so that you don't see anything you wouldn't want to see. Only 35 hours to go.
UPDATE: In today's issue of Business Week there is an interesting article
that points out that spoiling the last book, legal or otherwise, betrays the author and the audience. The article is a welcomed read and it is a pity that some journalists and others can’t even comprehend where the author is coming from.
Reader Comments (162)
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Head of Slytherin House
Points: 2818
Cleansweep says:
I wish people would have a little integrity.
Posted Jul 19, 2007 at 8:37 AM EST
School Librarian
Points: 6733
bookworm says:
Oh my gosh, that's awful. Okay like spoilers but minor ones would be gutted if found out before hand, spoils anticipation!
Posted Jul 19, 2007 at 8:39 AM EST
Keeper of the Faeries
Points: 5256
juliebug04 says:
Well, I know it's getting a lot of publicity for the books and the films, but it really just drives me mad that there are so many people that enjoy taking advantage of other people...it just sucks.
Posted Jul 19, 2007 at 8:40 AM EST
Professor
Points: 1004
Draco~Angel says:
God I hate people that would ruin such a wonderful book as Harry Potter. WHy would anyone want to make spoilers about a story that everyone knows everyone is dying to find out by reading the book. I just can't understand how cruel people can be. Nobody wins and it just make people angry about this. I certainly don't want to know anything about this "spoilers" I want to read it and enjoy the book
PS ONly 35 Hours!! AHHH I can't wait. AHHH. :-)
Posted Jul 19, 2007 at 8:40 AM EST
Student
Points: 205
WhispWillow says:
I hope they take legal action against Ny times. Thye deserve it for that. I am sure they wouldn't want any of there stuff leaked before it was allowed etc.
You would think, that with the repuation of the new yourk times they wouldnt do such a thing and seeing as they are in similar fields, Journalism and Literature, they would respect publishers and indeed J.K's wishes
I hope they get sued for that.. the shop and ny times.
Posted Jul 19, 2007 at 8:45 AM EST
Head of Slytherin House
Points: 2818
Cleansweep says:
Wow. First to post. Again, people need to show a little integrity. First, they are showing their greed by trying to get a jump on the action. Second, they are only helping to fuel the spoiler fire that is running rampant on the internet. Finally, the NY Times shares equal blame with the bookseller. They are just trying to beat everyone else to the punch to sell their stupid, liberal newspaper. All Potter fans should boycott it.
Oh, and one more thing. Thanks for helping shred the image of greedy Americans. I'm almost ashamed to be one when this kind of stuff happens.
Posted Jul 19, 2007 at 8:46 AM EST
Squib
Points: 155
Wenyi says:
I actually accidentally read the spoiler when i clicked the link from Mugglenet.
Yes, its only a few hours. Why cant people have integrity and read the book at the same time as everyone else.
Posted Jul 19, 2007 at 8:51 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 3rd Class
Points: 1433
Brianna Huckpuck says:
What Cleansweep said.
I've always hated the NY times, but now they are never going to redeem themselves in my eyes. They knew darn well that the book wasn't out yet, and even if they didn't, they should know that most people haven't read it yet!
I will be sending a letter to the New York times voicing my displeasure.
Posted Jul 19, 2007 at 8:55 AM EST
Auror
Points: 2469
Fat Lady Sings says:
Good Lord. I think I just need to stay inside, call in sick tomorrow, keep the TV turned off, and stay away from this blasted computer. (Yeah, right). I probably shouldn't drive around, because somebody may post spoilers on a roadside billboard. Some poor souls are just out for a buck, and other people's joy just makes them greedy and resentful.
Posted Jul 19, 2007 at 9:05 AM EST
Witch
Points: 673
Rupert's Fangirl says:
I'm very disappointed in these people. I don't know why I still felt any respect for them.
Posted Jul 19, 2007 at 9:05 AM EST
Student
Points: 205
WhispWillow says:
Hey guys, I made a petition against this, so pleae write on it, to show your anger.
Also Geri, I don't suppose you could give the petition url in the article?
http://www.petitiononline.com/hpdhrv19/petition.html
is the petition. It is solely about what NY times has done, I have not linked the article which they have wrote and will not do so as that owuld compltely break the purpose of the petition
Please sign the petition, thanks
Posted Jul 19, 2007 at 9:09 AM EST
Prefect
Points: 384
Hedwig101 says:
Thats Ludicrious! They are asking people to WAIT, and one of the foremost publishers just flaunts that and does whatever they please. Yes, you may have bought a copy, but does this mean you have to publish revealing information about it?! NO! You could have written an article about how yes, we bought a copy, but in keeping with the authors wishes we decided not to read and/or publish any details. Alot of people look up to the times, and by them doing this they are setting a precedent and saying yes, its ok to do what the author doesnt want us to. Its ok to flaunt their wishes because we are the TIMES. Whatever happened to integrity, whatever happened to respect? If we cant trust the Times to show a little moral leadership, then who can we trust?
