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elaen32
Gondor
May 23 2013, 6:48pm
Post #1 of 56
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Announcing the TORn Online Symposium/Conference
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Sounds very grand doesn't it? What's it all about?
Yesterday, Ro posted a thread on Main, concerning a Tolkien Conference in the US, which sounded really good. Many of us bemoaned the fact that it was too far to travel. And so, some of us have been discussing having our own on-line mini-conference here on TORn. This would obviously not be academically rigorous like a professional conference, but still a slightly more scholarly approach than usual would be the aim.
We envisage people writing a short essay or paper of 500-600 words on any aspect of Tolkien's works, be it related to the physical world of Arda (geology, climate), the natural world of Arda (fauna and flora), cultural/social/political issues in Tolkien's world, character studies. Also on sources of Tolkien's inspiration and how Tolkien inspires you, artistically or otherwise.
We would like to have these symposia approximately every three months, calling for submissions a few weeks beforehand. These would then be posted here in the RR for all to discuss in a friendly and helpful way.
The purpose of this thread is to see how many of you are interested in this as a concept and in submitting a written piece (and if so, on what sort of topics). Also, it would be good to gain ideas from you all as to how best to take this forward. There are bound to be a few problems and teething issues, but it could be both exciting and enjoyable if we get it right! So who's with me? Please feel free to reply below, or to send a PM to me or Daniel LB
Thanks guys!
Elaen
"Beneath the roof of sleeping leaves the dreams of trees unfold"
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Maciliel
Valinor
May 23 2013, 6:59pm
Post #2 of 56
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... keep me / us in the loop. : )
cheers --
.
aka. fili orc-enshield
+++++++++++++++++++
the scene, as i understand it, is exceptionally well-written. fili (in sort of a callback to the scene with the eagles), calls out "thorRIIIIIIN!!!" just as he sees the pale orc veer in for the kill. he picks up the severed arm of an orc which is lying on the ground, swings it up in desperation, effectively blocking the pale orc's blow. and thus, forever after, fili is known as "fili orc-enshield."
this earns him deep respect from his hard-to-please uncle. as well as a hug. kili wipes his boots on the pale orc's glory box. -- maciliel telpemairo
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elaen32
Gondor
May 23 2013, 7:10pm
Post #3 of 56
(887 views)
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but would you be interested in submitting anything? And any thoughts on developing this? All suggestions gratefully received! So far, Daniel LB, Ro, Brethil and I have bandied around a few ideas, but the more the merrier.
"Beneath the roof of sleeping leaves the dreams of trees unfold"
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DanielLB
Immortal
May 23 2013, 7:14pm
Post #4 of 56
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I really like the idea. I've already got some ideas in my head, and a very brief essay already written down. I've probably got enough for 3 separate essays (all to do with the weather and climate of Middle-earth).
I think we could also encourage people to post previous essays if they wish (a shortened version of malickfan's post on Cirdan springs to mind).
I'm also working on a banner for the event!
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Maciliel
Valinor
May 23 2013, 7:21pm
Post #5 of 56
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yes, i think i'd be interested in submitting.
where is the current arena for discussion of this? this thread? another? pms? email?
my initial thought is every three months might be too much? perhaps every six months? to preserve its special aura, and so people have time to write and edit?
let me know. and thanks for all the wrangling. : )
cheers -
.
aka. fili orc-enshield
+++++++++++++++++++
the scene, as i understand it, is exceptionally well-written. fili (in sort of a callback to the scene with the eagles), calls out "thorRIIIIIIN!!!" just as he sees the pale orc veer in for the kill. he picks up the severed arm of an orc which is lying on the ground, swings it up in desperation, effectively blocking the pale orc's blow. and thus, forever after, fili is known as "fili orc-enshield."
