The Future of Ost-in-Edhil

[Turgon]

One can't help but notice that this guild has become rather quiet of late. This is partly due to my lack of involvement over here... I can't remember posting anything here since being appointed Guildmaster. However I seem to have a lot of time on my hands these days (finally laid the ghosts of past troubles!) and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make this guild thrive again.

I can't do this alone though... so any ideas and suggestions post them here. As a starter I hearby challange any member of OiE to a one on one debate, any takers? I'm also looking to start a regular discussion group of the kind Grond began before moving on to the Tolkienologists - any ideas there?

Let me know what y'all think.

[Gothmog]

I hearby challange any member of OiE to a one on one debate,
Set the topic and time. Your proposal is Acceptable. :D

[Chymaera]

I think that it is Okay for the guild to slow down every once in a while, when members return they bring new vigor for the Tolkien and the relatedsubjects we are all intersted in.:o :D

Maybe we should have a look in Anc's Question bank, for debate matierial.

[Walter]

If there are any "non-debating" activities within sight I'd be willing to contribute some...

[Arvedui]

I am all for getting things going again here. Allthough it is sometimes rather nice to relax in a peaceful place.;)

[Walter]

Originally posted by Arvedui
I am all for getting things going again here. Allthough it is sometimes rather nice to relax in a peaceful place.;) Indeed, I do find the armchairs in here rather comfortable, just ... the maintenance of the bar leaves some room for improvement of late... ;)

[Arvedui]

Indeed, there are some brands of Whisky I could think of that would improve the impression....

[Walter]

If you plan on taking care of that: For me each and any of the Classic Malts would do, plus maybe one or two other Islay's and - for some rare occasions - a bottle of Bowmore darkest, Aberlour a'bunadh or a Laphroaig (15Y)... ;)

Unfortunately those are rather hard to come by, around here...

[Pale King]

Originally posted by Walter
or a Laphroaig (15Y)... ;)

Unfortunately those are rather hard to come by, around here...
Very fine choice Walter,
The whiskies are one of the perks of me living in Scotland these days...:)

[Arvedui]

Ahh, the taste of sweet Aberlour!
Or the Glenmorangie (Madeira cask).
It is always nice to meet people who know that Chivas Regal is NOT the best scotch around.

[Walter]

Most of the time I am more partial to the "peaty" Islay brands (Lagavulin, Bowmore, Laphroig) than the "smoother" Highland or Speyside brands. And when I occasionally get a bottle of double-cask Glenmorangie (Sherry or Madeira), I notice that for some strange reason they don't seem to last very long in this household. ;)

Oh and ... somehow I envy you, Pale King... :)

[Arvedui]

The future of Ost-in-Edhil lies with the splendour of a perfectly balanced Single Malt!

Go Ost-in-Edhil:D :rolleyes:

[Walter]

Originally posted by Arvedui
The future of Ost-in-Edhil lies with the splendour of a perfectly balanced Single Malt!

Go Ost-in-Edhil:D :rolleyes: That about sums it up... :D

[Chymaera]

:(
I am afriad that I cannot contribute much knowledge to the Single Malt discussion.

I never really graduated much passed beer(Canadian ;))and Rye whiskey.

And I really don't drink all that much and I find I don't have much fun at bars since I turned 18 ;) :D

[Walter]

Btw - WM just posted (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=302112#post302112) that every guild will get its own guild moderator. ..

[Walter]

So, do we have none who's going to volunteer for the "house-cleaning" in our guild?

[Turgon]

Walter, speaking as the Guild Leader of Ost-in-Edhil, I have to say one thing... I am whole unsuited to the task... why I am the guild leader of OiE is totally beyond my comprehension... am I supposed to moderate the posts of people like Anc, Gothmog, and yourself?

Tell me about it?

It's not that I know nothing about Tolkien... because I do... but guys... this guild needs another leader... I lack the respect of our members and that is death to such an enterprise as this.

