Can we please stop with all this Harry Potter stuff ...

[Theknacktoflying]

Promotion e-mail from Waterstones that they are having a HP book night ...

I know that it has done wonders getting kids reading, I know that it is a huge phenomenon but please can we get past this idea that there are no other childrens’ authors than Rowling, Dahl, Walliams and Kinney ..

And a bookshop should be promoting other overhyped books ..

I imagine HP has made bookshops a decent amount of money, I also imagine that special book nights will make them even more money.

If you don’t like HP then you don’t have to get involved. YABU

The thing is, a lot of adults have an immense fondness for Harry Potter, too. Even intelligent, literate adults. It has a cult following, and it's fun.

Just ignore if you don't like it.

You're annoyed that a book shop are holding a special event to promote literature to young people? I've really seen it all, some people just having something to moan about

No one is forcing you to go to anything HP related. I hate this sneering over Harry Potter. Does it make you feel superior?

avada kedavra!

but if
You don’t like it I’m sure there are millions that would disagree - why not just delete the email?

If you don't like it, don't go. They aren't just loved by children but also many adults.

Many 20 somethings first generation love these book nights it is all a bit geeky isn't it and probably a new cover edition I don't see what harm they are doing.

First generation fans

In fact these kids are probably heading for 30

Harry Potter is pure magic! My dc are 17 & 13 and their whole childhood was dominated by hp in the most wonderful and magical way.
I've encountered this slightly sneering attitude before and always think the same, just look away and let the rest of us enjoy it!!

Dd is nearly 26 and still loves Harry Potter

But if they had an unknown but still good author book night not many people would go because they don't know that person or love their stuff like they do Harry Potter.

Aw I love Harry Potter.

It would be great to see bookshops and libraries promote Harry Potter AND other books. It shouldn’t be one or the other.

I enjoyed the HP series, but in hindsight it’s not a very well written series, it’s one of those things were the hardcore fans hype it up beyond how good it actually is.Unfortunately it’s the Star Wars of the recent generation. It’s not going to go away, in fact much like Star Wars it will be milked until it becomes a mediocre cash-cow (already starting to happen). So it’s just a case of ignoring it I’m afraid.

My children are not small minded enough to believe no books exist outside of HP, no matter what the promotions are. of any HP book or that of any book promotion.

They are well read children and enjoy many authors.

No matter what your overhyped nonsense opinion is

To be clear, are you suggesting that the publishing industry should stop running promotions based around one of the highest-grossing book series/franchises of all time?

The book industry is a business. It needs to make money. Money made from the HP series bolsters the coffers so that less successful books can be marketed too.

You understand that, surely?

It has just been done to death .... look at World Book Day at schools or any book event - there is ALWAYS some reference to HP or author advertised as the next JKR.

I don’t have an issue with HP per se, just that it is so lazy ....

YABU. I go to these nights and I’m 30.

Live and let live. Nobody is forcing you to go.

I'm 34 and I love HP. I can't wait until DD is old enough to read them to her

Don't go, then.

High street shops have become all too aware that they are being outsold by online retailers such as Amazon. The only way they're going to stay in business is by offering something online rivals can't - and that means in-store events, basically. Physical stuff you go to. Or don't go to, if the books in question don't float your boat - but don't blame the poor buggers for trying to keep their own heads above water.

It has just been done to death

Obviously not. If it had been done to death, demand would drop off and such promotions would not be financially viable.

The fact that they still run them, and profit from them, is proof in itself that it’s far from ‘dead’.

I’m not sure why you think it’s lazy - they’re running promotions that will be successful and will make them money. Basic business sense.

Its not lazy its good marketing. They know that harry potter theme nughts will bring in the customers with very little advertising whereas having a theme night about an author no one knows will not draw the same level of interest.

Avada Kedavra