this earns him deep respect from his hard-to-please uncle. as well as a hug. kili wipes his boots on the pale orc's glory box. -- maciliel telpemairo
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elaen32
Gondor
May 23 2013, 7:53pm
Post #6 of 56
(868 views)
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this is the place to discuss- it's really only something that has come up in the past 24 hours due to an exchange of ideas over on Main- hence why looking for a lot of input from others also. Re the frequency- 3 monthly is the maximum frequency we considered really- not everybody would be expected to contribute something every time, but I guess just reading some of it is time enough! Examples of things which people have said they might want to write about include Daniel on some of the climactic vagaries of Arda, Ro mentioned fauna of Arda and I mentioned instances of healing in Arda
So any thoughts, you can either post here or PM me
Thanks Maciliel
"Beneath the roof of sleeping leaves the dreams of trees unfold"
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malickfan
Gondor
May 23 2013, 8:09pm
Post #7 of 56
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Sounds very interesting, and as DanielLB pointed out I do have a VERY LONG essay on Cirdan The Shipwright already written, that I would be interested in submitting
[In reply to]
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Currently listed on my old blog here:
http://paulashwellreviews.wordpress.com/...e-tolkien-fans-only/
-It is really several different essay's bolted together, written largely for my own enjoyment. I'm certainly open to the idea of submitting an edited version, although I have already posted the earliest version of it last year, and I do quote frequently from tolkien's work, so I'm not sure whether it would infringe TORn's copyright policy, that is premsuming anyone would actually be as interested in him as I am.
In anycase this seems like a really cool idea, perhaps we could hold a competition-i.e we are given a deadline and a subject to write about then post then each member can post their own essay on the subject?
‘As they came to the gates Cirdan the Shipwright came forth to greet them. Very tall he was, and his beard was long, and we was grey and old, save that his eyes were keen as stars; and he looked at them and bowed, and said ‘All is now ready.’
Perhaps the most fascinating Individual in Middle Earth
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Brethil
Half-elven
May 23 2013, 8:18pm
Post #8 of 56
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Can't wait to see what develops...I would certainly be interested in a submission, let's see what topics everyone has an interest in. I will keep in touch with you and Daniel about it. Very exciting!
Manwe, when asked a simple "Yes" or "No" question, contemplated, and responded "the middle one."
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Maciliel
Valinor
May 23 2013, 8:21pm
Post #9 of 56
(874 views)
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loved your cirdan essay, malickfan (read it a while ago -- really nicely done).
look forward to more like that from you, whenever you're inspired. : )
re competition... personally, i'd rather stay away from competition, for a few reasons...
1. people might be less inclined to contribute, thinking that their work might be overlooked or not up to snuff
2. takes away a bit from the friendly, scholarly vibe
3. people might veer away from unique or odd angles of thought, and gear their essays to what might be popular or less esoteric. we might loose a lot of interesting insights.
perhaps, depending on how expensive it might be, we could print every round's submissions via print on demand, and use all or part to support torn.
cheers --
.
aka. fili orc-enshield
+++++++++++++++++++
the scene, as i understand it, is exceptionally well-written. fili (in sort of a callback to the scene with the eagles), calls out "thorRIIIIIIN!!!" just as he sees the pale orc veer in for the kill. he picks up the severed arm of an orc which is lying on the ground, swings it up in desperation, effectively blocking the pale orc's blow. and thus, forever after, fili is known as "fili orc-enshield."
this earns him deep respect from his hard-to-please uncle. as well as a hug. kili wipes his boots on the pale orc's glory box. -- maciliel telpemairo
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Maciliel
Valinor
May 23 2013, 8:22pm
Post #10 of 56
(873 views)
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... probably like to do an essay on the biosphere of arda.
frankly, some of the chapter leader starting posts are longer than 500-600 words (!).
cheers --
.
aka. fili orc-enshield
+++++++++++++++++++
the scene, as i understand it, is exceptionally well-written. fili (in sort of a callback to the scene with the eagles), calls out "thorRIIIIIIN!!!" just as he sees the pale orc veer in for the kill. he picks up the severed arm of an orc which is lying on the ground, swings it up in desperation, effectively blocking the pale orc's blow. and thus, forever after, fili is known as "fili orc-enshield."
this earns him deep respect from his hard-to-please uncle. as well as a hug. kili wipes his boots on the pale orc's glory box. -- maciliel telpemairo
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Brethil
Half-elven
May 23 2013, 8:26pm
Post #11 of 56
(864 views)
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I would agree to stay with straight submission and discussion
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 Competition gets dicey. Although I could freely award Pony Cookies to all!
