The Best of The Best Tournament

[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

[Gil-Galad]

Well,that was the big project I was talking about.

Now we have to decide who is the best debator from our Guild.I do not think it is a problem actually.Eriol and me are part of the organizers of the tournament so we cannot participate.

I believe that Lhunithiliel is the best debator among us.I believe that Lhunithiliel should represent our Guild there.What do you think?

[Helcaraxë]

I don't know, I've never debated with her. Perhaps we could have an intra-guild "elimination" round to pick the best debater? Just a thought.

~Helcaraxë

[Lhunithiliel]

Now... Before you go on with "Lhun - yes" / "Lhun - no", let Lhun say her own opinion.

A debator IMHO should :
1/ Have a very broad knowledge and i am using the word "broad" because I mean that the said person should have a detailed knowledge in the "peripheral" materials such as the Letters, various biographies of the author, essays, researches... Also this person must well know the content of the main works as well as that of the HoME - series. ...etc.... - Well, I don't think I have this kind of knowledge!
2/ Feel delight in debating - meaning that he/she should be the kind of a person who likes the process of convincing others on a certain issue - Well, I am not that kind of a person. I have a theory which has turned to be my credo, the principle of which is that everyone's opinion is right. If in midday someone tells me it's midnight - I'm most willing to accept his/her opinion for he/she must obviously have a reason to say this. So... you see? I am not the kind of person who would be the one to convince the counter-debator and the judges.
Besides, I find much more delight in researching and sharing info than in convincing people in my opinions.

Based on these two main reasons (apart from many other minor ones) I would say that I am far from being the best choice of the Guild!!!

Instead, my vote goes for Inder!


***

To the Organizers fo the "BoB" :

Perhaps you should think about the possibility to involve into the business of debating not only one person per guild, but let the Guild elect a few debators - each feeling stronger in a certain part of Tolkien's works. Let's say the topic covers the Silm - then a debator who is more learned in these matters and more familiar with the resp.HoME-volumes should be the one to take the debate... Just a thought. :rolleyes:

[Manveru]

Nice try, wraith... you nearly convinced me that you're not "the one";)
Naaaaaaaaayy... not a chance, shadowy one... I've seen you debating, I've seen Inder debating, too... you're great... Eriol's an awesome debator (I had the chance of debating alongside with him...great experience, especially for the "greeny" I was then...), but he's "out" as Kingy said... too bad...
I know one thing (and that won't be another of my silly things I got used to speak very often;)):
considering those points... I'M NOT THE ONE (or even the other and so on and so forth...). That's for sure.
So...

***
I guess we cannot do that. Having in mind that it is 1 vs. 1 debates thingy... and the whole thing is called "best of the best"... I guess they (organizers) are looking for the best debator ever (gee, I wonder... how did I come to this thought?:D). What you're suggesting seems to me as the good old team vs. team tournament... just a thought :rolleyes:

[Gil-Galad]

Well,nice try Lhun .........;)

First of all,Inderjit S can be your replacement if you are offline for several days.BUT.He has debated for GoS in the previous tournament and it will quite strange if he is our leader.Secondly he will be offline from February 15th to March 10th and after that he will start his preparation for his university exams.As you can see if we want him to be the One it is not possible,cause he will offline for about a month.
But I hope that he will agree to be your replacement at least. :)
What would you say Indy?

************************
The idea of the tournament is simple.The best six to be gathered and to debate 1vs.1.Of course we know that some of the six may have real-life problems for several days or a week.That is why there will be replacements who will be allowed to participate in 30% of the tournament.

Lhun,we all hope that you will take the that important place.This is our chance to make our Guild even more popular.We should defend it's name and honor!!!!You and Indy(as your replacement) are those who can do it best!!!!

[Finduilas]

:D
Mum?...Playing a convincing game?;)
Sorry to say that, but you failed!:D

My vote goes for Lhun and Inder as her replacement.:)

[Lhunithiliel]

Ah! But don't you see?!!!
I am not able to convince you even on such a simple matter!!!
How would you then expect me to convince other people in more serious matters?

