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Lexicon Trial Updates and Important Announcement about Floo Network
FlooWe owe quite a few updates tonight, and there is an important announcement following (since the information in this post is vital to that announcement, so make sure to read the whole thing):
Update:: Agence France-Presse says JKR will be a witness.
Firstly, the April 14 trial in the JKR/WB vs. RDR Books case will be a bench trial, meaning that there will be no jury. A witness list is due by April 4.
Secondly, Steve Vander Ark of the Harry Potter Lexicon gave an interview recently to BlogHogwarts, which Alejandro of BlogHogwarts kindly sent to us in the original English (it was translated to Spanish for the site):
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“Do you think that, if Lexicon wins the case, the Harry Potter fansites are going to be affected in any way(Lexicon Online included)?
A victory for RDR Books will protect the rights of fans to create based on someone else’s work. If RDR Books loses, copyright holders will be given broad new control over fan activity, control which will allow them to shut down sites, stop authors from writing about their works, etc. So a win for RDR Books is definitely in the best interest of fans who create websites, write fanfiction, make wands, compose wizard rock, and so on. I am surprised how many fans have missed this point. Their freedom to create is on the line here.
How many pages does the Lexicon book have?The Lexicon book will have around 400 pages. It’s 160,000 words. The book has four authors. I am the main author, but three of my Lexicon editors worked on the book as well.
If the Lexicon is published, once the Scottish Book gets out, will you still update Lexicon Online and Book?
I’m as excited to buy Rowling’s Scottish book as anyone! It will be very different from the Lexicon book, with a lot of new and exciting information which only Rowling can provide. I will continue to update the Lexicon website. I love working on the Lexicon and will do so even if I have no staff and even when people don’t read Harry Potter much anymore. Beyond that, I have written another book, called In Search of Harry Potter, which will be published in July. I’m starting on another one as well. I intend this series of books to comprise a complete independent reference library to Harry Potter. The second and third books will not generate the kind of legal concern that the Lexicon book has, thankfully.
Do you consider that your fanatism or admiration to J.K. Rowling is less now after all that have happened?
My admiration for the Harry Potter books is as great as ever. I’m still a huge fan. I’m also still a fan of Rowling, although I think her current actions are unfortunate and badly advised. I still admire her as a writer and a person and I don’t expect that to change just because she and I have a disagreement over a legal issue. Friends can disagree and still be friends.”
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And finally, we have a very important and related announcement regarding the status of the Floo Network.
The following is an announcement that contains commentary.
The interview quoted above contains a number of assessments about J.K. Rowling’s intentions and what the Lexicon case means for fandom as a whole. The comments sat uneasily with many of us as soon as we learned about them, and prompted a discussion among our entire staff about Leaky’s association with the Harry Potter Lexicon, in which it became overwhelmingly clear that Steve’s thoughts on this matter and ours differ so greatly as to be polar opposites; we do not think a win for J.K. Rowling means tighter controls on fan creativity at all, and are concerned for the opposite, as well as the attempt to misportray the issues of the case as stated in sworn affadavits. So, after a few days of careful and many-sided discussion, we, as a full staff, decided that people who have such a fundamental disconnect in beliefs cannot and should not be partners in name or spirit, and two days ago informed the Lexicon that we are severing our association.
There were many who called for this since the day the lawsuit was filed, and on many occasions since, but we decided to wait to make the final decision until we were able to shake out more about the case and the beliefs of the parties involved. Now that it has been made clear to us that the Lexicon’s leader and we disconnect on such a fundamental level regarding fandom, it would be disingenuous to continue calling ourselves partners.
We had intended not to make this decision until the case was completed, so as to not sway public opinion. The comments in question, however, combined with the suit’s history and revelations therein, make us too uneasy to continue affiliation for a moment longer. We had also wanted to refrain from offering commentary on the case, but we all agree that if it meant the continued propagation of comments against our beliefs by someone so visibly associated with us, silence could not be maintained.
