Spoilers.

In every sense of the word, The Straits Times spoils things.

With all the millions spent in secreting the ending to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, The Straits times Spoiler Central has seen fit to reveal EVERYTHING about the book in an article talking about the franchise's future, without even the common (internet) courtesy of indicating that there be spoilers ahead. A mere 5 days after the book was launched, the front page of the Straits Times piece of crap lauded the ending of the book as did the life section of the newspaper glorified toilet paper. The article inside basically dissected the book and revealed all like it was Christmas at a strip joint.

In the spirit of staying spoiler free, I embargoed all discussions of the book in classes (as much for my benefit as well as students who try to stay spoiler free) and
thankfully managed to complete the book before said article message from the hell that bad writers end up in appeared on my front doorstep. I'm pretty sure that there were victims that succumbed to the assault as they innocently flipped open the papers and were viciously beaten senseless by the product of inconsiderateness upon gazing on the upper fold of the front page.

Spoilers should come with warnings. The article should have come in a special sealed section. People should have a right to enjoy the books / movies / plays they want to enjoy without some moron yelling out the ending. At the very least, they should have a right to cover their ears.

The Harry Potter series had little going for it more than plot and character. It doesn't boast the best writing. If you're going to give away the plot, what really is there left to enjoy? It wouldn't hurt to let people know that you're effectively going to spoil their reading of the book by giving it all away.

After all, it's just common courtesy.