User blog:1337star/Pottermore update removes Insider blog, commenting, more

Today Pottermore has rolled out a major update. Rather than adding new features, such as chapters from Deathly Hallows (the only book on the site yet to be released) or the long-teased Patronus test, this updates has removed features. These features include the Pottermore Insider blog, commenting features, the ability to upload fan art, and the ability to update your status. According to the new site update page, these features were removed because they were "no longer properly serving the interests of our users" and claims that it had become impossible to monitor comments and drawings and still insure the safety and privacy of all users. These somewhat radical changes, which were done without prior warning, were noted to have been approved by J. K. Rowling.

Pottermore has noted that these changes are only the first part of a "new phase of development", which will ultimately create "new features for the wider community to enjoy". Pottermore has confirmed that chapters from Deathly Hallows are "not far away" and has also noted that the release of the Deathly Hallows content will not be the end of Pottermore's updates. Exactly what new features will be coming in the future are unclear, but Rowling has confirmed on Twitter that a Patronus test will someday be featured on the site.

Full details on this update can currently be found here.

What do you think of these developments? Are you concerned about the loss of the commenting system and other removed features, or does the promise of new features to come outweigh the loss for you? Feel free to comment below.