We learned from Sylvan Lane

We learned from Sylvan Lane Shoppe’s Deb Martino that the Toy Fare Magazine photo came with two letter’s to the editor. One was just plain juvenile and stupid. But here’s the first:

I’d like to take a minute to express my disappointment with the Harry Potter toys coming out this year. It’s not that I’m disappointed with the quality, the sculpting, the articulation, etc. I’m disappointed that they’re coming out at all.

I suppose the commercialization of Harry Potter was inevitable. The books are popular beyond words, of course. Nobody expects anything less than a full-on commercial assault. But the movie, toys and merchandise from pencil sharpeners to Christmas tree ornaments offend me.

The Harry Potter books are so very special and have been responsible for to many children developing a passion for reading. With each new harry Potter “product”, Harry is pried just a little bit farther from children’s imaginations.

Eventually, I’m sure Harry Potter will arrive as a Saturday morning cartoon, removing any need for children to actually read his adventures. Why read, when one can watch?

While I’m sure you’ll continue to cover each new Harry Potter toy that pops up – it’s your job, after all – please be aware that not all of us are hungry for coverage of this travesty.

Samuel Reynolds
San Francisco, CA