23 June 2011 – 

“Imagination is not only the uniquely human capacity to envision that which is not, and therefore the fount of all invention and innovation. In its arguably most transformative and revelatory capacity, it is the power that enables us to empathize with humans whose experiences we have never shared.”

With these words J.K. Rowling has emphasized the Importance of Imagination in her commencement speech at the Annual Meeting of the Harvard Alumni Association in 2008. Today she has used her imaginative power to launch a unique and interactive online reading experience unlike any other. It is called Pottermore, a place where Harry Potter fans of any age can share, participate in and rediscover the stories in totally new ways.

Just as the experience of reading requires that the imaginations of the author and reader work together to create the story, so Pottermore will be built in part by the crowd. J.K. Rowling herself will be joining in too, because she will be sharing additional information which she has been hoarding for years about the world of Harry Potter.

“I wanted to give something back to the fans that have followed Harry so devotedly over the years, and to bring the stories to a new digital generation. I hope fans and those new to Harry will have as much fun helping to shape Pottermore as I have. Just as I have contributed to the website, everyone else will be able to join in by submitting their own comments, drawings and other content in a safe and friendly environment – Pottermore has been designed as a place to share the stories with your friends as you journey through the site.”

Pottermore which J.K. Rowling created in partnership with Sony, will also include an online store that will sell Harry Potter e-books directly to consumers. An interesting move because this way she is able to maintain the rights to the digital versions of the Harry Potter books herself.

“As I think people know, I am very protective of Harry and have always been very selective with any new initiatives, but I am totally committed to making this partnership with Sony and this wonderful new website a success. There are many companies I could have worked with on this ultimate digital expression of Harry Potter’s universe, but it is Sony’s unique philosophy of creativity in harmony with technology that made them my first choice as main partner. The spirit behind Sony’s make.believe philosophy is one that rings true with Pottermore’s own values.”

This way Pottermore will be the next generation of media experiences around the Harry Potter brand, which will help to keep the franchise alive and vital beyond the book series. As J.K. Rowling said;

“I can be creative in a medium that didn’t exist back in 1990 when I started writing the books.”

So if you want to find out more about this inspiring platform or if you want to be one of the lucky few that can enter early and help shape the experience before it opens to all in October 2011, please have a look at www.pottermore.com and simply Follow the Owl!