I've asked what people want to see and have had no reasonable answer... this is not a side swipe at the whiskey thread... my love of wine surpasses even your love of whiskey (don't believe that Walter? We will see at next years TTF con...;) ) but I need some help to get this guild going again... Believe me I have a ton of ideas... but without feedback what is the use?

And so I will open a poll (like Walter I am ever the democrat!)... vote there for your new guild leader... please vote upon it all of you... this guild is in danger of becoming pointless... you all know I am a young man and full of ideals... but without your help I am a dreamer and nothing worth...

Regards, Turgon.

[Walter]

But Turgon you have my utmost respect. I am sorry that you feel left "high and dry" here.

As for "moderating" the guild, I think that only some basic "house-cleaning" (like "un-sticking" the corpses of the OiE-TTW project (which unfortunately seems to have died due to lack of interest) will be needed every now and then. If you feel uneasy with that task and no one else volunteers, I would do that rather than abandoning this option from the beginning.

So, let's talk about your ideas, Turgon, I have a couple of ideas for the guild/forum too (though part of those are already realized - or in project stage - in other guilds or sections of the forum), maybe a few more people will join in, let's see if we can get something going. In it's current state the guild has actually become TTF's "Shady Pines" as we jokingly called it in its first days, let's try to prevent it from becoming TTF's "cemetary"... ;)

What we - IMO - still have in this guild is the greatest "density" of Tolkien-related knowledge, it would be a shame if we couldn't make something out of that. And I'm basically willing to participate in everything except organized debates (the latter only of it is a topic that really interests me).

PS: Did I tell you, Turgon, that I am not only partial to Single Malts, but also to wine (esp. of Italian provenience) ;)

----
edit: giving this a second thought, I might be even of some help in the debates, by serving the beverages or so... ;)

[Arvedui]

I would wish for more debates/discussions concerning the works of Tolkien. You know, 'the power and wisdom of the Eldar.'
I am not one of those with most insight, but I learn a lot from others, even if I am not participating in discussions and/or debates. So, more of these things would be in my taste.

Especially with Walter serving the wine (as long as it is not of the Austrian kind that is full of anti-coolant...):rolleyes:

[Walter]

Originally posted by Arvedui
Especially with Walter serving the wine (as long as it is not of the Austrian kind that is full of anti-coolant...):rolleyes: Those times are long gone, many Austrian wines, today, are ranking among the finest quality wines of the world, though, unfortunately, it has become rather pricy too...

[Arvedui]

I know, I know. I just couldn't help it.
It is just one of those things that distinguish the Eldar from the youngsters.:)

But how about the request for activities? Maybe we could all have a look into the question bank, and start something from there?

[Walter]

What I'm currently most interested in, are the manyfold sources of Tolkien's epos. Older mythologies like the Eddas, Kalevala, Homer, the Bible (from the mythological point of view), Gilgamesh, etc. So anything in that vein would be my first choice, but I don't think that would interest many other guild members.

And as for organisatoric issues: we should name a guild moderator to WM in due time...

-----
P.S. Yesterday, after a talk with Anc about Celts and Druids, and after having read that Druids at times were called "Necromancers", another idea occurred to me that maybe would be worth discussing: Could it be that this was the original germ that influenced T to create the Istari: the Druids?

[Walter]

Arvedui, I just noticed that you have been promoted! My sincere congratulations. :)

Maybe you can have WM add you as a guild moderator as well (at least until a final decision within the guild is made)

[Arvedui]

Thank you. I have just realized that I have said yes to a lot more work than I imagined. Thankfully, I only have to worry about 'the works of JRR Tolkien'-section.
Still, there is a lot to do there.

I'll see what can be done about the guild for the time being.

[Chymaera]

Turgon, I am truly sorry that you feel a lack of respect. That is the furthest thing from the truth. We all realize that the Guild is in a slump and the is no refection on you or for that matter on Anc.


I will volunteer for the leadership and the vote.

