WW communications (was Jo's site etc)

[imamommy at sbcglobal.net]

No: HPFGUIDX 119746


--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Arya" <gryffindor.phan at g...> 
wrote:
> 
> Carolyn wrote:
> I've never decided whether we have found out what Jo was referring 
to
> in this interview quote about WW communications:
> 
> Q. Has Harry ever used the Internet?
> A. No. He's not allowed near Dudley's computer and Dudley's the only
> one who's got a computer. He gets beaten up if he goes too near the
> keyboard. So no, he's never used the Internet. I use it a lot but
> not Harry. Wizards don't really need to use the Internet but that's
> something that you'll find out later on in the series. They have a
> means of finding out what goes on in the outside world that I think
> is more fun than the Internet. Could anything be more fun than the
> Internet? Yes!
> 
> 
> Variously, it's been suggested that it's the portraits, or mirrors,
> or travel devices such as the Floo network and portkeys. Or magical
> books, rather like Riddle's diary, where you can literally lose
> yourself in the pages (shades of Jasper Fforde). Maybe she meant 
Gred
> & Forge's extendable ears ?
> 
> But none of these things seem to quite fit, IMO. She seems to be
> indicating something which you can search for news and information.
> The closest thing I can think of that we have seen so far is a
> crystal ball. <SNIPPED REST OF MESSAGE>
> -----------------
> 
> Carolyn, I'm wondering when this quote is from?  Specifically, I'm 
wondering if it's before 
> the publishment of GoF as that is when, IIRC, Floo as a means of 
mere communication is 
> first introduced.  I think I've leaned towards thinking it is the 
Floo Network.  I even think I 
> might have read an idea (or a fanfic) where someone proposed the 
Floo could be used like 
> a television of sorts (to get a view in on a Quidditch game for 
example).  Of course I'd say 
> that sounds inefficient as the Floo is a main thru-way for travel 
and probably shouldn't be 
> blocked up for mere entertainment.
> 
> 
> Arya

imamommy:

Not only that, but imagine kneeling on the floor for an entire 
Quidditch match?

I was really hoping that we would find out what she was referring to 
in OoP.  The closest thing I can come up with is Hermione's brain;-P  
But I also remember that the story is set in the mid-nineties, and 
the internet then was not nearly as useful then, or as widely used.  
Perhaps it was something that, when JKR began writing her story, did 
not need to be adressed, but is now sort of puzzling.  

imamommy
who thinks Hermione would really benefit from something to save her 
searching all those books one at a time