Pottermore launches in beta

16.08.11 | Charlotte Williams - The Bookseller

J K Rowling's Pottermore site launched yesterday as a beta version for members of the press and the one million fans who registered for early access.
The e-book and audiobook store on the site is among the sections not yet accessible, with it to open when the full launch goes ahead in October.
Each site visitor is given their own username, password and homepage and they then build up a profile as the site enables the user to navigate through the chapters of the seven Harry Potter titles, collecting objects and experiencing original animated "moments", which give users access to new content from J K Rowling, as well as snippets from the original text.

Currently users can only travel through the first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, but the other books will be added to the site after its full launch.
Users were already able to comment online, with most praising the site. User WillowQuaffle146 said: "It's like Christmas has come early!!!!" However, some comments criticised the lack of audio accompanying the animations on the site. "Sound would take this to another level," said MagicDust2. A spokesman for Pottermore confirmed there is no plan to add sound to the site for its full launch.