No one has ever followed me before but if I go where every else wants to go maybe no one will notice.;)

Walter, I would be interested in your current study. I was just concidering today about getting my hands on 'Beowulf' and other works that might be thought of as proto-Tolkien writings.

My oun personel project here at the Guild will be to write some short stories that have been percolating in my mind over the last year. I want to exploring some of the bare areas in the Silmarillion and The Lord of the Rings kind of going beyond the Appendix.

Akin to Turgon's 'Bilbo's stolen spoons'

a mix of serious speculation and a dose of humor.

[Walter]

Now I don't know what to say.

Turgon: I don't understand why you feel unsuited and not respected. I had hoped you would elaborate some more about your ideas and that we would come to some dialog here.

Chymaera: If Turgon actually wants to resign, which I still hope will not happen, then you will have my support. As for "my study" please let me know what you would be interested in (just not in this thread, I wouldn't want to be responsible for another "excurse").

Everyone else: Please check-in here (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11675)!

[Turgon]

Hey Guys! Sorry if I came across the wrong way, respect is not an issue here, that's not what I was getting at all, I know you all to be a great bunch of people - maybe I was a little depressed when I wrote my last post - got a lot of crazy stuff going on at home (hence my absence) so forgive me if I made you all feel that you had done something wrong.

I guess what I was trying to say is that I'm not the person to be leading this guild. So many more of you would do a better job. Chymaera, knowing you as I do from the TolkienWiki, I think you would do a great job as guildleader... a gentleman and scholar... what more can we ask for? If there are no objections I will gladly hand over the guild into your capable hands.

But I still have one more job to do as Guild Leader... so check out the appropriate thread...;)

Once again sorry if I made any of you feel bad. Walter especially: I've never had anything but encouragement from you my friend, I apologize if I made it seem otherwise.

[Ancalagon]

Turgon, I thought you were perfect for the job. Chymaera, I think you are also perfect for the job. I think Walter, Gothmog and Arvedui are all perfect for the job. What I am saying is that any of the members of the Guild could do the job because each is as individually skilled and talented as the next.

What we have lacked in the past is direction and a goal. Originally we had set this Guild up as a place for the 'Old Souls' of the forum to congregate and discuss the professor's works, which we did, though at some cost due to the fact we had (rightly or wrongly) set an age limit on members. However, we progressed, had a few debates, opended a few threads, discussed and even made a stab at working on a joint venture between Ost-in-Edhil and TheTolkienWiki...each of these steadily declined in activity and commitment from every member of the Guild and so to this point where we are now trying to reclaim what we had all held such high hopes for in the past.

Where to now then?
1. Well, we need to have a leader who can simply guide and co-ordinate. The leader is not responsible for thinking up all new activities, ideas, projects and debates...simply to lead when we as a group decide where we are going.

2. We need to actively seek new members, new blood from every quarter who is keen to see this bastion of knowledge grow into a Fortress of Lore (i thought that sounded quite stirring) :)!

3. We need to create an Ost-in-Edhil 'think-tank' consisting of the shrewdest, most creative and determined minds we have...considering there are currently about 6 of us who are active, I can already see the 'think-tank' take shape;)

4. Retention of members is as important as gaining new members. Replacing knowledgeable members is always difficult when we should never lose older members in the first place. We need to understand why our members did not stay around, why they got bored and why they did not attempt to address things or make them right or improve their lot within the Guild.

5. Debating is important to this Guild. Most of us enjoy it immensely (except Walter the Prude:D) and wish to see it develop. However, debating is not our ultimate goal, learning about Tolkien ought to be. Where debating can help one understand Tolkien better, it is still a method of point scoring against an opponent and much can be omitted in the process to gain victory.

Structured discussion (ie. something that can eventually end up in the Wiki) however is essential to understanding Tolkien. Using a scientific approach to dissecting the information and ending up with a finished product that teaches rather than simply informs. The Guild should have a plan for both these forms of learning. Someone should be responsible for both and drive both. Members can actively participate in both debating and Structured Discussion...however, I would say that whoever wants to debate, should have actively contributed to a SD.

