Introducing the Periaur "One Post Contest"!!!!

[Snaga]

As part of our bid to be a bit more Tolkien orientated (as a matter of survival!) .... I bring to you the great One-Post Contest.

The aim of the contest is to produce the best single post submission in the opinion of a panel of judges.

I will provide a list of topics (all to do with Tolkien's works), and each contestant must pick a topic and claim it. NO TWO CONTESTANTS CAN HAVE THE SAME TOPIC. I will supply two more topics than there are contestants, so even the last person to claim a topic will have a choice.

Then each contestant will have a week to prepare ONE POST ONLY on that topic, to be judged by a panel of judges.

I'll be scouting around the forum for a group of appropriate judges, who will be able to judge on the basis on things like knowledge of the subject displayed, convincing argument, insight and creativity, style of the post, wit and humour and so forth.

I hope this will be a friendly competition that will help to add to our existing reputation for fun, while displaying that we do know a little bit about Tolkien too!;)

OK... so who is game? I'll allow a week for us to get as many contestants as possible, and assuming that we have more than one person entering (!!) I'll post up the topics.

The topics themselves will be quite varied in nature, which I hope will add to the unique character of this contest.

Roll up! Roll up!!:D

[Celebthôl]

*rolls up and raises hand*

Great idea gov'neh, im in :D

[Bethelarien]

Hook me up, snaga dearest.

This sounds quite interesting.

EDIT: Took out a cute little term of endearment at poor ickle Thol's request. :D

[Aulë]

Yeah, I'm up for it. :)

[Snaga]

Yay!!! We have a contest.... :D

Anyone else?? Don't be shy....;)

[Legolam]

Is there a word limit to this post? Otherwise some people could just write an essay on the subject. Or maybe that's the idea :confused: . Anyhoo, I'm up for it! :D Like I don't have anything better to do (like an exam in a week :rolleyes: )

[Snaga]

The limit for a post is 10,000 characters so I guess that equates to a 2,000 words limit, or thereabouts. Yes, I guess you could write a short essay in that time, and if that is the most appropriate response to the chosen topic then that's perfectly ok.

But I will tell you now, that not all of the topics will require an essay/debate style response. Some will be more creative in nature.

The judges will be looking for style as well as content - the 'best' post isnt always the longest, or indeed the most scholarly. I still have to work out the exact mechanism for judging. I am going to appoint a panel of 5 judges (4 + me... I have 3 agreed so far). Depending on how many entrants there are I could ask each to just vote for their favourite. But if there arent more judges than contestants that might not work, in which case I'll work out some sort of grading system I guess.

[Legolam]

Any more news? I'm desperate to have a reason not to study for my exam on Friday :rolleyes:

[Aulë]

Yeah- me too...(although my first exam is still 2 weeks away).

Now what will I be doing on Friday....
*thinks*
Ah, yes- my Faculty Sundowner, and Guild Disorientation. :D I'll be getting myself sloshed :D
I'll be thinking of you sitting in that cramped, stuffy exam room, and feeling sorry for you...







You know I wont ;) :p

[Legolam]

LOL :)

I'm finished at 11am, so I'm planning on "celebrating" in my customary way until the Scotland vs Fiji match - at 5am the next day :D

[Snaga]

I was going to give it a week to allow people to join. But probably everyone who is going to join has done so, so lets start now.:)

OK the contestants are:

Aule
Bethelarien
Celebthol
Legolam.

Here are your topics:

1. "Men were the worst enemies of the Ents." Evaluate this statement.

2. Many characters in Tolkien's writings are seen to enjoy pipe-weed. In the Lord of the Rings movies, is Peter Jackson irresponsible to remain faithful to this, given modern understanding of the health effects of smoking?

3. Sam Gamgee recites two verses of The Fall of Gil-Galad. Continue the poem, composing at least three further verses.

4. Write your own account of the Battle of Greenfields, TA 2747, in which Bandobras Took defeats the invading orcs.

5. Who had a greater cause for despair, Turin or Denethor?

6. Was Saruman realistic in his plans to become the new Ring-lord?

Remember this is a battle of style AND substance. So choose carefully!

But you must STAKE YOUR CLAIM for your topic as soon as possible, before anyone else does, because no two people can have the same topic.

OK... you have a week to post your one post... best of luck and have fun!!!!:D

[Celebthôl]

I chose 2 :D

Tho i can only think of like 1 line on it ;)

[Aulë]

Well #1 isn't true (I'll be impressed if someone can convince me otherwise), so I'll choose #4.

"Write your own account of the Battle of Greenfields, TA 2747, in which Bandobras Took defeats the invading orcs."

[Legolam]

I'm going to choose number 6 I think. And I think I'll write it between close of the pubs on Friday night and the Scotland match at 5am on Saturday (I need something to do!) :D

[Aulë]

Arg!
Only 1 more day to go!! :eek:

*runs around in circles*

Time to get cracking on this post :)

[Legolam]

Can I post mine tomorrow (the 5th)? I've been a dozey idiot and forgot this was going on!! :rolleyes:

[Aulë]

I'm probably going to be a day late too.

