Middlebury Quidditch in MTV ad

arcadia · 06-26-2009, 10:16 AM

A bunch of Middkids are featured in this MTV commerical for the new Harry Potter movie.

Check it out:

How Much Do You Love Quidditch? | Video | MTV

Concerto3 · 06-26-2009, 02:32 PM

that is so epic

laxtaxi · 06-26-2009, 10:02 PM

Just throwing this out there...is there anyone (else) for whom it is a bit embarrassing that Middlebury is being associated with the birth of college Quidditch? I'm just not feeling all warm and fuzzy over it. But Middlebury seems all gaga over it, including promoting this video through its entire Facebook network.

Superior languages? check
Fantastic, dedicated professors? check
Incredible D3 sports dominance? check
Unbelievable science center/athletic facility/campus? check
Birthplace of college quidditch? Meh.

Modadunn · 06-26-2009, 10:38 PM

Seriously, my son who honestly liked the books and movies, thinks this is a little weird. It's almost as bad as having to explain Jesse Ventura's former position as Governor. It's there and it may well be accurate, but it's a tad on the embarrassing side so it's best not to mention it.

tan2007 · 06-27-2009, 02:36 AM

"Is there anyone (else) for whom it is a bit embarrassing that Middlebury is being associated with the birth of college Quidditch?"

That's because it IS the birthplace of college Quidditch. The guy who started the sport talked to us during the Preview Days and was not only proud of what he accomplished, but glad to see that it caught on so quickly, i.e. people were not snubbing him for a playful idea. Middlebury isn't known ONLY for Quidditch, and the college website isn't plastering it on its Admissions page as its only attractive quality. I don't understand why you two are sneering at something that is at most a lighthearted hobby and spectator sport. If you want to feel embarrassed for Middlebury, go right ahead but I really see no reason why.

bigp9998 · 06-27-2009, 04:28 AM

The guy who invented it is one of the nicest guys ive met at Midd, he's actually really quite awesome. (most) People dont really take it seriously, it's just something fun that you can do with your friends on a Sunday afternoon.

Modadunn · 06-27-2009, 09:17 AM

not sneering..not at all. Finding something odd is NOT sneering. Believe me, I am far old enough to recognize that there are odd and unusual things all over the place. And say what you want about Jesse Ventura, but as governor, he didn't do a bad job. It was just a little unusual to have a pro wrestler as the state's governor. That's all I am saying about quidditch. And let's be really clear, thinking quidditch is a little odd is not saying anything of a disparaging nature against the kid or kids who came up with it. Do not make the mistake of making that leap in assumptions. I applaud the creativity.

However, why was I under the impression that Wesylan was on the ground floor of this game as well? I don't think my brain just made it up, as it had to come from somewhere. I thought it was more of a college uprising vs the brainchild of one college student.

laxtaxi · 06-27-2009, 09:46 AM

Modadunn, you and I (and your son) are not alone. I just discovered that there is a facebook group called "Middlebury Quidditch Must Be Stopped". Its premise is that there's nothing wrong with some kids getting together and goofing around with role-playing, but when the school starts taking it seriously and even promoting it it's getting out of hand. Some of it's a little mean, and I personally wouldn't go that far.

I am sure the inventor is a creative, warm, wonderful person, as are the people who choose to play it. So play on, Middlebury Quidditch, enjoy yourselves. I don't begrudge you your wholesome outlet for play and energy. I just don't get why it reflects well on Middlebury that it's the activity's birthplace/hotbed.

Modadunn · 06-27-2009, 10:26 AM

Quote:

I just don't get why it reflects well on Middlebury that it's the activity's birthplace/hotbed.

OK.. just gotta say it: This made me laugh.

johnwesley · 06-27-2009, 01:33 PM

Quote:

However, why was I under the impression that Wesylan was on the ground floor of this game as well? I don't think my brain just made it up, as it had to come from somewhere.

I think it hosted a match against Middlebury, not too long ago. But, in general, Wesleyan is content with just having a few Hogwarts-like buildings:
http://static.panoramio.com/photos/o...l/10591056.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...1/Wesclark.jpg

And, of course, a few wizards:
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4v...letterma_music

tan2007 · 06-27-2009, 03:23 PM

"It's there and it may well be accurate, but it's a tad on the embarrassing side so it's best not to mention it."

I took this as sneering... but okay.

Either way, I really don't think Middlebury promotes it as extensively as you're saying... if you look at the college website it hardly mentions it (it's on MiddTube, if you call that intensive advertising...). And now, seeing that Facebook group, I can see that you're on the lighter side of things, but I really don't think it's as they seem to say, i.e. Midd losing money for alumni. It's just... disheartening that something that was meant taken lightly was misconstrued to be something hurting the campus. Weird :S

Modadunn · 06-27-2009, 04:25 PM

I've read through every single post (albeit scanning) and do not see one mention that this was in someway "hurting the campus."

I can be embarrassed because I have ink on my shirt but in the grand scheme it's not really hurting anyone and I can't see where anyone would hold that against me or who I am in a much broader way. On the other hand, I could also be embarrassed because I have some sort of drug problem or other ailment that people tend to judge who you are on a very same larger scale. Two different forms of embarrassment and both are meant sincerely. Consider Quidditch like a little spilled ink. While some find it an embarrassment, others will find a pen and write a masterpiece. :-)

Point is: Apply definitions and intent in moderation.

tan2007 · 06-27-2009, 07:47 PM

"I've read through every single post (albeit scanning) and do not see one mention that this was in someway 'hurting the campus.' "

I'm talking about the extremists on the Facebook group ("Middlebury Quidditch Must Be Stopped"). The creator of the group (a current student) said that once she graduated she wouldn't donate any money until administration got rid of Quidditch. Thus, the negative impact on Midd.

laxtaxi · 06-27-2009, 09:46 PM

I now have an answer to my question. I am not alone in thinking the Midd promotion of Quidditch is silly/weird/embarrassing. Apparently some take the negative reaction farther than others. Not giving money to Midd because of Quidditch is a bit absurd.

I've also not seen Quidditch played live. Maybe I'd find it amusing. I'll keep an open mind.

Modadunn · 06-27-2009, 10:14 PM

Not giving money to a school based on an extracurricular activity? Well, that seems weirder than Quidditch could ever be! Now it we were talking porn or sweat shops, I can see holding back the green. But a game that's played with a broom, a ball and maybe a cape? Seems absurd to not support your school.

In checking out facebook.. the group hasn't seen so much as a post since Jan of 09. No need to give it new life.