6. Roles and responsibilities. Who is doing what for the Guild. Remember, everyone is responsible for something, the Guildmaster is accountable for all. Tasks need delegation, someone needs to drive for members, organise debates, plan new subjects for discussion. We need to know members level of commitment to the Guild and whether they plan to see it thrive and grow! In return, the Guild needs to recognise members contribution and have some method of reward. This will need looked at in more detail, though it seems Tolkienology have the perfect model on which we might consider a method of management for our own.

7. We need a mission statement or purpose. Something that simply reminds of of who we are, where we are going and why we do it.

Well, that's all I can think of for now. Sorry to ramble on so long, just thought I would share my thoughts on where we need to be looking. Your thoughts are welcome as always;)

PS. Walter, I know you are not prudish, please don't take my remark as anything other than a jest;)

[Chymaera]

Anc I think that you have just outlined our mission statement!

;)


Your ramblings put us all to shame:( :p

[Ancalagon]

To be honest, I would have hoped that a few more of our members who wish to see the Guild recover could add a few thoughts to these and see where we go from here. I know most if not all have read it.

[Turgon]

Well Anc you make some good points there - as Chymaera said you do pretty much cover our mission statement. There is nothing I can add to that.

It seems the main problem facing is now is the same one we had when discussing the Wiki project. How do we get these ideas of the ground?

A membership drive is something that could really breathe life into OiE, but there are not many forthcoming. But then the way things stand the guild doesn't have much appeal, nothing is going on here, a new member joins the forum, looks around, thinks about joining a guild and we are not really a contender.

If we were to put into action just a few of the ideas you mentioned above we will go a long way towards changing that. With activity comes membership - make this place a guild that people want to join and join they will.

It's the think-tank that appeals to me most at the moment though... if we can get that running I'm sure the ideas will flood in... maybe that's where we should begin the rebuilding?

[Chymaera]

[list=1]
Leadership- Your doing fine Turgon:)

Membership - question. Do we restrict the membership or open it up? If we open it up then we could use our signature space to advertize. If we keep the resrictions then we check the calender and find all born before 1973 and kidnap them... um I mean solicite them.

Think-tank - will that be like a Swimming pool and Whiskey bar out behind the Guild hall where we can get together and continplate the Professor's life work?:D

Once they see the Pool and Bar out back members won't want to leave.;)

Turgon has already put out a challenge fot one on one debates for Guild members. And Nom has a challenge in the works inter-guild which we should get working on.

Like Leader, DeputyLeader, DebateMaster, Inquistioner, Master of Apprentices, Moderator. Those kind of roles and responsibilities?

Right now our mission is to thrive and survive before we are voted off the island;)
[/list=1]

[Arvedui]

1. I agree with Chymera. Turgon is doing great. The responsibility to get the guild going does not rest with him alone.

2. If I remember right, the age-issue have been opened up a couple of months ago? Should we keep it open, or should we go back to the old rules? I don't know. There are both positive and negative points to be made for both stances.

3. Think-tank. Could that be some sort of a merge of the idea of the Question bank and the Wiki project? Whatever that would be....:rolleyes:

4. Leaving members. I think it is time that we admit that when Grond founded the Guild of Tolkienologists, a number of our members, and also possible members, went there. Could we get some of them back? What would it take to do that? I think that if we could accomplish that, the number of members could increase.
Could it be an idea that this Guild was just for the elite? To be part of an elite is something that people with knowledge want to be. At least most of the time. It could actually be to our advantage that we are not so many as the Tolkienologists.

5. To me, the most important thing about staying in this forum, is that I want to learn more about the works of JRR Tolkien. I do so by participating in debates, reading other debates, and skimming old threads. I believe that wanting to learn more about Tolkien, goes for a lot of the members of this forum, but not all.