If Inder is not available, we also have the wonderful Eledwhen, and Starflower, and Helcaraxe...

[Scatha]

Errr, Lhun, face it, you are stuck in a corner with no retreat left. :p

Inder might have been a worthy match for you, but as GG pointed out, he debated for GoS, thus should not represent GoT in the best of the best tournament. As for the others you tried to push forward, yes, they are quite good, but as a replacement. You on the other hand, have both the better experience and the knowledge, neither fact is something you can deny.

However be prepared that the outcasts will push Nom forwards, as their best, so you'll have to play nice during your debate.

[Gil-Galad]

No way out Lhun,or I will have to use Aeglos!!!

[Lhunithiliel]

One can never be sure with a Nazgul, you know, especially when it is a female.... and especially when this creature is "stuck in the corner"! :p

[Gil-Galad]

ok Lhun,shall we beg you on our knees?!!?!! :(

[Lhunithiliel]

I think you all have misunderstood the message in my posts! I have no intention to make anyone ask / beg/ get down on four... :eek:
This is NOT it!!!

It's that I am overloaded with many things to do and on the other hand, I don't think I am a good debator, no matter what you 're saying, taking into consideration that all the debates in the previous tournament, in which I took part, were lost.

So, no... I really thank you all so very much for the kind words, but I simply can't clone myself and succeed in everything. And debates require a lot of time and a serious commitment, which ...in its turn again requires time... I simply can't afford it even if I wanted! :rolleyes:

So, let's start thinking about another candidate. I am sure that we have wonderful opportunities! Just look at the on-going debate with the Eruhini! :)

[Manveru]

Yeah... stop fooling around, guys (it's especially hint at me...geesh;)). If Lhun says she "can't clone herself" no one can push her (I know, I know you don't do this... don't shout at me;)). Just look below. Has anyone seen this post:
I don't know, I've never debated with her. Perhaps we could have an intra-guild "elimination" round to pick the best debater? Just a thought.

~Helcaraxë
Not "just a thought", Helcaraxë. It's a good idea... (better than "nominating" without accepting any refusal... let's see... I'm sure there are some "hidden pearls" just waiting to be found:D)

------------
(sorry, if my words seem to some of you too harsh... hope they're not so... *peace*)

[Finduilas]

Ok, Mum. If it is against your will, we won't push you. After all, real life's more important. We don't wanna 'rob' it away from you. ;)

So, I give my votes to (since Inder is not allowed to):
-Helcaraxë - he's very convincing! I have had the opportunity to unofficially debate with him several times and am looking forward to our future debate. So he's a good suggestion!
-Statflower - another perfect debator too!
and
-Eledwhen, of course! She has proven to be very experienced and knowledged!
But if the Guild has other suggestions, I'll agree with the comunity decision.

[Gil-Galad]

Well,I do not think that there is something more important than defending The Guild of Tolkienology's name and honor.Lhun you are the only one who can do it ,you have greatest debating skills,and you are the ONE who can defend out Guild's honor and name.
As you can see,we all know say it-You are the One who we choose.You will have the time to rest,cause there will be rests every two rounds,and what is more Inderjit will be you replacement(in 30%of the debates) if there is such need .

I will take care of the Noldorin Forge,do not worry about it.

Will you despair all of us?

[Gil-Galad]

All Guilds except for GoO and our Guild are ready with their best debators!!!!!

We need our leader.
As soon as possible.Everybody who believes that Lhun is the best let's say it here!!!!
And also I nominate Inderjit S for replacement.

I expect the others to vote ASAP!!!
Let's show who should represent the Guild of Tolkienology!!-Lhun!

[Manveru]

Hmm... I know I'll get my shiny angelic butt kicked for that, but...

Lhun...
(Mercy, oh! wraith...)

:D

[Finduilas]

hmmm...

Does anybody still doubt? :confused:

Mum, one step forward! Lead us.;)

In other words, Lhun.;)

[Lhunithiliel]

Don't start it all over again! :mad:

Oh! I forgot!

