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Two weeks ago a teaser page appeared on the web: J.K Rowling was going to announce a new web site called Pottermore.com. And basically that's all we could knew about it. Finally yesterday, J.K Rowling appeared in person at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London to announce Pottermore during a press conference - see picture picture below which is not an ad for Sony(!) the VAIO laptop is here because Pottermore has been made possible "with the support and partnership of Sony".

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So, yesterday Thursday 23rd June, J.K Rowling answered mounting speculation about the nature of her new project and Pottermore will be a unique and free-to-use website which builds an exciting online experience around the reading of her hugely successful Harry Potter books. For this project, J.K. Rowling has written extensive new material about the characters, places and objects in the much-loved stories, which will inform, inspire and entertain readers as they journey through the storylines of the books.

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Later, Pottermore will incorporate an online shop where people can purchase exclusively the long-awaited Harry Potter eBooks and is ultimately intended to become an online reading experience, extending the relevance of Harry Potter to new generations of readers, while still appealing to existing fans. As the Pottermore Shop will develop it is intended that it should include further products designed specifically for Harry Potter fans, offering a potential outlet for services related to Pottermore.

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In keeping with Harry Potter’s international appeal, the site will launch in English, French, Italian, German and Spanish, with more languages to follow. In the new website, the storyline will be brought to life with sumptuous newly-commissioned illustrations and interactive ‘Moments’ through which you can navigate, starting with the first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s (Sorcerer’s) Stone. On entering, you'll choose a magic username and begin your experience. And as you will move through the chapters, you will read and share exclusive writing from J.K. Rowling, and, just as Harry joins Hogwarts, so can you. You'll be able to visit Diagon Alley, get sorted into a house, cast spells and mix potions to help your house compete for the House Cup.

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At the press conference, Rowling revealed some key features of the website. She described how she hasbrought to life both the Sorting Hat and Ollivanders experiences from her books for the first time on Pottermore, by revealing the questions asked by the Sorting Hat - which places newcomers into their Hogwarts houses according to their characteristics - and the magic behind the Wand Chooser – which finds the right wand for each user from over 33,000 possible combinations. She also revealed glimpses of the new information she has provided on some of the best-loved characters.

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Pottermore (along with the Pottermore Shop) will be open to all users in October 2011. From today, 23rd June, Harry Potter fans can submit their email addresses on Pottermore.com in order to be contacted by the site following the opening of registration on 31st July, Harry’s birthday. Also on that date, an online challenge will be launched, whereby the first million people to complete their registration will gain early entry into the website, and help put final touches to the experience.

The storyline of the second book, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, will go live on the site in early 2012. The Pottermore Shop opens when the site opens to all in October, selling complete ranges of the eBooks and digital audiobooks in a selection of languages, exclusively.

J.K. Rowling commented, “I wanted to give something back to the fans that have followed Harry so devotedly over the years, and to bring the stories to a new digital generation. I hope fans and those new to Harry will have as much fun helping to shape Pottermore as I have. Just as I have contributed to the website, everyone else will be able to join in by submitting their own comments, drawings and other content in a safe and friendly environment – Pottermore has been designed as a place to share the stories with your friends as you journey through the site.”

Don't miss below the J.K Rowling Pottermore announcement video as it includes magical animation!




All pictures and video: copyright J.K Rowling - Pottermore.com


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