IMO it is those that want to learn more about Tolkien, that we would want as members of our Guild. Therefore, this point should perhaps be seen in close connection with point 4. By participating, with success, in inter-Guild debates, we could attract those members that are of interest to us. If we can show that this is the place where knowledge resides, people would come!

6. Agree with Chymera. It seems as if titles are rather important to many members.

7. When we have agreed to these seven points, that will probably be our mission statement.

BTW, in one matter Anc is very wrong. I am not perfect for the job as leader of this guild. I am still too far behind in reading and understanding of the Masters works. Especially those that have been published by his son. Without that knowledge, I can not issue neither directions, nor goals. At least not those that I think should be the directions and goals for this fine Guild.

Hopefully, it is possible to get some meaning out of all this. I am not too sure....

[Walter]

Some great contributions here, thanks all! :)

Anc has laid out a few very good suggestions, I have already taken the liberty to open two new threads for the "think tank". Since Anc's post has initiated a creative process that should be continued in the "think-tank" areas, I shall restrain myself to some operational or organisational issues here:

Members

I edited the "Check-in" thread to generate an updated members list. IMO it makes no point keeping members on the list when they do not contribute at all to the guild, I would rather just keep those members who are actively participating to some degree. I suggested in the "Check-in" thread that members who have not participated within 3 months and do not check-in now should be removed. Also I think 7doubles has "disqualified" himself to be a member any-longer.

Having said that I also would like to mention that I still consider the OiE one of the Guilds with the greatest "Knowledge-potential", matched with experience and wisdom. It would be a shame if we couldn't get something going here.

Last not least I think we should be a little selective about who can join our guild, I think we should work out some criteria that should be fulfilled in order to enable a member to join here.

Guild Leader

Turgon, I wonder if you still wish to resign after all that has been said here, I think I'm not the only one who would be glad if you would reconsider. If you still are not convinced, I would suggest you set up a thread for nominations and eventually election of a new guild-leader.

Guild Moderator

For the house-cleaning and such, we needed two members capable of moderating the guild. This should be the Guildleader plus a second member. As soon as our decision about the guild-leadership is made we should nominate these two members to WM. As a second Arvedui comes to mind, since he already is a moderator in another section.

Thanks for letting me rant ;)

Yes, I have read everything that has been said in this thread, Anc... ;)

[Turgon]

Well as I have said in another thread I am more than willing to stay on as guild-leader. Anc is right anyone of us could do this job well - so why not me? Most likely a change in leadership would solve nothing, we have all we need in place to make this guild live up to our original ideals, so let's just go ahead and do it.

Walter I think that your ideas for guild moderators are good, Arvedui and I both have experience in the role, and should be more than able to keep the guild free from dust. ould someone tell me which channels I need to go through to make an application for Guild-leadership?

Lastly regarding membership I'm not sure what criteria we plan to use in the selection of new-members - but I'm not too keen on the age limit idea - that would be ruling out a lot of great minds for no good reason I think.

Well I guess with the new think-tank threads open we can begin the process of guild rebuilding. I'm sure everyone has a couple of ideas for activity, debate, discussion and so on - so let them be known!

[Walter]

Long live Turgon, the guild leader :)

As for becoming guild moderators: a PM to WM should do...

[Maedhros]

If I remember right, the age-issue have been opened up a couple of months ago? Should we keep it open, or should we go back to the old rules? I don't know. There are both positive and negative points to be made for both stances.
Sorry to barge in but I would very much like to see the positives of age restriction, s'il vous plait.

[Ithrynluin]

A restriction on the age of the membership...

I fail to see how the positive effects of implementing this could possibly outweigh the negative ones...

[Turgon]

Regarding the age issue, this is not a path we should follow I think, and it would be well for us not to get too heated about this. We are after all just throwing ideas around - and frayed tempers never make for useful debate.