..........Please!........ :p

[Finduilas]

Amm...I have the feeling that Mum really doesn't want to...:(...

In this case, let's do the following: Inder as a leading debator and Mum as his replacement?

[Eriol]

Has anyone talked with Inder to see if he would accept it?

If Lhun's decision is final, I think Helcaraxë is a good name.

[Gil-Galad]

That is not possible Findi,Inderjit will be busy from 10th February till 15th March,then he will not be that active.So the only possibility for him is to be a replcament or even if it is not possible for him to debate I would suggest Helcaraxe to be the replacement.

Of course we have many debators here,but the truth is that only Inderjit,Eriol and Lhun can oppose:Arvedui(Anc-replacement);Aule,Bethelarien(Scatha),Baragund,Nom .
Since Eriol and Inderjit cannot be representatives,the only one who can defend the Guild of Tolkienology's name and honor in the best possible way is Lhun.
Lhun,will you disappoint all of us?? :(

Helcaraxe is a good option for a replacement :).

[Lhunithiliel]

Oh, please! I wouldn't like to disapoint anyone! :(

The Guild however has marvellous minds! Let's count on them!
If I can help from aside I will! I certainly and most willingly will!

[Gil-Galad]

I would like to ask the others to choose representative and replacement..From that moment I cannot ask anything else about GoT's team,because I have to take care of the Tournament.

I said what I believe in,that Lhun is the best one here,but since she is not willing to participate,I cannot do anything.

Now it is up to GoT's members.

[Lhunithiliel]

I don't think what you've just said is fair, G-G.

Now ... if I am made to feel guilty without having guilt whatsoever, this will only make my stay in the Guild very uncomfortable.

[Manveru]

hey hey hey!!!
you know what i think...? it's getting hot in here... so take off all your clothes... (oops, not a perfect quote;)) and, though it's a very snowy and freezy (but so lovely;)) winter here in my place, i don't need that kind of "warm-up" now (and i'm sure others will agree with me). so... chill out, guys. after all, what's with that tournament anyway? i guess somewhere in those "rules & other stuff" written and invented by the organizers there must be some line (don't know for sure, though;)) that tells it's for FUN... am i right? i guess this rare phenomenon called 'fun' disappears when sth. else is in use... sth. called "force", "push" call it as you wish... it was a lot of fun to fool around with that nominations, but i guess it has gone too far, i mean... it's not 'fun' any more (at least not for everyone;)).
watching carefully what's happening here i don't think we all wanna lose Lhun (or any other member, we're all worthy members, each and every, right?) because of sth. like this... personally i think that Lhun is one of the best debators in this fine guild (no question about that!), but... the best debator i've seen... that's right, it's a big difference... i haven't seen each member debating (and some new and fresh blood came in to these halls lately;)).
in addition... i must say that i'm also not too fond of "pushing" thing and, though i like you Kingy and respect you, i must say that it was really not fair to utter those words...

IT'S ONLY FUN THAT REALLY MATTERS!!

so... pax, peace... and other such things (whatever the language...;))

:D

[Finduilas]

Absolutely agree!
Chill out, Pa, we will win anyway! :D

Let's leave our Mum at peace and rest and hand down the opportunity to the 'younger' generation.;)

As has been said many times (and by you too, Pa), Helcaraxe is a good option for a replacement. :)

[Gil-Galad]

I apologize for my words,I just want the best for our Guild.

I edited my post.

[Manveru]

I apologize for my words,I just want the best for our Guild.
Remember not to harm while trying to help.* ~ Ovid

* - sorry for my humble translation...

[Finduilas]

Wise decision, GG, and an even wiser quote, Man.

So, is Helcaraxe accepted by all members as a leading debator?

[Lhunithiliel]

Ah! Poor wraith! Left without supper with a wonderful and pure Elven soul! The King apologized! Grrrrrr......And the black shadow disperses... ( :p )

Helcaraxe ! Yes!!! And Starflower!