 
Manwe, when asked a simple "Yes" or "No" question, contemplated, and responded "the middle one."
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Brethil
Half-elven
May 23 2013, 8:28pm
Post #12 of 56
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Yes, I enjoyed your essay as well
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I read it a few weeks ago, when you posted the link in one of the Sil threads. Awesome job!
Manwe, when asked a simple "Yes" or "No" question, contemplated, and responded "the middle one."
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elaen32
Gondor
May 23 2013, 8:28pm
Post #13 of 56
(874 views)
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I understand what you're saying Maciliel!
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Initially the lower limit was put on because of imagining say 10 people contributing 1000 word essays- that's a lot for everybody to read. But, ideas shouldn't be limited due to lack of space to that extent, so maybe a 500-2000 words would be better? I know I'm rubbish at keeping the word count down- one reason why I don't bother with Twitter!
"Beneath the roof of sleeping leaves the dreams of trees unfold"
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Maciliel
Valinor
May 23 2013, 8:36pm
Post #14 of 56
(849 views)
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.... a symposium of essays... limited to 140 characters!
cheers --
.
aka. fili orc-enshield
+++++++++++++++++++
the scene, as i understand it, is exceptionally well-written. fili (in sort of a callback to the scene with the eagles), calls out "thorRIIIIIIN!!!" just as he sees the pale orc veer in for the kill. he picks up the severed arm of an orc which is lying on the ground, swings it up in desperation, effectively blocking the pale orc's blow. and thus, forever after, fili is known as "fili orc-enshield."
this earns him deep respect from his hard-to-please uncle. as well as a hug. kili wipes his boots on the pale orc's glory box. -- maciliel telpemairo
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malickfan
Gondor
May 23 2013, 8:38pm
Post #15 of 56
(855 views)
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Good points on the competition idea...
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I can see where you are coming from, I mean not everyone would be inclined to write an essay anyway would they? I haven't written anything recently (I did start a essay about Thorin Oakenshield-whether he was as 'old' and one dimentional as people assume, but then I read a rather excellent essay about the same subject on heirs of durin so I lost ethusiasm...) but I'm sure I could if I put my mind to it...
DanielLB should totally write one on the talking purse...
‘As they came to the gates Cirdan the Shipwright came forth to greet them. Very tall he was, and his beard was long, and we was grey and old, save that his eyes were keen as stars; and he looked at them and bowed, and said ‘All is now ready.’
Perhaps the most fascinating Individual in Middle Earth
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Brethil
Half-elven
May 23 2013, 8:40pm
Post #16 of 56
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In next week's discussion on Law and Arda I want to discuss the Purse! Fun subject!
Manwe, when asked a simple "Yes" or "No" question, contemplated, and responded "the middle one."
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elaen32
Gondor
May 23 2013, 8:47pm
Post #17 of 56
(832 views)
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- by all means submit it - it would be good to discuss Cirdan- he is pretty elusive but pretty important isn't he?
Yay- the talking purse- it could be an in depth linguistic discussion about the extant languages for purses and how they differ from the speech of their owners! 
"Beneath the roof of sleeping leaves the dreams of trees unfold"
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malickfan
Gondor
May 23 2013, 8:51pm
Post #18 of 56
(841 views)
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I've always wondered whether the purse was related to the magical toys bilbo buys from dale for his 111TH B-day guests...
‘As they came to the gates Cirdan the Shipwright came forth to greet them. Very tall he was, and his beard was long, and we was grey and old, save that his eyes were keen as stars; and he looked at them and bowed, and said ‘All is now ready.’