I would however like to see what ideas people do have regarding Membership of the Guild, I'm not sure if what specific criteria need to be met other than a love of the Works of of Tolkien and a commitment to the guild. It does seem though that the members of this guild do have specific interests. Walter's recent posts regarding the Norse Mythos being a good example. Can anybody see the guild hosting these kind of discussions? The relationship of the Middle-earth Mythos to those of our own? A reading of Beowulf or the Edda's for instance - or even a discussion group?

[Walter]

Regarding the new members I suggested to set a certain period of time during which people are considered "guild-aspirants" and where we can see if and how they contribute to the guild, before a final decision is made about the membership.

In the past months I have started to do a somewhat more thorough study of Tolkien's manifold sources - including an examination of the historical context in which those myths and tales were created - and this I shall continue in the future.

When I suggested an own forum for those Tolkien-sources in the book section - which would seem the proper place in a forum that shows some scholarly interest in Tolkien's works - I was "redirected" to "Stuff and Bother" (I think), which was an indication to me that TTF is not yet ready for such a step.

Now your idea, Turgon, is a different approach, I shall gladly share what little I know, and would be eager to learn more, about these sources, if some of my fellow guild members are actually interested to join in this research.

I have recently posted a thread in that vein to fathom such an interest within the guild (maybe not the best topic but it is one question that's nagging me these days), from the response so far - nil, nada, zero ;) - I am not sure whether anyone else within the guild has a major interest in such topics/issues.

[Chymaera]

Regarding the new members I suggested to set a certain period of time during which people are considered "guild-aspirants" and where we can see if and how they contribute to the guild, before afinal decision is made about the membership. This sounds like a sound idea we should put out a call and see who answers and who wants to stay.

In the past months I have started to do a somewhat more thorough study of Tolkien's manifold sources - including an examination of the historical context in which those myths and tales were created - and this I shall continue in the future. Perhaphs if we just started to compile a reading list of books and stories that influenced Tolkien and then slowly started a book club/reading ring we could start working through these books.

I am interested but I do not have the books and I am not sure if they are available I will start the thread and get us started if you like the idea.

[Arvedui]

If you want to have a look at some of the sources, have a look at this link:
Northvegr (http://www.northvegr.org/lore/main.html)
There's a lot of old north-european myths and sagas there.

For those who are interested: Northvegr is the Old Norse name for Norway!

Just HAD to say that :D :D ;)

[Walter]

What a great site, Arvedui, I had to post that link at the Wiki.

But I'm not sure this is what Doug asked for. Actually I've been pondering to compile such a list (for the Wiki) - and even gave it a first try with the "Mythology" page - but it will probably very long and - unfortunately - never complete...

----
Edit:
Check out the list http://www.thetolkienwiki.org/wiki.cgi?TolkiensSources

[Nóm]

So, finding new members?

Or maybe 99% of TTF isn't up to the standard of some of your members.

[Ancalagon]

I am not quite sure what you mean?? None of the Guild members in Ost-in-Edhil have ever claimed to be above the standards of any other member of the forum. Actually, some of us quite easily fall into sub-standard categories all of our very own, especially me!

[Walter]

I too wonder if our dear Nóm will care to enlighten us what - or who - she was referring to...

[Nóm]

And some of your members seem to invite people that show knowledge rather than those who show the most eager interest in learning about the books. Do you nevermind the fact that it is newer younger readers like Inderjit (so what if his debate posts are in haste? Young and hot-blooded, but has a damn good grasp on Middle-earth in my not so worthy opnion), Beleg_strongbow, gate7ole, Celebthol (he's getting there and sure has the passion for the books!), and me who just might been able to contribute? All people who have been reading Tolkien 1-2 years and know quite a bit considering! I just find it strange since you guys claim a big purpose (if not sole purpose) of OiE, is to learn more about Tolkien. Or at least your former leader does.
Those are young people (Beleg is 14!!! Inderjit is 16) and most take a scholarly approach and will be somewhere in a few years, and no telling how well they will know the books when they are your age. Under guidance of some long time readers who have a good grasp on the entire HoME... these kids and others like them could do a lot, not to mention save themselves a lot of trouble.

