The Quibbler (Website)
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Founded in 2003, The Quibbler online news magazine is a family-friendly Harry Potter fansite dedicated to writing.
[edit] The Quibbler Newsmagazine
The Quibbler was founded by four female editors in September of 2003, immediately after the English publication of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, the fifth book in author J.K. Rowling's hit Harry Potter series.
The Quibbler was based upon the fictional The Quibbler introduced in the novel, a newsmagazine that delighted in the most absurd and highly speculative news in the wizarding world. Taking its cue from the novel, The Quibbler Newsmagazine was formed with the intent of bringing a different view of the Harry Potter fandom than most other HP sites provide, with fun and entertaining news articles from both the 'wizarding' and 'muggle' worlds.
Since its inception, The Quibbler has been a widespread portal for fans from around the world to demonstrate their writing talents. The article-based format of "TQ", along with its fun, creative style, allow aspiring journalists, artists and creative talents to try their hand at publishing in a true news format.
Boasting writers from almost every continent, along with guests writers from some of the biggest sites in the Harry Potter fandom, The Quibbler offers new content with each monthly publication.
Since 2003, it has featured interviews with representatives of Warner Bros., as well as spotlight interviews with individuals involved in all aspects of the Harry Potter world. "TQ" features up-to-date news articles, feature articles about all aspects of life in both the 'wizarding' and 'muggle' worlds, and special commentary including movie reviews, personal columns, and theory speculation.
The Quibbler Newsmagazine is open to all writers, and is a public, non-profit website. All Quibbler publication is done online through the Quibbler's Online Forums
[edit] Mattie Stepanek petition
In 2004, The Quibbler Newsmagazine launched a petition on behalf of Matthew J. T. Stepanek, the young poet and author of the Heartsongs series of poetry books. "Mattie" was a young man who suffered from mitochondrial myopathy, a form of muscular dystrophy. An author from the age of three, Mattie had successfully published five poetry books by the age of 12. He was a recognized speaker, an ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association of America, and a friend of some of the most inspiring personalities in the United States and around the world, including former President Jimmy Carter, Oprah Winfrey, and Jerry Lewis. Mattie passed away from complications to his disease in June of 2004. His funeral was attended by over 2,000 guests and fans.
Mattie was a consummate fan of the Harry Potter series of books, and had corresponded with Potter author J.K. Rowling on a few occasions. In honor of his accomplishments, The Quibbler Newsmagazine launched a petition politely asking Rowling to consider placing his name somewhere in one of her final two books. The petition currently features over 4000 signatures, and has been signed and approved by Mattie's mother Jeni Stepanek.
In September of 2006, The Quibbler sent the petition and other articles to J.K. Rowling for consideration. Ms. Rowling responded to the petition request via a personal letter to the editors of the website, expressing her gratitude and continued support of Mattie and his cause. Though she regretted she could not directly fulfill the petition request, she did acknowledge Mattie's extraordinary life as an inspiration to her and countless others. Because Mattie had such a kind and generous heart, she noted, he would understand and support her dedication to all the children of the world.
More information about the letter from J.K. Rowling to the editors of The Quibbler can be found in the December 2006 issue of The Quibbler. The petition for Mattie Stepanek remains online, and will remain online until the publication of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, in accordance with the promise made in the petition forward.
