-HiH Section-

Hello and welcome to the HiH section of this Magazine! This Section will feature an article on HiH news every issue, as well as alternating between Professor and Student of the issue. These latter two will cover either a Professor or Student each week, involving a short bio and possibly an interview. 

Writers for this section:

Misty Swanson

News: Beta or Not?

 Students who have recently enrolled in HiH may not be aware of the HiH beta platform, the new site platform that Keith D. Cardin (the owner of the site) and the other developers have been working on. Previously, you were able to pay a small amount in Muggle money and be able to view the beta site (with it’s new features, such as less glitchy owls, working hashtags, the ability to delete and edit posts, working chats, nearly endless feed, a spell box, and more) before it’s release and experience an ad free site. Ever wondered why some people the small blue circle with white stars in it by their name? That was the symbol that recognized someone as a “beta tester,” for donating to the site.

 Then the official Harry Potter right holders (Warner Bros. Entertainment, Pottermore, JK Rowling, and EA Games) came in and said that while the HiH is allows as a fan site, the developers and Keith aren’t allowed to earn a profit by asking anyone to “pay for perks.”

 There have been a number of beta platform release dates set before - mid-summer, a early September, along with the release of fourth year - but the date just keeps being pushed back. However, people understand the Keith and the developers have their personal lives too, But now, with the arrival of the blue bar at the top of the HiH screen, saying proudly that “HiH is changing soon!” are people hoping that said change includes the new platform?

 A survey was conducted, targeting especially students who have been active on HiH for a long time. The question asked to those who wanted to participate was “How do you feel when you see the blue bar at the top of the screen, when there has been previously unfulfilled dates for the release of the new platform? Are you still hoping for the new site, or do you just want to keep the old site?”

 The majority of the replies were positive, stating that they were fine with that the current site but would welcome a new platform as well. Some people additionally noted that they knew coding is challenging, and that they understand that Keith has his own life and must be busy. There were a few replies that were less optimistic, saying that they would just like to keep this site, regardless of new features on the beta platform.

 Interested in seeing more on what people hope to see on the new site? Check out this issue’s themed article!

Staffing Changes: Goodbye, Professor Quilmane

On the 4th of December, the departure of Professor Quilmane from the teaching staff of HiH was announced. His mind as injured when a dangerous spell backfired, and was rushed off to St. Mungo’s to be treated. The Healers eventually figured out that the spell only affected him while he was in and around Hogwarts castle, so he has decided to to resign from his post and pursue a different path.

Professor Quilmane was one of the last two remaining staff members part of the original team of professors when HiH first opened. He began as a Charms professor, eventually moved to the Transfiguration department when Professor Prince departed, and additionally taught Wandlore, a 4th year elective. Professor Penrose will now be teaching wandlore and Professor Levintree has taken over Charms.

Professor Quilmane will be missed by many, but we all wish him good luck on his next exciting adventure!