That it was a fully supported decision doesn’t mean it wasn’t very hard for this staff, who have for so long considered the Lexicon an ally in all things. The staff was sobered and saddened to find itself walking so uniformly toward this decision, even knowing it was the right one. We have enjoyed an excellent five years as a member of the Floo Network, and don’t regret that time for a moment. We wish everyone associated with the Lexicon health and happiness in the future.
We plan to retain strong affiliations with Accio Quote, though how it would manifest depends on some future decisionmaking, as things are slightly upended right now. This decision in no way affects the regard and admiration we continue to have for Lisa Bunker and her staff, or for Belinda Hobbs and the work she has done on the main Floo page; we hope to remain closely associated with them and their sites. In addition we strenuously discourage anyone from taking frustration for this decision out on any associated staff members, of the Lexicon or any other site. This was not a decision based on hate and hurt, it was rooted in the sad realization that we are much too different now to remain partners.
As for what this means, more functionally: This essentially means the Floo Network has been dismantled, as the network would be, then, Leaky projects and Accio Quote, and that’s more a partnership than a network. (We will sort out what to do with the main Floo page, and its content, as well.) There have been many asking, since November, whether Steve would return to PotterCast: That answer is now no. And while Leaky has always owned the hp-lexicon.org domain and paid for the site’s hosting, we’ve promised to transfer the domain to Steve as soon as litigation is complete (a stipulation that would not have been made had ownership not been mentioned in court documents). We will continue to pay for hosting and provide free support until that day.
This has been very emotional and trying for the staff here so we hope you’ll forgive our little foray into the commentary area. Since people are by nature opinionated, and we are all human, we wanted to keep the personal opinions we all have separate from the pages here, which is why after the first few weeks of figuring out what was going on with this case, we began to stick to linking to and summarizing court documents and other publicly available pieces, and trying to ask further questions to clear up misconceptions when they occurred. The rationale there is that if it’s publicly available there’s an easy check on its accuracy, and goodness knows our users are nothing if not close readers. We have been mentioned time and again in these proceedings, which makes us involved to a certain, small extent; therefore the coverage will continue to be simple linking-to and explaining-in-layman’s-terms legal documents, so you can easily read them yourself if there’s ever any doubt what we say is true. That said, we don’t expect any significant public documents until reports start surfacing of the April 14 trial; there might be a few article updates and more interviews, but mostly we are waiting for the courtroom proceedings to occur. As usual, we’ll keep you updated to the best of our ability.
Thank you for understanding, and as always, we thank you in advance for your civility and respect to each other in the comments.
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Firstly huge HUGS to every single person who works here at Leaky and makes this site a wonderful place for fans.
Secondly, I don’t think there is a single person here who judges you all harshly for wanting to know more information before you break up with a friend. Exactly how Dumbledore felt as he was realizing the true nature of Grindelwald I’m afraid.
Thirdly, I know it’s been said a hundred times throughout this but I know I’m glad that you came to this decision and ultimately I am sure Jo would be happy to hear you have come out and stated publicly that you’re on her side.
I know that every single one of us will be here to support you and this site since we all know it is by far the most comprehensive site for Potter fans. You provide us with an easy one stop for updates and news, friendship and academia, pictures and videos. And in return I hope we all can give you the loyalty you deserve and that you have shown to us, especially in this hard time.
I am glad to finally hear an oppinion from leaky on the subject. It’s sad, but I also flet I knew somehow it woud come to this. I support Leaky all the way.
Leaky Staff,
I can only imagine that this must feel like breaking up with a significant other. You know it’s the right thing, but you still love them and miss them. All I can say is that with time, things change and may even heal, and perhaps the relationship may become stronger even if it is a different sort of relationship.
Although I love the Lexicon website and have enjoyed Steve in Pottercast, I have to admit that this is the right course of action. I am glad that the staff waited this long to distance themselves and waited for specific proof that TLC and the Lexicon were going in different directions before taking such a step. To have done so before would have seem like you were leaving a man out to drown and brought up questions of loyalty. By waiting you until now, you have extended your hand and waited for him to grab it. You’ve done your part, now it’s up to him to decide to sink or swim.