Blame Nom for replying to all my debate posts ;) .

[Celebthôl]

Okay, heres my answer to question 2. (and a lil more *cough*Nóm*cough*)

2. Many characters in Tolkien's writings are seen to enjoy pipe-weed. In the Lord of the Rings movies, is Peter Jackson irresponsible to remain faithful to this, given modern understanding of the health effects of smoking?

No, Peter Jackson is NOT irresponsible for putting the smoking in the Lord Of The Rings films (at one point they were making Gandalf suck toffees for crying out loud). Peter Jackson has made so many changes already such as:

- No Gildor (Nom ;))
- No Old Forest
- No Tom Bombadil
- No Glorfindel
- Elves at Helms Deep
- The Ents choosing NOT to go to war
- Bad Faramir

E.T.C.

If PJ had made any other change and one so durastic the film would not longer be legable as Lord Of The Rings (it barely is anyway), it would be some other film which shared the same name.
It is a small thing maybe, but it was a very Mr Tolkien thing, as he was a pipe smoker aswell, and it was a good connection of Mr Tolkien to his works.
There is the speculation that it was advertising smoking, but I disagree, it was showing the true charaters being true to who and what they were. I for one did not come out wanting to smoke a pipe after viewing the film, :rolleyes: only an idiot would.


A story for Nóm. . . *angelic smile*

<edited by Tal>

<With thanx for Aulë who insrtructed me on exactly what to write>

:D:D:D

Sorry guys, that was a little too much for a PG board...

[Nóm]

Hey Thol should be disqualified for trying to bribe a judge. ;)

[Snaga]

Well it was within his 'one post' so it would be allowed except that when the judges come to consider their verdicts they won't be able to see that florid prose style of Thol. Shame!:p

The extra day will be fine. I'm not going to be too strict with this contest. Perhaps we might yet get a post from Beth although she seems somewhat absent from the forum.:(

[Nóm]

Originally posted by snaga1
Well it was within his 'one post' so it would be allowed except that when the judges come to consider their verdicts they won't be able to see that florid prose style of Thol. Shame!:p


Well I saw it :D... does that mean I take it into consideration when judging?

[Snaga]

I have to direct you to disregard it. If you can. Take a cold shower before you vote!:D

[Legolam]

I wanna know what was said!!!!!

And I know I haven't posted yet, I'm reeeeeeally sorry.

[Aulë]

lol- I'll email you a screenshot :p

And don't worry: you're not the only one who is being lazy about this thing. :D

[Celebthôl]

Ya no, i think i should win on the grounds that IM THE ONLY PERSON TO POST!!! ;)

[Bethelarien]

Could I possibly post tomorrow or later tonight? I completely forgot about this (along with a long list of many other things. :( Sorry.)

If so, I pick #5.

If not, congratulations to Thol. :D

[Snaga]

Sure thing Beth... I know you've been busy and since noone other than Thol is observing the deadline....:rolleyes:

[Celebthôl]

*walks around chanting

"I WIN! I WIN! I WIN!"

over and over again*

[Bethelarien]

Not so fast, ickle Thol. Here's my entry.

#5: Who had a greater cause for despair, Turin or Denethor?

Turin had a greater cause for despair, for three reasons.

1) The Curse of Morgoth.Then Morgoth cursed Hurin and Morwen and their offspring, and set a doom upon them of darkness and sorrow… [The Silmarillion, Of the Fifth Battle]

Throughout all the Tale of the Children of Hurin, we see the effects of this curse of Morgoth. As we know, Morgoth was himself one of the Valar, albeit a fallen one. The fulfillment of this curse can be likened to the fulfillment of the Doom of Mandos upon the rebellious Noldor. Both dooms, or curses, were uttered by a Vala, and both were fulfilled. Turin knew of his doom, the knowledge of which is reflected in the name he took, Turambar (Master of Doom). This was a cause of despair.

2) Those he loved most dearly were taken from him in one way or another.

a) His father-taken during the Battle of Unnumbered Tears, and never again seen by him.
b) Lalaith-his sister, slain by a pestilence sent from Angband, whom he dearly loved.
c) Morwen and Nienor-these he lost when Morwen sent him to Doriath.
d)Thingol-his foster father, whom he loved, he lost after the episode with Saeros.
e) Beleg-his beloved friend, whom he mistook for an enemy and slew. What a terrible thing to live with on your conscience, the murder of your best friend. And finally,
f) Finduilas-she loved him, though he did not return her love. He abandoned her, and she was killed.

Having these many tragedies in his life, who could claim he did not have just cause for despair? Yes, and even a greater cause than Denethor of Gondor. But it gets even better.

3) Turin's discovery of Niniel Nienor's true identity. Albeit, this discovery took place shortly before he ended his own life; but let us reflect on his relationship with Niniel. They loved each other, and were married. He had taken her in and cared for her even before that. He loved her deeply. Upon learning of her identity, Turin "heard the feet of his doom overtaking him…" He knew the revolting thing he had done. Because of this new knowledge, he fled to Cabed-en-Aras, where he slew himself with Gurthang.

