A bit of satire and humor from the Christian Science Monitor’s Ron Charles regarding the potential for “out of control” marketing.

According to a news release Books Inc., the West’s Oldest Independent Bookseller, is hosting midnight release parties for the much anticipated Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, beginning Friday evening, June 20, 2003, at seven Books Inc. locations. Locations include, three San Francisco locations (Market St., Laurel Village, and Chestnut St.), the Burlingame, …read more!

The Kansas City Star has an intriguing article about whether to stick with an online preorder or to visit a store. I think I prefer going out and joining a party.

It looks like Book V didn’t come soon enough. Newsday reports that Scholastic had to lay off 400 in its global workforce.

Thanks to reader pedant, we’ve found that Ticketmaster Canada is actually selling tickets to Book V launch events at Chapters and Indigo locations in Calgary, Alberta and Ontario. I’m surprised there hasn’t been any articles or news about it thus far. We will add all these entries to MUARI.

There’s been some confusion as to why the US edition audio versions (CD and casette) of Book V will be out June 21st and the UK edition won’t be released until September 22nd, 2003. Reader Liz sent us a response from the BBC that should clear things up: We are delighted to be able to …read more!

We have heard rumors that several book chains across the world have plans for the Harry Potter release but have had little success in getting “official word”. Below is a list of stores we’re waiting to hear from and contact information on reaching them. If you could assist in finding out what the plans are …read more!

We received a press release this morning that the Raincoast Books launch event will be a charity fundraiser for Canuck Place Children’s Hospice. Join us Saturday June 21st when Raincoast Books hosts the Harry Potter Launch Party, especially for grown-up Harry Potter fans. Celebrate the publication day of Harry Potter and the Order of the …read more!

Thanks so much Rachel, for sending us this blurb from SPIN magazine, which has one of my favorite creative people ever talking about one of my favorite creative people ever: JOSS WHEDON (Buffy creator; science fiction and fantasy savant): I think the Harry Potter books are the finest of the century! JK Rowling is one …read more!

According to a press release we received this morning, all 21 Borders UK stores will stay open through midnight June 20th, 2003 to sell Book V. All those who preorder at Borders stores will be automatically entered to receive a copy signed by J.K. herself. We have received details of what each store is doing …read more!