[Gil-Galad]

All Guilds except for The Guild of Tolkienology chose their two debators.
Who will be GoT's debators.
It seems that Starflower is not online very often.
Final suggestions?
I also hope that the suggested members will confirm their participation ASAP,because the tournament will start very soon.

[Aulë]

All Guilds except for The Guild of Tolkienology chose their two debators.
Who will be GoT's debators.
It seems that Starflower is not online very often.
Final suggestions?
I also hope that the suggested members will confirm their participation ASAP,because the tournament will start very soon.

So when's this thing happening?
Us Periaurians are getting impatient! :D

[Gil-Galad]

At the moment we are preparing the programme of the debates as well as the topics of the debates.The Rules and the Guildelined of the Judges are ready and posted in private section.Everything will be visible soon. :)
When the Guilds are ready :)
That is why I would like to know GoT's decision.

[Gil-Galad]

Shall I consider that The Guild of Tolkienology will not have REPRESENTATIVE in The Best of The Best Tournament?????!!!!!!

I cannot accept such thing!!!!!!! :mad: :mad: :mad:

[Helcaraxë]

Hmm..When is the debate happening? I am going to Vermont, and I'll be back on Monday. :( My sincere apologies for any inconvienience, but this is sort of a tradition with my family. Again, I'm sorry. :( I'd be happy to participate in the debate when I return. I assume the debate will have some preliminary stuff? I really hope I make it in time.

[Starflower]

Apologies for my recent absence in the Guild activities. I am online every day, but only from work and unfortunately real life has to come first...
I would be happy to aprticipate in the deabte, but I would like to know some details. What is the timetable for this debate? When does it start ? When is it scheduled to end? What is the subject? Where will I find the debate thread should I be deemed suitable to participate? Next opportunity for me to devote time for this is monday next week. If this is alright with everyone else , I will be proud to represent the Guild of Tolkienology in this debate

[Helcaraxë]

Alright! I'm back! When does the debate start?

So, Starflower and I are to be the two representatives for GoT?

[Gil-Galad]

Well,the debates will start around 24th February.Please ,Helcaraxe,be prepared to participate in every round because you are the main Representative.
On Sunday the Section will be made visible so you will be able to take a look. :)

[Helcaraxë]

So...will the section be made visible now? ;)

I'm in the midst of re-reading all of my Tolkien books to freshen up before the debate. I grow impatient! ;)

[Gil-Galad]

Well,we are trying our best to start it on Thursday.

[Helcaraxë]

Thursady! Excellent. I'm happy for the delay, to tell the truth; it will allow me and Starflower to review more of our stuff.

[Grond]

Thursady! Excellent. I'm happy for the delay, to tell the truth; it will allow me and Starflower to review more of our stuff.Good luck to Starflower and Helcarxe on the upcoming debate. If I can be of any service (technical or research in nature) just PM me. I will be waiting anxiously on the sidelines and rooting for our guild.

Cheers,

grond

[Helcaraxë]

Um, it's Thursday, if you take my meaning. ;)

[Manveru]

Um, it's Thursday, if you take my meaning. ;)
Hmm...if I were you, I wouldn't tease the King, Helcaraxë. Not at the moment (he's too pissed off already... see the Happenings thread;))

:D

[Gil-Galad]

The Section is ready,we are waiting for Beorn to make it visible.

[Helcaraxë]

I'll tease the king if I darned well please! I mean, I did kill off many of his father's kin when they crossed me to get to ME after Fëanor abandonded them. Victory is mine! :D

But seriously, I wasn't teasing him. When will the debate start?

[Starflower]

all the info can be found in this thread (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?p=405910#post405910). It starts on Monday

:)
good luck, and I'll be ready if you cannot participate

[Gil-Galad]

That is right Starflower.

I know you and Helcaraxe will do your best ,so GOOD LUCK

[Gil-Galad]

I would like to announce that The Best of The Best tournament begins on Monday -1st March.

The section is opened and the debates will start ASAP.

I would like to ask your Guild's representative and his/her replacement to check the schedule of and to prepare themselves for real debates.

Round 1's threads will be opened later today.

Good Luck