I know I said I wasn't posting anymore, but...

I think this is probably the biggest breach of secrecy since like, ever. The NY Times leaked Deathly Hallows. They received an advanced copy, illegally, from an unnamed NY bookstore. Someone read it. That person then reviewed and put it online (and in the paper?) for everyone to see.

This completely disgusts me. The book doesn't come out until July 21st. People have been waiting for this book for 10 years. They used their reputation as the most known and probably most read newspaper in the country to manipulate Scholastic, Jo Rowling, and all Harry Potter fans everywhere.

I didn't read the review (luckily.) I can only imagine the disappointment for those who did. I feel especially bad for everyone at Leaky and Mugglenet who figured "Oh, NY Times article, this has to be safe of spoilers." It literally makes me sick.

Leaky has posted a letter they are encouraging all HP fans to send to the paper to express their disappointment. I added a few things on to the end. If you want to send them this letter or your own diatribe, do so at letters@nytimes.com



To whom it may concern:

I am writing to express my disappointment that your publication printed an early review and details of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This goes against the express wishes of the author and anyone that calls themselves a true Harry Potter fan.

It is hard enough for a Harry Potter fan to avoid spoilers on the Internet and news stations now that the book appears to have leaked; now we have to avoid trusted outlets as well. You've not only disappointed millions of children around the world with your actions, you have disappointed the millions of adults who look to the New York Times to be a bastion of good taste and standards. When the New York Times succumbs to such tabloid tactics, who won't?

Many ask why we care - why fans aren't all so rabid to get the book that we'll sop up any illegal download or purchase. There's one simple answer: We respect the author. We thought that a newspaper like yours, where so many of your reporters become authors themselves, would understand and respect that. We're so saddened that we were wrong. We feel let down by you and your editorial board. I hope that in the future you will realize what you are doing before you blatantly go against several people's deepest wishes.

I used to respect your newspaper for being a fair and even representation of our country. I was wrong. You have sunk to the lowest of lows in journalism.

Sincerely,

Your name here - Harry Potter fan and member of Jo's Army


ETA: I just received the automated response from them - it was all I could do not to reply with "FUCK YOU YOU FUCKING ASSHOLES FUCKING SHIT HOBAGS I HATE YOU." No joke. Sigh.