The world of Harry Potter is not only witnessing dark wizardry and magical spells, but also, accusations, infringements and even lawsuits. One can argue that often, success leads to all kinds of frivolous claims. Back in the year 2000, Nancy Stouffer accused JK Rowling of plagiarism, for stealing ideas from her book, “The Legend of Rah and Muggles”, published in 1984, where, there were characters awfully similar to Harry Potter of Rowling’s. According to Nancy, there was Larry Potter instead of Harry Potter, and the word “Muggles” was originally coined by Nancy herself, which she accuses, Rowling’s subsequently twisted to create Harry Potter, which has been translated in 64 languages, sold more than 400 million copies worldwide and generated a film franchise that has grossed Sterling 2.3 billion at the box office, helping Rowling to amass a fortune of over Sterling 540 millions, thus making her one of the richest women in the world.
Now the tables have turned and its Rowling’s turn to sue, this time, a 50 year old school teacher and avid Harry Potter fan, Mr. Vander Ark, for his intended publication of Harry Potter Lexicon, an encyclopedia featuring the complex world of Harry Potter. Lexicon was initially rolled out on the web as a free fan site, with the blessings of Rowling, but she freaked out upon hearing about the intended publication and resorted to litigation after an unsuccessful attempt to prevent him from publishing it, as it could tamper with her prospects of publishing her own encyclopedia.
Rowling Vs Who?
I think it is dumb to make this assumption, comparing herself with a fan, after all, authenticity is the real intellectual property and after selling 400 million copies, if Rowling’s thinks someone can dent her potential, it is a tragedy. Rowling’s testimony is also the ultimate insult an author can hurl at a fanatical follower; I quote, “Mr. Vander Ark has gutted that book. He has simply taken it and copied it. It is sloppy, lazy and it takes my work wholesale. He has taken my creation.. I did feel an act of betrayal..” this statement is disheartening to many fans who continue to get inspired from her work. I think Rowling is contributing to making Vander Ark famous, and apparently now he goes around the country opening HP exhibitions and various other functions, already enjoying celebrity status. Perhaps what Rowling really needs is proper marketing advice, rather than the legal type!
This could happen to any brand with a cult like following, but history shows different ways of tackling them.
Lessons from the past:
Star Trek, one of the most successful television and motion picture franchises in entertainment history, encountered a similar issue in the late 70’s when an 18 year old, Dan Madsen, began publishing and distributing from his basement, photocopied pictures, postcards and newsletters, among fellow Trekkers. The producer, Paramount, upon hearing this, accused Madsen of copyright violations and threatened legal action. But in hindsight, they came up with a different strategy. They offered him a contract to publish Star Trek Communicator magazine, making good use of Madsen’s passion and commitment to Star Trek.
The result: a 30,000 Trekker club within a short period of time and USD 2 billion in selling merchandise. Cult brands cannot be managed the same way like others. Cult brands need to become more inclusive, strengthening their community and establishing their own unique culture. In order to achieve this, one has to put followers before fortune. It would be to Rowling’s benefit, if the world of HP expands, even if it means allowing other people to earn a few nickels & dimes in the process.
Few final words: Don’t be surprised if all this is organized propaganda!
Now the tables have turned and its Rowling’s turn to sue, this time, a 50 year old school teacher and avid Harry Potter fan, Mr. Vander Ark, for his intended publication of Harry Potter Lexicon, an encyclopedia featuring the complex world of Harry Potter. Lexicon was initially rolled out on the web as a free fan site, with the blessings of Rowling, but she freaked out upon hearing about the intended publication and resorted to litigation after an unsuccessful attempt to prevent him from publishing it, as it could tamper with her prospects of publishing her own encyclopedia.
Rowling Vs Who?
I think it is dumb to make this assumption, comparing herself with a fan, after all, authenticity is the real intellectual property and after selling 400 million copies, if Rowling’s thinks someone can dent her potential, it is a tragedy. Rowling’s testimony is also the ultimate insult an author can hurl at a fanatical follower; I quote, “Mr. Vander Ark has gutted that book. He has simply taken it and copied it. It is sloppy, lazy and it takes my work wholesale. He has taken my creation.. I did feel an act of betrayal..” this statement is disheartening to many fans who continue to get inspired from her work. I think Rowling is contributing to making Vander Ark famous, and apparently now he goes around the country opening HP exhibitions and various other functions, already enjoying celebrity status. Perhaps what Rowling really needs is proper marketing advice, rather than the legal type!This could happen to any brand with a cult like following, but history shows different ways of tackling them.
Lessons from the past:
Star Trek, one of the most successful television and motion picture franchises in entertainment history, encountered a similar issue in the late 70’s when an 18 year old, Dan Madsen, began publishing and distributing from his basement, photocopied pictures, postcards and newsletters, among fellow Trekkers. The producer, Paramount, upon hearing this, accused Madsen of copyright violations and threatened legal action. But in hindsight, they came up with a different strategy. They offered him a contract to publish Star Trek Communicator magazine, making good use of Madsen’s passion and commitment to Star Trek.
The result: a 30,000 Trekker club within a short period of time and USD 2 billion in selling merchandise. Cult brands cannot be managed the same way like others. Cult brands need to become more inclusive, strengthening their community and establishing their own unique culture. In order to achieve this, one has to put followers before fortune. It would be to Rowling’s benefit, if the world of HP expands, even if it means allowing other people to earn a few nickels & dimes in the process.
Few final words: Don’t be surprised if all this is organized propaganda!
Pictures: Google Images
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