By: Vivienne Quek

Vivienne Quek — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 15:01:01 +0000

When a book meant for the children also pulled in matured audience in masses, its success is sealed. The children don’t have to persuade the adults to buy books, movie tickets and merchandise, the adults willingly open up their wallets – sometime without prompting. I’m one of them. I agreed that the books are pretty interesting – especially the first 2 books. Most books won’t tell it all but they could be so predictable that audience knows what will happen next. Regrettably this happens to well known writers too. Most writers who have created a hero will most definitely want to create a viral impact, yet most fell flat or apart after a few books. Frodo definitely has his own fan base but I believe they are of a different league from Harry’s supporters. Most kids connect with Harry more easily. Not only is Harry a bullied underdog turned hero, Harry leads the real-life kids and adults to live in Hogwart with his wizard friends and and foes. We literally grow up/old with Harry in the same environment years after years. JK Rowling made Harry’s home ours. Using Malcolm Gladwell’s word, the Harry Potter’s stories and characters have a high level of “stickiness”. With such “stickiness”, we joined the Harry Potters’ community and the conversation. Viola, money rows in for JK Rowlings and gang.

Comments on: Harry Potter: A Global Business Phenomenon

By: Vivienne Quek