I hope J.K takes legal action.... grrrrrrr
Posted Jul 19, 2007 at 9:15 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1229
sapphire260 says:
I am not going to write, I mean I don't think it's fair that some people got to see it days before release, but you it is the person that released it that is a fault and I am not going to complain over that. It's not my problem, but it makes me really mad!
Posted Jul 19, 2007 at 9:18 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 3rd Class
Points: 1423
Cernan says:
It's absolutely ridiculous that certain individuals that work for a Press as distinguished as the NY Times will go out of their way and obtain a book ahead of everyone else. It sets a bad example and is just plain wrong.
Posted Jul 19, 2007 at 9:23 AM EST
Squib
Points: 186
NewMoon27 says:
I can't believe a newspaper as respected at the New York Times would allow this to happen. I am trying to be extra cautious to avoid anything under the Harry Potter name on the internet.
Posted Jul 19, 2007 at 9:30 AM EST
Witch
Points: 937
thy_future_is_bright1 says:
I can't believe that the NY Times posted an early review. That must've devastated a lot of fans after they saw it.
I hope that no other newspapers will post early reviews. It just makes fans upset because the review will ruin the book for them.
Posted Jul 19, 2007 at 9:30 AM EST
Mrs. Draco Malfoy
Points: 27893
Arika Granger Malfoy says:
UGH! Why must things like this happen!!!!!
I will definatley be waiting because this is garbage.....ugh ugh gh!!!!
Posted Jul 19, 2007 at 9:31 AM EST
Witch
Points: 600
The Very Secret Diary says:
How mean, disrespectful, and just plain rude. Now going away from this stupid computer!
Posted Jul 19, 2007 at 9:35 AM EST
Prefect
Points: 337
felixfelicis14 says:
35 hours?! ugh...I don't know if I can wait that long!
I'm staying off the internet for the next few days...I want to read the book on my own!
Posted Jul 19, 2007 at 9:37 AM EST
Student
Points: 236
JeffHodapp says:
The press is the press. Headlines today are old news tomorrow. Remember Rita Skeeter, papers exist to sell themselves you silly girl.
Posted Jul 19, 2007 at 9:37 AM EST
Long Way from Happy
Points: 2952
OEHFICE says:
What in the world of Harry Potter is going on?! How are people getting away with this? Why are people ruining all this? I'm so scared to go on the internet.
That's just horrible. That guy or lady should be ashamed. I'm dismayed as well. Curse them.
Posted Jul 19, 2007 at 9:38 AM EST
Student
Points: 284
martymcd says:
Like everyone else who has also posted, I am truly disgusted with the New York Times, and the bookshop for releasing secrets and spoil the one book millions of people like myself have been waiting so impatiently for!!!!
The fool that I am, I read the review and I am so very sorry I did, but I think I'm going to try and modify my memory. I hope I perform it better than Gilderoy Lockhart haha!!!
No, in all seriousness, I haven't been nline to even check my email for a week for fear of hearing something that I don't want to. Today I thought, why not check HPANA and see what's happening in the wizarding world, and this happens.
Shame on you, New York Times.
Shame on you, bookseller.
Shame on you, Scholastic, for not keeping better checks upon your distribution of what is at its simplest, the most important literary release of this generation, if not this century, and the last!
Posted Jul 19, 2007 at 9:39 AM EST
Queen of the Yarn Ball
Points: 3843
red&gold says:
I wrote them a very nice letter just now and sent it on its way over via e-mail!!! :)
Words like "Tabloid Trash" and integrity were used. ;) I told them they were no better than the people who scanned in the pictures.
Posted Jul 19, 2007 at 9:42 AM EST
Student
Points: 205
WhispWillow says:
to Jeff:
that doesn't excuse their actions. I think it was obvious they did this for PR, also wanting to be the first to review the book.
Posted Jul 19, 2007 at 9:43 AM EST
Prefect
Points: 337
felixfelicis14 says:
I just read the review! It was awful! How can they even mention that they bought the book early in a New York City bookshop!!!!!!!! This is ridiculous!
Posted Jul 19, 2007 at 9:44 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 3rd Class
Points: 1433
Brianna Huckpuck says:
Well, I wrote to the paper... and I got an automated reply! Wonderful. I bet they don't even care.
Posted Jul 19, 2007 at 9:46 AM EST
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