PotterCast 148: The Trial
PotterCast
Posted by: Edward
April 20, 2008, 01:11 AM
The 148th episode of PotterCast, our Harry Potter podcast, is online this evening with an extended discussion of the JKR/WB vs. RDR Books trial which took place in New York City this past week. First, we bring you a few Harry Potter news updates including Jim Broadbent’s comments on his character of Horace Slughorn in the sixth film, the clothing styles of Narcissa Malfoy in HBP, and the 18th birthday of Emma Watson. The remainder of this episode features a recap of the three day trial as well as discussion of the testimony, witnesses, events in the courtroom, and the possible effects these events could have on the fandom. To listen, just hit the "Play" button on the right side of the page (->), or use iTunes, or direct download.
“The Trial”
- JKR/RDR Books Trial coverage from Manhattan, Melissa and John are there.
- Effects on the fandom.
- It all hits close to home.
- Movie news and Emma is 18.
- 24 hours of testimony.
RT: 74:22
Editors: Stede Bonnett
LeakyCon 2009: A Harry Potter Conference in Boston
Podcast Alley
Digg
Terminus 2008
Direct download (34 MB).
Direct download low-bandwidth (9 MB).
Remember you don't need an iPod to listen. Listen easily on iTunes, which you can download and install here, by clicking here to listen, or you can just use the streaming Flash player at PotterCast.com or just on the right side of this page. Discussion of the PotterCast is right here. Enjoy!
Well, I want to thank John, Melissa and Sam for their candid recounting of the court proceedings. And thank you for being there to support Jo. I, for one, appreciate hearing that you were able to put a smile on her face from time to time during a very difficult 3 days. And that you were there to represent both Leaky and the segment of the fans who support Jo and her rights in this case.
I’d also like to say the I fully support and applaud Sue for not reporting on this particular case. I can’t imagine how hard this is for all of you, having had a close working and personal relationship with someone whom you thought shared your values and thoughts on this particular topic, and so many others. It really is too bad that things have had to come down to this. So megahugs to all!
Melissa, John and Sue..
Great show as always ! Wonderful detailed reporting of the case and you did a fantastic job of keeping it professional ! Melissa, I hope your wrist recovers ! :-)
I was wondering though, what you and others may think of this theory I have percolating in my head. Is it possible…just possible that SVA became SO ( won’t use the word ” obsesses’ becasue it is such a strong word – although probably more accurate ) enamoured of Jo’s Wizarding World that he began to wish and dream of actually living it?
By this I mean, he is not a ’ stalker ’ of JKR herself, but more of her wizarding world. It seems he almost wants this world to be real, and to be a part of it. If he asked Jo for a job in helping to create her Scottish Book and was politely turned down. ( and I could see why she would not need his help, her story and facts are on HER bits of paper scattered about and mostly in her head ) then the fantasy he had created in HIS head, of making a living off this world was then kabashed.
I think he wantred mroe than anything to become a part of this world, to make a living off of being involved with Harry Potter, The Wizarding World in general, to spend his days involved with Jo and co-create. Remember that word that sent poeple into a spin? The ” D ” word? coughdelusionalcough
I think SVA deluded himself into thinking that he could somehow become a part of Jo’s world, he loved it that much, and keep it alive. He was quite proud of the fact that he HAD questioned what the core of Dumbledore’s wand may be and was not answered ( rightly so ) back in 2005. He then took it as a personal affront when Jo made a remark saying that no one had ever questioned her about Dumbledore’s wand. I think that somehow, in his head, he was beginning to believe that JO’s world was real, wanted it to be real and was beginning to convince himself of it, or, failing that, he was going to make it as real as possible by relocating to London, to the ” heart” of it all. For all we know his home may resemble the Gryffindor Common Room ! I know myself, ( and I am 53 ) that if I had the money to decorate my living room with oversized squashy chairs and a huge fireplace ( I’m thinking of the films version of course ) I would love to ! Or maybe Bag End still…. I still love Hobbit homes ! Anyway, point being, is that SVA wanted this world to be his. He wanted to live it, breathe it, become a part of it. The website was dear to him, but he wanted to quit whatever job he was doing and make a living by being involved, in whatever way he could, with Harry Potter.
I am NOT defending SVA ! Please do not misunderstand ! What he is doing is dead wrong. Just flat out dead wrong. But a part of me wonders, when you become this infatuated, this intense, about a fantasy; you WANT it to be real, or as real as possible. What better way than to work with the creator of that world herself? When that was denied he sought other means.
Oh I know I am being terribly unclear about what I am trying to say…I apologize. I just wonder how much of his HP obsession led to this sad turn of events. I wonder if he had asked if he could be a consultant tot he Universal Harry Potter Theme Park, to make sure the details were correct, or oversee the ’ Graveyard Scene’ that they are planning to show, if Jo would have consented to that..in some small way. He could have made sure their facts were correct or something to that effect… Then he could actually walked the streets of Hogsmeade and visited Hogwarts every day to his hearts content. But that would mean living in Florida ( where I live ) and not England. He wanted to be in England, where the Wizardig World of HP ” actually existed ”.
OH…what I am trying to say is…did he let himself get out of control and lose a bit of touch with reality? If so, this lawsuit has slammed him back into it.
Ok, I am about as clear as mud here, forgive me… and this had nothing to do much with the case as a whole nor of Pottercast, but I have been turning this over in my mind and had to get it out.
Guys, you did a great job of impartial reporting of the facts and I am very very glad to see you brought moments of laughter for JO during an emotionally draining trial. She is an amazing woman to keep her composure the way she did is she not?
I know this has been emotionally draining for you three as well. Props to you all for seeing it through and keeping us up to date with the accuracy of these proceedings as they unfolded.
These are sad times when the wonderful world of Harry Potter and his creator begin to get draggged through the mud like this. I feel for Jo and her family. They will be bothered more than ever now and that is just not right.
Oh and John, the British accent on the ’ Mr. Hammer” bit was excellent. ! Just what I needed for a great laugh ! Thanks !!
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