Since the official Harry Potter Fan Club launched in 2019; many fans have been asking what will be the continued benefits of the Wizarding World Gold subscription within the official Harry Potter Fan Club?
Today the official Wizarding World app answered this question by announcing a new “opportunity” for Wizarding World Gold members within the US and UK who pay $74.99 (US) and £59.99 (UK) a year, to write article submissions for them, with no prize, reward, payment, or any form of compensation.
When reading the official rules page further we found that the Wizarding World Platform is not required to, and makes no commitment or obligation to credit you for your submission. They may also sub-license your submission to any 3rd party without requirements to notify or obtain consent from you.
It is a common frustration for writers to be told that they are being paid in exposure when many rely on this as their career. However, this announcement takes it a step further in that you must pay them for a chance of exposure. You will essentially be doing free work for the Wizarding World platform if you have paid them to start with. This backwards view on work for such a large successful franchise leaves fans wondering if this is simply an unsettling attempt to get free work done, or is this all a part of a long-term plan to hire new writers in paid positions for the platform?
On a more positive note, it is exciting to see that this community will finally be given an opportunity to be seen and heard. The basic concept to invite opinions and ideas from the fanbase directly is a fantastic start. However, limiting this opportunity to only those that can afford to pay $74.99/year, and then to not guarantee credit for this type of art-form feels like it was not properly thought out. All forms of creative expression, including writing are worthy of recognition and payment.
The rules state in detail that submissions must be from active Gold members 18 years and over, must be family friendly, original opinion content, no longer than 300 words total, must be in direct correlation to the official canon, and you must be a US or UK resident. Only “acceptable opinions” that are not “inappropriate” will be selected.
Which leads us to questions regarding who is deciding what is appropriate or acceptable opinions? If a member were to submit an article analyzing the lack of positive queer representation or an analysis of ethnic tropes within the Wizarding World, would this be acceptable? The rules continue to state that any submission can be “edited where needed” before it is published.
The deadline is June 25th to enter and we would love to hear your opinions on this. Will you be entering?
As always, be sure to follow ThrillGeek on Twitter and Facebook for Wizarding World updates.
Katie Aiani is a lifelong Potter fan & Wizarding World expert who has traveled the world for a variety of fandoms. You can usually find her in a theme park on a regular basis in cosplay or Disneybounding with a Hot Butterbeer or Dole Whip in hand; while exploring the newest rides, shows, merch, & historical facts.