Sorry, for all the analogies, don’t know what’s gotten in to me.
I support you guys 100% because your staff has always done the right thing for the fans and I have never had reason to mistrust any decisions you have made about this site.
I like how it’s okay to put the lexicon online, and how Leaky was more than willing to pay and host the website, and affiliate itself with the Lexicon, and how it was all okay to do until J.K. had something to say about it. Now everyone is bailing on the Lexicon. Despicable! Don’t want bad press, eh?
This case is about more than just the Lexicon and Rowling. It’s about the ultra restrictive copyright laws. So I can’t even say Harry Potter in a book without risking a lawsuit. And when Rowling files suit she will say it’s all for charity, and everyone will fall all over themselves to condemn the author of the infringing book.
I’m not saying I know Steve’s intentions. They may be entirely greedy, and Rowling’s may be purely innocent, but some of Rowling’s stunts lately, after the final book, lead me to think she just wants to remain in the public eye.
I love Harry Potter! I am grateful Rowling wrote these amazing books. I may have never read a Dickens or Tolstoy story if it wasn’t for Rowling. But, I am disgusted by all parties in this suit. It should have never happened. Steve should have responded to Rowling’s original request for the Lexicon book. Rowling should better understand the position she holds. She may have invented the world of Harry Potter, but it is bigger than just her now. And Leaky shouldn’t have made a decision until after the case was settled.
I can understand the Lexicon and Rowling. Both sides might be greedy, or both sides might have honorable intentions. Nevertheless, Leaky making a decision before all the facts are out is despicable!
GadgetDon, I think you make some good points. However, you mentioned creators who want to limit their fandom (Paramount, Lucas), but what about authors or creators who are more accepting of fan work. We all know Jo has been supportive of the websites and fan fiction, etc., and there are other authors out their who feel the way she does about their fandom. The problem with this case is that it’s a free fan website that Jo supported that is being published into a book for profit. If RDR wins, will future creators and authors, who would normally be more open to their fandom, be forced to supress their online fandom in fear of losing their copyright? I think that is the main issue here.
As for seperating all ties with Steve, I think it is really sad as well. However, we don’t know what is going on in the background. Perhaps there is more to the story than we know, and their friendship is irreversibily damaged. I hope not.
Well,if Jo doesn’t want the publication of HP lexicon,we should as real HP fans support her!!!I completly with her! and I can’t wait for the Scottish book!
![[EL.net] David](http://www.gravatar.com/avatar.php?size=&gravatar_id=ae8e2f97341bffd76d6f818a8488cde0&default=http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/spacer.gif)
This is a very sad, but very brave decision. Well done for so carefully stepping into the arena of commentary. I know it’s a hard thing to do when this site is normally so impartial.
I think it’s the right decision.
Those of us who truly understand what’s on the line here, not only for HP fandom, but for all fandoms, are standing behind your decision, Leaky. Thank you for doing the right thing, even if it wasn’t easy to do.
And I don’t see how anyone who is that disrespectful of an author’s wishes over creative material she OWNS could possibly call themselves a fan. Jo is very generous to the fandom, there are authors who don’t allow what HP fandom can do, especially in regards to fanfiction. We’re allowed to play in her world, but we shouldn’t forget that it belongs to her. I’m sure many of us who do creative works understand her feelings about this. By abusing the privileges we have, we may lose them altogether.