Myself? I've given up on the idea that TTF is much help is doing anything scholarly. It is really only good for applying things learned and studied on one's own, to discussions.


I wonder, was any of those young people that I named ever invited to OiE, granted Inder joined GoS as soon as he started here at TTF but how about the others?

Was any new reader invited to OiE, because of interest they showed or passion for the books rather than already having knowledge?

And the way that GoT grew so huge so fast back when Grond started it?

I think it is because Grond can see the potential of new readers.

He sent me a PM inviting me, a new reader, hardly knew a thing at all, to join. He also did the same with at least one other that I know of. No telling how many he encouraged with such an invitation.

[Ancalagon]

So, what exactly is your point Nom, either you would like to offer some constructive criticism to the Guild and the way it operates, or you simply wish to continually cast up the past and denegrate myself or even Turgon who is currently trying to pull things together?

This is becoming rather a constant for you it seems, have a go at how we do things but never actually offer solutions, even when I have asked you into the Guild on several occasions! If the younger members of the forum wish to join the Guild, then they are more than welcome...my own anger with InderjitS in a recent debate was my own, small outburst of anger because for someone who obviously has so much talent, he felt the need to attempt such a poor response to a post that had taken me most of an afternoon to construct. So if I felt it was not a serious approach to the work I had put in, I said as much, that does not alienate him from OiE, it simply means I was angered at his efforts of humour at my expense.

So, enlighten me, what do you think we ought to do to make things better? The door of OiE is open to all, whether they have experience or not matters little, nor has it ever been a precursor for inclusion. Either try and be positive or stop moaning..simple enough really!

[Nóm]

I offered suggestions awhile back not too long after this thread was opened but no one replied to it and I felt like a fool and out of place so I ended up deleting it.

I PM'd you not long ago explaining why I made that post that Walter just questioned.

You did say that I was welcomed to join OiE a few weeks ago when I PM'd you about that, telling why I was upset with OiE.

Several months ago I posted in an OiE thread and you said:

Hmmmmmmmm, Confusticated, posting in the Member's List of The Guild of Ost-in-Edhil? Do I sense defection in the air?

I thought at the time you were implying I was disloyal to GoT. I later found out (when you told me) that you hoped that it was defection but I don't see why, since the age resitriction was in place at the time and so there was no way I could join anyhow. I wonder if you can see how that was not taken as an invitation by me.

It surely was not this:
...when I have asked you into the Guild on several occasions!
Which really makes me look like a lair.
Maybe you ment you defection comment as an invitation but it was not asking me into OiE.

I just had to defend myself from looking like a liar. I'll you in peace now, don't worry I have nothing positive so I'll stay away.

[Arvedui]

*BUMP!!!!!!!!!*
The problem is that I have no ideas to bring forth to give any direction to where the future of O-i-E is.

[Gil-Galad]

We would like to make a short,but important announcement.

A new activity called The Best of The Best Debating Tournament is about to start in a week.When everything is completed it will be made visible for you.

The Best of The Best will be a tournament in which the best six debators will be invited to debate bewteen themselves-1vs1.The members of every Guild should choose their best Debator who will represent them.
We realize that due to some real-life problems the member that is chosen may not be able to participate sometimes.That is why you are allowed to choose a replacement.The replacement will be allowed to take part only in 30 persents of the tournament.
Of course ,if you believe that the One you choose can be online during all ten rounds of the debates,you do not have to choose a replacement.

That is why we,the organizers of the tournament,kindly ask you to choose your best debator(and his replacement if you want)and send a pm to me (Gil-Galad)with the two names.

The Organizers of The Best of The Best

[Arvedui]

I take the liberty of nominating the Lord of Balrogs!

[Gil-Galad]

Unfortunately Gothmog will have a special position in The Best of The Best Tournament,and he will not be able to debate.

