Why now?

[mizstorge]

No: HPFGUIDX 110743

As Galadriel Waters recently pointed out, HP fandom is in a unique 
position right now: we can interact with the author during the 
writing process, try to figure out the clues and, as this thread 
originally pointed out, be "guided" by the author in our conclusions. 
No-one who starts to read the series after Book 7 comes out will have 
had these opportunities.

Now, while we're coongratulating ourselvess, I want to that propose 
this process probably works both ways. JKR also has had the 
opportunity to read our comments and hypotheses, our fiction and our 
debates. I wonder in what ways this has affected her writing? Oh, not 
The Big Picture, but the details -  the hand-squeeze (for the HG/RW 
crowd) in the POA movie, the 40-line stare in OoTP (for HMS 
Wolfstar), the denial that LV is related to HP after that Star Wars 
page with HP characters penciled-in briefly appeared (and was taken 
off the net by legal injunction), and such-like. These also gently 
guiding our thoughts. To a certain extent, I think WE are 
influencing - subtly - the story in a synthesis with JKR. 

HP may be more unique than we realize - if the author is generously 
allowing the readers to help tell the story.