J.K. Rowling, having proved that her ‘plea for tolerance’ had quite stark limits, had enraged numerous people with comments and opinions on trans people. This has prompted the quite predictable backlash not only against her but the properties that carry her name, principally the Harry Potter Franchise, inspiring fan driven boycotts.

When it comes to the published novels there are very limited financial effects beyond Rowling and her publisher. No one else shares on royalties from each copy sold and so with each copy boycotted one Rowling and publishers suffer a loss, albeit a very tiny one.

The same is not true when it comes to the movies.

Feature films have a much larger number of people who derive continuing financial benefits from each copy sold or rented. In addition to the performers, both the ones catapulted to stardom and those who continue to be working actors, the two screenwriters, four directors, six cinematographers, five editors, five composers, and others are denied residuals with each copy not rented or sold.

Yes, the amount of money per rental or sale is quite small, btu that is true to Rowling as well.

I am not telling you that you should not boycott the Harry Potter movies, or the films of other detestable people, looking at you Polanski, but you should know that those shells are landing on others besides your hated targets. If you boycott, do it informed and aware of everyone effected.