These three factors not only give Turin greater cause for despair than Denethor, but create in him perhaps the most pitiable character in the all the tales of Tolkien.

My apologies for my tardiness. :D

[Snaga]

Thanks Beth.:)

Right... I am going to call time on this contest in 24 hours time. Legolam and Aule.... pull out thy fingers!;)

I will also be directing the judges to give Thol extra credit for being on time.:rolleyes:

[Bethelarien]

Well, piffle to that.

I would argue with you, but I happen to think it's only fair for my slacking.

It's okay, I'll still kick his bootie. :D

(Fake overconfidence has always helped me feel better in the past.;))

[Aulë]

Nah- I'm not going to be able to get it done. I've got very little spare time because of upcoming exams (I have a nice Biometrics one tomorrow), and any attempt I made with the time available wouldn't do the topic justice.

[Legolam]

I'm really sorry, I'm so busy too. I don't think I'm going to be able to contribute to this (:( :( :( ). I just can't commit the time right now, especially as I'm now involved in this debate (and I'm desperate to actually contribute this time).

[Celebthôl]

I cant believe you guys, you all suck, you call yourself members?! BAH! I feel insulted!! ;) :D

[Aulë]

So.....when is the judging going to commence?
It shouldn't take too long ;)

[Snaga]

Sorry for the delay. I was ... delayed.:p

I have PMed the esteemed panel and requested their votes. The judges are Nom, Ancalagon, Baragund, Ithryluin and myself.

[baragund]

Hi Guys,

My thanks to Snaga for inviting this senior citizen to visit with you youngsters:)

Well, maybe if I had a chance to see the censored part of 'Thol's post I would think differently, but I have to say Beth made the better post. It was well researched and thoughfully written.

I happen to agree with 'Thol's position that it was not irresponsible to portray smoking in the films the way it was, but he should have spent less time bashing the filmakers about other stuff and more time developing his argument that links JRRT's love for a good pipe with his portrayal of pipeweed in the books.

As an aside, there was a spike in the popularity of LOTR and The Hobbit in the late '60s and early '70s. A lot of the hippy culture at that time saw pipeweed as an allegory to marijuana. So put that in your pipe and smoke it!:D

[Celebthôl]

So who won Beth or I? :confused: :o

[Snaga]

He said Beth made the better post.:)

My verdict:

A tough call.

Good tries from both contestants, but I am sure there was more to be had from both of you. Beth you did a good job of telling us why Turin was right to despair, but you really needed to compare his reasons to those of Denethor. Remember in this contest there is noone else to argue against, so showing a rounded view is important.:)

Thol: a very debatable argument. You argue that PJ had made too many changes already. But by the same token, in that case why stop there? Would the absence of pipe-weed have been such a horrible absence? Just points to consider. I think you could have done more. But on the other hand you did at least look at one reason why pipe-smoking should not have been included (that it could encourage smoking) and presented a counter-argument of sorts.

For that reason, I will give Thol my vote.:)

[Ithrynluin]

I think Thôl took slightly the wrong tack in the first half of his post, but I ended up agreeing with him. I wish he had elaborated on the topic more, perhaps including a comparison of how tobacco was viewed back then, and what we learned about it in 'modern' days...

Beth divided her post into three parts and argued each nicely, though I agree with Snags that she should have snuck more of Denethor in there somewhere.

I declare Bethelarien the victor. I feel her post was closer to what this contest is about.

But congrats to both of you!

Snaga, I hope this isn't the first and last contest of this sort you'll be hosting. It would sure be even more fun with a few additional contestants. *scolds Aulë and Legolam* ;)

[Nóm]

I apologise for the dely.

I could almost quote Snaga in full with my judgement.

While Beth was thorough in presenting her side she neglected to really compare it with the other side.

Thol's post was not a very deep look into the issue.

But which criteria should I use in deciding which post was the better? Out of the context of the contest I would have said Beth's was, because it was so thorough, but in context of the competition... I'll have to give my vote to Thol, not because his post was better in itself, but because it hit closer to the real purpose.

It's been a fun contest. I hope Snaga will do another sometime.

[Celebthôl]

YAYAYAYAYYAYAYA!!!!!!!!!

2 all eh? ;)

We need a deciding vote :D

[Darkknight]

Is this contest still going? It appears as if nobody came to a decision. May I make a submission within a few days to a week on the topic of the Ents?

[Elbereth]

Well, I'm not sure what happened here....but if you need answers, my suggestion to you is to contact Snaga directly, as he seems to be the master of ceremonies in this thread.

Otherwise...let's appoint a new person to run this competition and get it underway.

[Snaga]

From my point of view this contest is over.... long dead in fact. Its probably best for someone to run a new contest.

[Elbereth]

I agree...any volunteers?

We will need at least the following:

1 person to run the contest

at least 2 people to play the game.

That's three...three volunteers! Hahaha....


(hehehe.... :D :p sorry guys, I think I got possessed by Sesame Street's the Count....It doesn't happen often though...so please, put away the straight jackets. :eek: ;) )