Good for you, Leaky. I know this must have been hard, but you made the right decision. I find it a bit distressing that Steve can imply that Jo is an evil copyright-grabbing monster trying to stop creativity. Isn’t it just the opposite? Didn’t she come on PotterCast? Doesn’t she browse the fan sites regularly? Wasn’t it she who didn’t freak out when Sue Upton came squeeeing over to her that night at Carnegie Hall? I think it’s pretty safe to say that Jo really likes the fandom. I don’t think she’s trying to stifle creativity, I think she’s trying to promote it. She encourages writing and creative thinking, and she even laughs about the most over-the-top fan fiction. After these and other recent comments coming from Steve, I just can’t imagine him as the defender of the fandom from the creativity-stifler that is Jo. I think it’s Jo who’s the defender of the fandom.
I think some people are missing the point – claiming that if this lawsuit wins, it opens a huge floodgate to creators being able to control any and all fan created material.
That just is not true.
This present case holds if, and only if, it can be proved that the Lexicon is simply a rehashing of JKR’s material and if it has been done to make money.
There is no issue of “Ah ha! But although JK Rowling WONT shut anyone down, she COULD”. She’d only be able to do that for other people who reproduce her work for profit.
I think I’m gonna’ cry. This is all so horribly sad, and it was excruciating to read that interview. For him to spark worry in fans in order to sway opinions on the case was just awful. To Melissa and everyone at Leaky, thanks so much for everything. Really. You guys are amazing. While other Potter sites have deviated from their roots (and it was extremely difficult to watch), Leaky has always stayed true. I feel you’ve made the right decision. Yay Leaky, for being the GryffinPuff of Potter sites, always bravely fighting for the right cause. I love you guys so freakin’ much!
I think y’all made the the right decision and in a dignified way. thanks for upholding great standards in all that you do with this website. Thanks for being honest and forthright as well.
“I like how it’s okay to put the lexicon online, and how Leaky was more than willing to pay and host the website, and affiliate itself with the Lexicon, and how it was all okay to do until J.K. had something to say about it. Now everyone is bailing on the Lexicon. Despicable! Don’t want bad press, eh?”—Jeff
Jeff, things happen. This is a working relationship, and when you have fundamental disagreements with a partner, even if they are a friend, sometimes it is better to seperate ties with them. They have very seperate views for what is best for the fandom, and it would seem odd for both sites to be listed under the same banner. I’m sure, like most fans, the Leaky Staff went over all of the information provided and made their own opinion on this case. I doubt they blindly accepted the situation in favor of JKR, especially since Steve was a friend (and may still be a friend). Melissa, out of anyone here, has probably spent the most time sifting through legal documents on this case. So I am confident that they did not rush to this decision.
I think y’all made the the right decision and in a dignified way. thanks for upholding great standards in all that you do with this website. Thanks for being honest and forthright as well.
I think y’all made the the right decision and in a dignified way. thanks for upholding great standards in all that you do with this website. Thanks for being honest and forthright as well.
To my thinking, Steve has been being missadviced to say such things. I admire his work and all, but the sad part is that this whole ordeal started linking Leaky and of course, since Leaky has such a great relationship with Jo, you can’t risk that. I am really sorry about this, but if there is nothing else you guys can do, parting ways will be. I never thought I’d see the day in which serious Harry Potter websites would severe their association for bigger reasons than shipping. It is really sad.
I disagree with Steve, and it is JK Rowling’s complete right not to allow them to release the encyclopedia. I will only buy Rowling’s scottish book
What a tough call to make and I proud of all of you. Like most people who have commented I feel it was the correct decision. Best wishes always.
Sorry, comments are closed for this article.
Leaky Poll
Since DH was published, your interest in Potter fandom has:
- Increased! I'm more involved now than I ever was!794 (22%)
- It's stayed at the same level of fun it always has!1333 (38%)
- Decreased slightly: I only check sites a few times a week now.887 (25%)
- Severely lowered. Without new canon, I'm bored.358 (10%)
- It's gone. In fact, I can't even answer this poll because I'm not really visting a Potter site.111 (3%)
It’s the right move, TLC, and one I’m sure you’ve been mulling behind-the-scenes since this case appeared. The business / legal aspects of the decision make it an easy one and the appropriate one—the friendships and invested emotions are what make it so unpleasant.