Pottermore Corporate News

So, Pottermore has once again released some corporate documents.  And this has some... interesting notes. The Dark Lord of Pottermore seems to have gained more power.

The (potential) Four Houses of Illvermorny

So, it's been announced on Hypable and a few other sites that the four houses, or house animals at least, for Illvermorny are "Horned Serpent," "Thunder Bird," "Puckwudgie," and "Wampus."

Well, Rowling sure does love us Americans huh?

Rowling's Wizard America: Summary and Review

Well... what can go wrong?

So Pottermore released things again.  We have a wonderful release of writings by JK  Rowling on North American Wizardry. After the break we have a quick summary of what was in the posts, as well as some reaction. If you want to get straight to the reaction, please just scroll down. 

Universal Studios Trip Report: HELLO HOGSMEDE!

Soft Open Prep: it took about 2 hours after open to get Hogsmede running. 

So, I was up to something special this Saturday. I decided to go to Universal Studios, and see how Hogsmede and Hogwarts were doing. And they were open. So, I, as your loyal... whatever I am, decided to share the information, as well as provide a quick difference between the two coasts I've visited.
So let's get started after the break!

Pottermore Did Some Things!

So Pottermore finally did a thing.
Sorting is back. And so are wands. And so is....
Oh... news... this couldn't be a bombshell....
Nevermind.

Jurevics's Keynote: Why the Strategy Shift is Ill-Planned

So, this is also a bit late, but in the last few months, Jurevics gave a Keynote on Pottermore, and the recent strategy shift.

Pottermore Breaking, Bracing, or Booming?

So I'm certain many of you have heard this sort of headline already.

Pottermore has posted a loss. It's been a while, but they've posted a loss. Of nearly five million pounds.

Now, it's difficult to go over, but luckily, I have a fairly strong business background, and some basic skill in reading balance sheets.

I will mention, however, and stress that the numbers only tell a part of the story, and there's still plenty of pieces of the puzzle missing.

As for how I got this information, it's publicly available here.

Always

We'll miss you Severus.

Fantastic Beasts and... Where are They?

Sooooo I have a bad feeling about this.

I want to make this clear, I'm writing this on the heels of Star Wars. I'm writing this after seeing the trailer 10 times, with three days to think about it.

Wait!

No blog post this week *gasp* but lots more the next few weeks!

We'll be covering the new fantastic Beasts trailer, some Pottermore news from the recent Susan Juverics Keynote, and a bit of speculation on the way.

In addition, if you're on the forum, check out the third floor corridor game that's going on, and a few other fun developments!

Till then, this is Runi, rotting in study-land.

Travelling

Sooooo I was on vacation a while back in summer, and the experience was amazing! Like Newt, I went to the wonderful New York City! And, as the holidays are around, and people travel, and do things, I'd like to share my perspective on travel....  using video games!

Bonus! Poll updates!

So this closed a while ago but.... Man we're not a happy bunch are we? 24 votes for angry, and the next runner up is let's wait.

Let's hope they give something that's going to make me post a slightly more cheerful bit of news for them later. But till then, what's your favorite Potter immersion site? HEX? Old PM? Neo-PM? Something else? Or maybe nothing, and you're just frustrated with it all? This poll closes on the new year, so vote away!

Still Waiting

.... So, here's a question.

Why Didn't Neo-Pottermore open with the new interactive functions they're promising from the get-go?

What Makes a Fandom?

   

Recently, I've been thinking of what makes a fandom a fandom.  Just last week, a story broke about a girl being harassed by fans of Steven Universe, and things have gone to pot afterwards, with people proclaiming that show as having "the worst fandom." (Out of respect for you dear readers, I link the story here, and I will be referencing it, but it is not a story for the weak of heart. Tread carefully.)

Soooooo About This Week's Post.

So, here's the thing.

About Fantastic Beasts: Everything we Know

So... Fantastic Beasts.  This is going to be interesting.

So let's list what we know

Thoughts on the Cursed Child.

Before I continue, I find it is almost necessary to post this.

Oh Miyamoto-san. You are missed. Anyways... the cursed child. 

Update on the Neo-PM Poll

So, I've been talking with folks and I wanted to say... I'm pretty sure Neo PM is NOT being taken nicely. I mean, so far the poll numbers are fairly split between angry and wait and see, but given the site's been replaced for a little less than a month, who knows. Soon enough, the anniversary of the change will hit, and we'll see what may occur.

There are always patronuses..... if we can muster up happy thoughts after all.

Is it Better? Looking at HEX (Hogwarts Extreme)

I think the general consensus now is that Pottermore has abandoned it's core user base, and well, now we all have to find other things to do. So with that being said, let's look at one of the more popular alternates to Pottermore: Hogwarts Extreme aka (HEX).

Books! Now with Added Features*

Huh, time to write again. What to write about... what to write about....

Ooooh Yes!