In an age where everyone is standing in the marketplace, screaming as loud as they can, it would seem the ultimate "sell" is silence.
As you're reading this post, the new and final book of the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, is being delivered to secret locations in North America.
Despite what you may have read about a leak, security measures have been put in place to protect the contents of the book. The book series fans are adamant that the information contained in the leak is false and misleading. Many have added their voices to confuse the story. [For my Italian readers, see the story here.]
And what a great story this is. One of collaboration and ingenuity, where customers, the readers, are square in the center of magic and discovery. This is the subject of my post at FC Expert blogs today. Children of every age want to keep the secret long enough so they can discover it. I once talked to a young lady who said she read one of the earlier books, all 800 pages, in less than two days.
What begun as a story pouring out of the imagination of one person, author J.K. Rawling, has now become a shared experience, a cultural event, for millions of children the world over. Waiting at a bookstore near you is the portal to the last book in this fantastic installation of characters and the story of our times. In a world of instant gratification, waiting on purpose has proven to be worthwhile.
[photo Reuters]
Valeria,
I love your closing statement, waiting is worthwhile. It's a profound thought in this fast paced environment of immediate consumption.
It's also reminds us the value of discovery and the work and patience that leads to the great payoff when we, ourselves, have earned the right to know the secret.
Posted by: Jamey Shiels | July 19, 2007 at 12:36 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, VALERIA!
Yes, today (Thursday) is the day. Buon Compleanno!
Wishing you continued success, health -- and Italian Style, with New World Attitude.
c.
Posted by: Chris Baskind | July 19, 2007 at 01:15 PM
Jamey -- we have become impatient to the detriment of relationships and real connections. We are looking for the payoff before we build something worth paying for... this is a great example of how things can be more gratifying when we build up to them.
Chris -- well, the cat in now out of the bag, isn't he? Thank you.
Posted by: Valeria Maltoni | July 19, 2007 at 08:12 PM
Hi Valeria!
What a fabulous post! I love your take on this. It's well thought, well written and I so enjoyed reading, devouring every word of it. It's as fun as the book.
I mean that. You like Rowling show a respect for the people who read the book and that's at the heart of it all. :)
Posted by: Liz Strauss | July 21, 2007 at 03:35 PM
Liz:
I thought you'd enjoy the different take because you get the industry and (your) readers. Thank you for stopping by.
Posted by: Valeria Maltoni | July 21, 2007 at 03:40 PM