Half-Blood Mania

I don't understand the stink the publishers of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince have with books that are somehow leaked early to the public.

I've got my order, which is supposed to be delivered Saturday. I waited in line at one of those midnight madness sales for the last book, but, even as I understand how people might want to be in suspense about the book and its contents, you'd think, judging by the reactions of the publishers and the author, that stores "accidentally" selling the book early would get some kind of publisher's death penalty for having done so.

No more books for you!

Shoot, in Canada, a judge's order prevents people who "accidentally" received the book from talking about it. Or what? What law would these people be breaking? An instant law made up by one judge?

Put it this way, if I saw the book out before its release date, and it was a book I wanted, I'd buy it, and I'd talk about it too. I think the law would be on my side. I would have legally purchased the book, and I have a legal right to free speech. I don't think the Patriot Act would prevent me from discussing who dies, and other plot revelations, in the new Harry Potter book. It's not a national security issue. Sanction me? Fine me? Jail me? For what? And why would I voluntarily return the book, even if I'd get special perks as a result? I didn't do anything wrong, and I wouldn't feel guilty in the least about keeping a book that "accidentally" was sold to me before its release date.

As for the bookseller, the sanction for them won't be a legal one, at least I wouldn't think. It would be bad publicity for everyone, though the publisher would likely be less inclined to grant favor to that bookseller on future books coming to that store. I guess it's similar to when a public figure doesn't like coverage he/she is receiving. They cut off, or  severely limit access to the "offending" outlet.

For all parties involved, lighten up. It's a book. A popular one, yes, but just a book nonetheless.

Comments

[Leah]

well, it's a bit of a slow start, but it's warming up to be a good book. I'm so glad I went last night, b/c I actually met some nice ppl my own age that live in town here. I also got to spend the morning reading HP ^^

As far as being tired, well, I took a nap from 8-11 to try and ward off some of the sleepiness. It worked alright . . .

[Jimmy]

I did the midnight madness thing for Order of the Phoenix and enjoyed it, but was tired by the time I waited everything out and left. This time I ordered online and will await my UPS shipment. As soon as I'm done, my nephew has dibs on the book, and I take Lemony Snicket books 6-11 off his hands temporarily.

[Leah]

right on. I'm really excited (doing the midnight madness thing, b/c only 200 ppl in my town have preordered, so it can't be too crazy). But it is just a book, and I wish ppl would realize that. All the secrecy is crazy. Why do they care if a box gets opened a day early? It's like a popular movie -- if you don't want ppl to tell you about it, just say so.

that said, I won't be reading about it till I finish it . . . which will probably be by tomorrow night. since it's so windy here, there aren't many boats out, so I should have plenty of prime reading time at work.