[the_old_crowd] Re: W.O.M.B.A.T.S

[rebecca]

<Combined answers to Ginger, Carolyn, and Talisman>

>Ginger:
> If I understand you correctly, I think you are saying that JKR is
>trying to see how much we know about her world so that she will know
how much detail she needs to get into when writing book 7.

><snip>

>I find only one flaw with that line of thinking- the only ones who are
>taking the test are complete Potter Nuts.  The average reader probably
>is aware that she has a website, and may know that there is a door,
>but how many have this splendid group of people who can magically come
>up with the sort of info needed to get in to sit the test in the first
>place.

Rebecca:

As to the first question about what I meant, yes, somewhat the writing 
detail but moreso the preparation for the choices her characters make in 
Book 7 and the direction it takes.  Understand that I am not saying that 
she's modify what she'll write as outcome in any sense, but allow us enough 
time to discuss beforehand the types of decisions that will need to be made 
for the series conclusion or include points we're not so familiar with in 
her detail.  Especially if the conclusion is.... well, argumentable :)

As to the second point, maybe a flaw, maybe not.  If Rowling gets 10% of 
estimated fans to take the test, that's enough accepted criteria by most 
reputable instititions and firms for a statistical analysis - and I know if 
I were a marketing firm (see below my response to Talisman) I'd take the 
opportunity to know what my fans were thinking. Even if less involve 
Potterheads don't take the test, more will be aware if it's existence and 
discuss it.  Honestly, if true, I think it's a brilliant approach and 
something extremely unique to do.

>>Carolyn:
>>Also, maybe because I'm currently immersed in a political history of
>>Europe, in thinking about where you draw the line in calling in the
>>cops eg to resolve domestic disputes, her questions made me think of
>>the many and terrible intrusions into people's private lives that
>>have happened in so many extreme left- and right-wing states.

Rebecca:

IMO, I feel you are so totally on the right track with this.  I also think 
there's a tangent that I relate in my head toward major philosophies about 
societies and politics/government here as well:  Locke, Descartes, among 
others.

>Talisman:

>In that case, no doubt the cost is being covered as publishers'business 
>expenses, and answers aren't as likely to >be relevant to our HP 
>investigations.

Rebecca:

Deal or no deal, I am informed enough by having planned, performed, sold, 
and maintained the implementation of similiar infrastructure and development 
work to state that this is a substantial investment in time, resources and 
money.  Many Internet users (perhaps not you)  think throwing up a web page 
is a no brainer, because many can do that from home.  This isn't the same 
thing at all.  Lightmaker is one of the premier Internet PR and marketing 
firms, developing such sites as Disney, all of Warner Brothers, EA (for the 
gaming crowd) among other recognizable names.  The words "not cheap" do 
apply here.

While of course you're welcome to think that this won't be relative, I am of 
the other ilk.  The effort and costs associated with this test are 
substantial regardless who pays for it, and call me capitalistic, but if 
you're not going to get a return on your investment in some manner, why 
would you go to the expense and trouble in the first place?  That "return" I 
mentioned may be as interesting as Rowling's answers, IMO.

rebecca