[the_old_crowd] Re: What do we lose?

[rebecca]

>Randy said:
>My point is that we have all changed over the last 6 years.  You
>once could discuss 4 books at the same time and catch the interest
>of several different people.  Then it became a discussion of the
>latest book and comparing it to theories that had been postulated.
>Now that the possibilities are being reduced, the excitement has
>waned a bit because things might not be turning out the way we hoped.

<snip>

>Since I started on these in 2000, I think it is just the seven year
>itch to try something new.

Rebecca now:

I agree with you, Randy, about the discussion being more towards the latest 
release. I have to add that part of the issue is that when developing a 
mystery/epic/series such as JKR has with HP, time is of the essence for 
answers with hardcore fans in this regard. While I feel we have gotten a few 
of them over this 6 year period of HP fan servitude, many others seem 
shrouded in innuedo and inconsistencies and there's only so far the 
imagination can run before it peters itself out and only answers will do - 
whether they are what we theorize or not.  7 years is a long time to wait.

A current example of this time, mystery, and answer dependency is the TV 
show "Lost." The writers of that show have been maligned by their fans for 
not giving more answers and just heaping mystery upon mystery - a quicksand 
of disjointed mysteries with no discernable answers with which a regular 
viewer can immediately relate. That show has only been on for less than 2 
seasons (we're in the 2nd season now), and the producers and writers got the 
message loud and clear from viewers about midway the 2nd season- the 
episodes this month have FINALLY given fans something to grasp and 
understand.  Therefore, "Lost" will probably continue to be a hit when 
Season 3 starts in late fall of this year.

Time, mystery,  answers, and maintaining fan interest look to be the 
equasion which must be measured and planned to be successful.  Looks to me 
like Rowling is just, well, taking far too long and milking it for all it's 
worth.  Lyn mentioned the WOMBATS in his post on the other thread -  IMO, if 
JKR wants to be a teacher and grade papers, she should get her butt in a 
classroom and teach 5th graders or post the damn answers with explanations 
to give fans some fodder until the final book comes out. Personally, I was 
annoyed by her presumption to "test and grade" fans of her books, as I have 
been taught, tested, and graded by far better teachers than her. HP is 
entertainment for me, not a class in religion, science, sociology, 
philosophy or the humanities.

BTW, if anyone enjoys mysteries which are influenced by characters the likes 
of Sherlock Holmes and Miss Marple (the latter distantly), I might recommend 
Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child's series if you've not read them.  I'm a 
huge fan of  their Agent Pendergast character and a new book in the series 
is coming this month from the collaborative efforts of these 2 authors.  I'm 
sure one of these books will be a movie at some point, as Agent Pendergast 
is far too compelling and mysterious a character for Hollywood to pass up.

Rebecca