Pottermore: Revealed

J.K. Rowling's exclusive new project, titled Pottermore, was revealed this morning. Pottermore is an interactive website for fans of the books to read the books, play games, meet others, and read exclusive new content from J.K. Players can create an avatar and explore the world of Harry Potter. Also, for the first time, all the books will be available in eReader form. Those who want in can sign up now at pottermore.com and subscribe via email to receive news regarding Pottermore. The site is open to everyone in October, but a select few can enter on July 31st.

As for my thoughts, I was hoping for something else. I really, really, really, really wanted a Harry Potter encyclopedia, in print, that I can refer to and read. This site seems more geared towards the younger crowd, which is a shame, since most of Harry's fans are older now. I admit that it's a great way to attract new fans, and even though Rowling doesn't need the money, there's still some appeal. The whole idea of games and forums and avatar creation has already been done before on other HP fan sites, and the technology seems more like a 1998 kids website. I like the idea of new content, like backstories and such, but I wish J.K. would write like a prequel or encyclopedia or something, rather than make a silly website. However, it's the eBooks that really interest me. I'm confused on what they'll be compatible with, as far as eReaders go, but I'm hoping to have all seven books on my Kindle by the end of the year.