I hope that you will find another one who can represent your Guild-there are so many great debators in GoiE. :)

[Gothmog]

Arvedui, I thank you for the confidence you show in your nimination. I am flattered that you thought so quickly of me. :)

However, as Gil-galad has already pointed out I will not be able to take the field for the guild. I would nominate you and/or Anc for this position.

There are many in the guild who have great skills in debating but a number of them are not on very often now. I hope that some at least will see this and post on here.

[Gil-Galad]

Well Arvedui and Anc a re great debators!!!!!!!
The question is whether they will like to take part and who will be the representative and who will be the replacement.
:)

[Arvedui]

I'll better hurry up and reply before Anc sees this:

Anc as representative!

I don't know if I am a very good candidate for this, considering my schedule from now on and the coming couple of months. But perhaps something can be worked out.

How about Turgon? I haven't seen him around much, but if he's available, then I think that he will do a better job than me.

[Gil-Galad]

You are all great debators and I hope that Arvedui and Anc will participate;).I haven't seen Turgon for ages online ,so I am not sure whether he will be able to debate or not.
It seems that it is up to you two guys!!

[Arvedui]

Easy now!

First the Study, then the "What if..." game, and now this?
I could of course do all of it at the same time if it wasn't for the fact that my boss expects me to do some work as well, and that my family expects me to be participating there, too...

[Ancalagon]

I would be keen on the idea, though I would no doubt need the support of Arvedui or Ravenna etc to help in a few of the debates. The problem I have is similar to Arvedui, time! I know I would be pushed to say the least, but keen all the same.

[Gil-Galad]

Well,there will be many rests throghout the Tournament.
The replacement will be able to debate in 30%of the debates so when one of is busy it is not a problem.What is more,every round will be 10 days,because we realize that one person will need more time for reasearch and debating.That makes the things easier,what I mean is that you will have 10days for every debate-pretty long time even if you are busy with something.

[Arvedui]

Okay, then.

I guess I can contribute alongside Anc whenever he needs someone to help him out.

[Gil-Galad]

Now we have to see whether Anc will be able to be the representative of GoiE

[Ancalagon]

Or vice-versa Arvedui, I would willingly support you for 30% if you wish to take up the challenge. I think we both have the same time constraints and commitments, so the need to work together would go without saying.

[Gil-Galad]

Well,that is really strange situation.Arvedui and Anc both want to be replacements,but then who will be the official representative?It should be one of you guys. :)

[Arvedui]

Maybe we can just field a 60%- team?:D Say if the debate goes on for ten days, then we are limited to only six of them. Makes perfect sense to me....:rolleyes:


A wholly different matter is the fact that Anc is probably a more just choice in a 'best of the best' debate. Well, at least as long as he keeps his Irish temper under control...;)

Don't worry G-G. One of us will be there. And most probably the one whose username starts with the letter "A".

[Gil-Galad]

Don't worry G-G. One of us will be there. And most probably the one whose username starts with the letter "A".

Thank you for the clue Arvedui ;)It helped me :D
I wonder whose name begins with "A" here ;)

Seriously,10days for every round means that even if somebody is busy the first two-three-four days he can compensate it,he will have lots of time left.
And as I said,we realize that it is very difficult for every Debator to take part in 10 Rounds in a row,that is why there will small rests after every round.

I still wonder who is this guy with "A"????!! :confused: :eek: :D

[Arvedui]

Enough of this nonsense! Put me up as the representative. With Anc in support.

(So much for 'Best of the best'.....);) :D

[Walter]

The Future of Ost-in-Edhil:

R.I.P.

[Ancalagon]

May Ost-in-Edhil be remembered for its contribution to The Tolkien Forum, her threads be saved and her members honoured:)

[Arvedui]

Well, it was fun while it lasted.
*looks around in the dark halls where the last candles are burning low*

And we did produce a winning debating team in the first ever Debating Tournament. My last hope is that the Door-warden will be back in time to close the door before the hall just get torched...