J.K. Rowling has taken to YouTube to reveal the secrets behind her Pottermore website. This exciting new 'Harry Potter' adventure comes on the heels of the 8th and final installment of the record-breaking film franchise. Presented as a gift to her fans undying love and loyalty to this magical world, the Pottermore website will offer audio books and e-books for purchase as well as an interactive environment for fans to explore and learn more about each book and charater.
More than that, however, the Pottermore website will have 18,000 words of new 'Harry Potter' content for Potterphiles to devour. Yet although Rowling has embraced technology and the Internet, she has made it clear that the Pottermore website is a way to encourage reading and the "literary experience."
The Pottermore website will launch on July 31, 2011 for a select few and then October for the rest of the public.
Implications - The Pottermore website is unique in that it shows potential authors, publishers and other businesses that there are ways to sell e-books without Apple or Amazon benefiting from the proceeds.
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The Pottermore Website Offers E-Books and Interactive Experiences
Trend Themes
1. Direct-to-consumer E-book Platforms - The Pottermore website demonstrates the potential for authors and publishers to sell e-books directly to consumers, bypassing traditional retailers.
2. Interactive Reading Experiences - The interactive environment offered by the Pottermore website highlights the opportunity for creating engaging and interactive reading experiences for readers.
3. Content Expansion for Established Franchises - The addition of 18,000 words of new content on the Pottermore website showcases the potential for expanding established franchises through digital platforms.
Industry Implications
1. Publishing - The Pottermore website opens up possibilities for publishers to explore direct-to-consumer e-book sales and interactive reading experiences.
2. Digital Content Platforms - The success of the Pottermore website suggests opportunities for digital platforms to create engaging interactive experiences for readers.
3. Entertainment Franchises - The content expansion on the Pottermore website presents opportunities for other entertainment franchises to extend their storylines and engage fans through digital platforms.