I love the book series and look forward to the HBO series as well. Problem is I dont have HBO.  I may get HBO just so I can see this series starting April 17th.  I wonder if HULU or Netflix will carry it sortly after?

I saw advertisements for it, and will most likely watch it when it debuts next weekend.  It has been so long since I read the books though that the show will seem mostly new to me. 

Maybe a slight tangent, but mentioning the show made me remember Rome.  I kind of miss that show. 

I really liked the first two books but already on the third book I felt that the series started to suffer from a Wheel of Time effect: Too many characters being tracked too closely. It's just taking a bit too long for my taste for something to actually happen.

.... as in waiting for the book to get to the bit that gets interesting.. or to wait for the next book to get written (nevermind published)?

will it get to a situation where the book has to catch up with tv shows? that'll be funny.

I happen to catch the first 15 mins preview and was impressed. It really did remind me of the books.  It's on HBO web site: http://www.hbo.com/game-of-thrones/index.html if you want to take a look.

I doubt it will be on Hulu or Netflix anytime soon since HBO has stated they want to make premium contact that you can only find from them. 

I also agree the third book was where things started to get convoluted.  In the forth book the only character I really cared about was Ayra.  THe other characters/plot lines just seemed like a set up for future events.

I've been hitting the HBO site almost daily.

I'm super stoked for this show to come out. If it's half as good as Rome was and tries to stick to the book somewhat I will be one happy camper. The stuff on HBO's website makes me giddy like a schoolgirl.

YES!! I have. Funny, I commented on your "Merlin" post before I saw this. I loaned my tattered copy of GOT to a friend. Alas, she likes the "Twilight" series I suggested this series of books.--much more character depth, sweeping epic landscape, lore etc...anybody who has read knows. She can't stop reading and talking about it. I chuckled when I ran into a NPC named Joffrey. the very name evokes animus--I was a huge Eddard fan. I know that's why I purchased Elemental to  begin with. It sounded like Song of Fire and Ice but in game form. I think that is why--despite the glitches---I am still playing. 

Your passion for gaming, creativity and veiled reference is TRULY appreciated!

Not a tangent really---that show was badass---imo ---a mirror of the Martin's world--hopefully HBO puts that passion into Thrones. This is a major commitment i think---they have to stick with it like the Sopranos --or like Battle Star Galactica--great series/characters/plot. That would be my only concern--they gotta finish it!

yet another concern...curious to see how it plays out

Wow. Real life mirrors Martin's books? I've read them, but never realized they were that good 

Regarding the finishing, I don't think that's gonna happen. There's only four books published of the series, with three more planned. And writing began in 1991 with latest book published in 2005...

There is great coverage at www.winter-is-coming.net of the HBO series.  The Making of Game of Thrones special that aired on Wednesday is online now too:

http://www.spoilertv.com/2011/04/game-of-thrones-making-of-25-minute.html

That one was different from a snippet I saw on the show before.  And I must say, very nice indeed.  It brought back a rush of memories about the books themselves, and pretty much cemented me watching the premiere on the 17th(18th for Europeans?). 

I was referring to the duality of humans--their virtues and failings. I have that many work places reflect the best and worst of human nature. I know I have encountered and Lannister or two. I thought Martin represented that well. I thought the series was great. Hard to put down.

yeah...wishful thinking, I know but if they did Lord of the Rings...who knows?