It’s sad that the floo network is being disbanded, but I respect Leaky’s decision. This is not an easy choice, and as we have seen in these comments, there will be a backlash towards Leaky. However, in the long run I think this is in the best interest of the The Leaky Cauldron, but I do hope there will be a strong partnership with the other floo network sites.
I also respect the staff’s decision to speak their opinion on this case now instead of waiting. It’s only fair to the fans. I know that Leaky will continue to provide straightforward information regarding the case, and links to the trial documents for every fan to see.
I’m sure this is a tough decision for you all, but you have to go with what’s in your heart and mind. I think regardless of what side you’re on, you have to respect the decision.
I feel even more proud to be a Leaky reader today after their display of such courage in their actions. So professional, so dignified, so committed to their readership. Their clarity in reporting, their attempts to not let anyone feel hatred towards individuals or groups but to understand the concepts of “difference in opinions”. I am in admiration for the staff. But I also feel their pain in making such difficult decisions. I think they are feeling a little low right now but I hope they remember that most of their readership will be in awe of them and immensely proud of them.
I absolutely agree with Prenz and Minnie. Steve should have “ceased and desist” at WB’s request if he cared about the fandom if he so truly believed that the “fandom rights are at stake”.
I’m sure this was a very difficult decision for all of you to make, considering your history in basically starting the homes of the HP fandom together. You are quite right that you need to stand by your convictions and I congratulate you all on being brave enough to do so. I hope this lawsuit is settled soon and we can all get back to discussing Harry’s world, and not the Muggle world’s messing about with it.
Once again Ms Rowling has to battle through the bilgy by-products of her success and once again she does this with inspiring humility, compassion, courage, clarity and brilliance of mind, humour and standing unfaltering for what is true and right. Once again, the world will cower gratefully behind her trailblazing.
For someone who never wished for any of this, I’m amazed that she still has the generosity of spirit to keep fighting, keep writing, keep supporting and championing those in need and keep so grounded. I know I would never have managed this.
Whatever the outcome of the case, I fear for the unique, warm and privileged relationship the fandom has enjoyed with Ms Rowling.
I have been saddened, over the years, by the degree and volume of hurt and liberties apparently considered acceptable to pile on her, especially by so-called fans. What would be the outcome if all this worldwide attack was aimed at one unknown man in the street? It seems that each single voice of reason is drowned out by an envious mob.
So thank you, Leaky, for doing the right thing and for speaking out. Now that the lips have been unsealed, is it possible for your admirable staff to pen an open letter of support to Ms Rowling on all of our behalf?
Steve is facing a brave battle.. but I think it could be a rather foolish one.
Then again, I’m trying to stay out of this. I have great admiration for both Jo and the Lexicon and have no intention of jumping on any band wagons. I really, really dislike Harry Potter Politics.
I am very proud of being a regular Leaky visitor right now.
A little late, but finally a course of action I can applaud. Well done for finally having the courage to do this, Leaky.
Word of the month “sycophant” has been seen on this discussion board repeatedly when criticisms are being flung at both the Leaky staff and their readers. I have seen it on other HP sites as well in reference to this lawsuit. I am thinking if RDR has assigned this to it’s people to spread their word and attitude – they need a new dictionary, it’s getting a little boring. Congratulations to the Leaky staff for keeping us informed and for making a very difficult but, I believe, correct decision.
There’s no “could be” about it, Linny—Steve’s battle is incredibly foolish, especially since the law really isn’t on his side, and because the Lexicon book uses far, far too much of JKR’s books to ever be considered Fair Use.
He should have held back when he had the chance and tried to work with JKR and WB. At this point, there’s no way his Lexicon book, or anything else for that matter, will see the light of day. He’s destroyed his credibility in the fandom, his reputation with both JKR and WB, and any chances of being a legitimate author by trying to publish a fansite for profit.
“We are free to do all things, but there are things which it is not wise to do. We are free to do all things, but not all things are for the common good.”
This is the thing I have been thinking throughout this whole mess. Steve may believe that he has the right to do this, and go to court to defend that right, and even, possibly, win legal approval for that right….but that does not mean that it is, in another sense, “right”.
Legality aside, in my opinion it would have been the wise and classy thing to have dropped this the moment Jo said ‘I don’t like it.’
I applaud Melissa and all of Leaky for making this incredibly difficult decision. In the end it had to come to this and how you have handled this now and in the updates in the past has just been remarkable and the fandom GREATLY appreciates this. Thank You Leaky
I’m sorry, while I’m sure you’re doing what you think is right, I believe you are wrong.
No, if RDR loses, Harry Potter fandom will probably go untouched, because JKR both appreciates her fans and is savvy enough to understand the benefit she gets from fannish material. But the point is that such fannish activity proceeds ONLY because she allows it. Should, alas, something happen to JKR and the rights fall to someone with a less appreciative and less savy attitude, the cease and desist letters could descend on fandom like the owls on Privet Drive. And with a negative precedence set by RDR’s suit, the chance of making a legal case to stay up in the face of orders to shut down will be harder.
And worse yet, it’s not just Harry Potter fandom at an issue. JKR has been wonderful in her approach towards fandom, but not every creator has been equally open. For years, Star Trek fandom was actively opposed by Paramount (until the fans got them their third season). Star Wars fandom took place under very strict constraints set by George Lucas. Other creators have been very negative towards any fannish activity beyond “don’t you just love it? I do too”.
Clearly, RDR has done some things that have made things worse. If they’d worked with JKR, as some other writers have done, this might never have come up. But having done some stupid things does not mean they are in the wrong.
And I will also say I’m disappointed in the decision to sever all ties with Steve Vander Ark. From all I could tell in the Pottercasts, you were friends. He contributed a lot to the discussion. If JKR is at all the person I believe her to be, I don’t think she’d demand that you push him away as some sort of loyalty test (and if there has been any such pressure from her, I’d really like to know, because it would affect my view of her and my decision to purchase her future works). You have a different view on a lawsuit, and even a larger philosophical disagreement on the boundries of legitimate fannish activity. But as SVA says, friends can disagree while still remaining friends. I’ve lost some friends in disagreements over lawsuits, and looking back, it was a remarkably stupid thing to do. I hope you won’t have to look back in a few decades and have the same reaction.
I’m definitely proud of being a Leaky Fan…! It’s hard but those choices matter. After everything he said, it would be very sad otherwise…
“Keep each other safe. Keep faith.”