Perhaps the most fascinating Individual in Middle Earth
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CuriousG
Half-elven
May 23 2013, 8:52pm
Post #19 of 56
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Did he buy the toys, or steal them like the purse? :) //
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malickfan
Gondor
May 23 2013, 8:59pm
Post #20 of 56
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Bilbo the shadowy thief-could be an essay on its own?
Perhaps he went looking for the purse during his journey to rivendell in TA 3001...
Whoops...I have a habit of rambling on off tangent...
‘As they came to the gates Cirdan the Shipwright came forth to greet them. Very tall he was, and his beard was long, and we was grey and old, save that his eyes were keen as stars; and he looked at them and bowed, and said ‘All is now ready.’
Perhaps the most fascinating Individual in Middle Earth
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Brethil
Half-elven
May 23 2013, 9:00pm
Post #21 of 56
(816 views)
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Feel free to wander anywhere!
Manwe, when asked a simple "Yes" or "No" question, contemplated, and responded "the middle one."
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Magpie
Immortal
May 23 2013, 10:20pm
Post #22 of 56
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There was a time when I was writing quite a lot about Tolkien (mostly LOTR) in other venues/forums. Those communities were very much geared for discussion. What each of us said spurred the rest into thought and exploration. We were, for the most part, intelligent and had knew LOTR well (although not all so much beyond LOTR).
Those discussions were exciting and thrilling.
But there's another style of discussion where the expectation about the amount of research one puts into one's 'presentation' and the extent to which one is expected to defend (against those who are *extremely* well read and are quick to use their knowledge to challenge) is very high.
I am interested in the first approach. The second not so much. Any thoughts on what direction people are expecting this project to take? In fact, I honestly can't even imagine that I could ever submit anything I wrote in the other venue here without someone getting very particular and technical. (and I don't second guess the quality of that writing... I just don't think it was a good fit for the conversations I've seen here) There's a fine line between correcting and elaborating and shutting down different styles of discussion. And if I have to know HOME and the Sil like the back of my hand in order to speak about LOTR, for example... I doubt I have the focus or energy for that.
I think elevated scholarly research is good and worthy. I've read books on Tolkien where I had to take it a paragraph at a time. I appreciate those approaches. They're just not the approach I personally like to take when I want to talk about Tolkien.
I miss my old group of friends in Tolkien. *sad puppy face* ;-)
LOTR soundtrack website ~ magpie avatar gallery
TORn History Mathom-house ~ Torn Image Posting Guide
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Brethil
Half-elven
May 23 2013, 10:33pm
Post #23 of 56
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Hi Magpie! About Symposium Discussion plans...
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Having discussed it with Elaen (who is off right now) I *think* the opinions of the author about their chosen subject relating to JRRT's world is the goal. Certainly discussion will be promoted, but these aren't expected to be scholarly and 'fact perfect' pieces. I think the idea is for people to use their real-world skills or to address something in ME that they have a special interest in; so the thought process and the creativity is the goal I believe (although certainly there will be references to the works made from potentially all pieces of published material.)
Debate and friendly discussion does and will happen, but In don't think overall from Elaen's and Daniel's ideas that hard literary science is the goal.
We would love to become your new Tolkien-discussion friends Magpie!  (Happy puppy face?)
Manwe, when asked a simple "Yes" or "No" question, contemplated, and responded "the middle one."
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Aragalen the Green
Gondor
May 24 2013, 2:01am
Post #25 of 56
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I would like to participate, and have been interested for quite a while in writing about the flora of Middle-earth (especially trees :). This could be a fun way for some of us to share thoughts about various aspects of Middle-earth/Arda that we may have had for a while--and could lead into some interesting further writing and research!
I also agree with one of the other posts (Magpie's), that this doesn't necessarily need to be a formal paper, and it would be encouraging to everyone to be able to contribute in their own styles of writing. More than a thread discussion, but less than a formal paper?
'"Never laugh at live dragons, Bilbo you fool!" he said to himself, and it became a favourite saying of his later, and passed into a proverb.'
(This post was edited by Aragalen the Green on May 24 2013, 2:02am)
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Wonderful idea guys!
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