Do spoilers really "ruin" things? Or make things more interesting?

[honeypi28]

No: HPFGUIDX 168779

leslie:

> My philosophy about spoilers is that they can
> only "ruin" things if the novel/movie is otherwise relatively
> uninteresting.  If the facts of the plot are the main thing that
> matters to the audience. That's not the case with Rowling's work.
>
<snip>
>
> I guess I just don't understand the hoopla over not "spoiling"
> things.  I could read an elaborate description of the plot and the
> book would not be spoiled for me at all.

honeypi:
I agree entirely.  In fact, I regret having started the series before the last book has been published.  I haven't enjoyed being part of such a captive audience and I don't really like speculating on what will or won't happen for years at a time. (I know lots of people who get pleasure from this, which is great, it's just not for me).  I'm more interested in what does happen and how well the plot unfolds.  It wouldn't trouble me in the least to have the book "spoiled".  I'm sure I will know the basics of what happens before I read it and this suits me just fine.

On the other hand, it's horribly rude to ruin it for those who prefer the surprise; rather like screaming out who dunnit in a movie theater half way through the film.  It's also a real shame when people leak "classified" information if they've agreed not to do so.  Those that provide spoilers are revealing something about their own character aren't they?

Thank goodness July approaches quickly.  I have made a personal vow
that this will be the last time I begin reading a series before it is
complete.




****Note for all members from the list elves*****
Please remember the main list is for canon discussion.  If you're interested in discussing how you will read DH, past reading experiences with the series or other comments not spcifically talking about the works and words of JKR, please visit and post at OTChatter:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HPFGU-OTChatter/

Thanks!