A Sneak Peek into Middle-earth Network's New Websites

You've been hearing it from us for some time now: "We're working hard on our new websites, can't wait to share!" and it's about high time we gave you a sneak peek. When we founders of Middle-earth Network first launched My Middle-earth we were shocked to see how fast it gained your attention and it was apparent that fantasy fans had been waiting for a social network where they could find news, music, films, videos, blogs and groups all in one place. It wasn't long after the launch that we started talking about creating a brand new platform where we could offer fans even more. The talks turned into plans and now those plans are near completion. We are so excited to share our dreams and visions with you because you are the reason we do what we do. We at Middle-earth Network want to build a community, one that doesn't slap our logo on your individuality, but gives you the tools you need to make your own dreams become a reality. 


In this post you will learn about some new features we've added and ones that have been improved upon and you will get your first look at our new websites.


New Look

Right away you can see some vast changes compared to our old site. Gone is the drab darkness of the old site and all the thanks goes to some amazing artists within the community. Give a big round of applause to Ted Nasmith and Jef Murray for allowing us to use their creative masterpieces on our sites! These two are on my top "most amazing people EVER" list and I would encourage all of you to check out their websites where you can buy their art because, lets be honest, you are now jealous of our new look and want it on your living room wall.

New and Improved Features

While the old social site had some cool features, it lacked in them actually working. On the new social site you will now have the ability to use Facebook "like" buttons as well as "like" buttons within the network. You can create and join groups and upload photos and videos in your status updates, blogs and group forums. The chat bar on the bottom of the page will have a slightly different look and now comes with the option of a pop out window so your chats aren't lost when navigating away from the network. And here's one of my favorites, the "Who's Online Avatars" plug in. Now you can see which of your friends are online so it's easier to socialize. Brilliant!


There's much more, but I don't want to give it all away just yet. For now, let's raise a pint of Green Dragon ale to everyone who's helped us with this endeavor. Without you, none of this would have been possible. Cheers!

EXCLUSIVE: Middle-earth Network Takes on Publishing, Producing, and a Record Label

If you think there has been a lot of news surrounding Middle-earth Network lately with the launch of Mythgard Institute for Tolkien Studies, then hang on to your churchwarden pipe. In a recent letter posted on My Middle-earth (the network's social site) from network founder, Mark Ostley, we find out what other exciting projects the company has up their sleeves.




Mark writes, "We have indeed been promising a new blogging platform for awhile now. And yes we are a bit behind schedule. Keep in mind though, that this beta launched roughly 12 weeks ago. In the meantime we've have been working with the platform developer and budgeting ... both time and money resources to make this happen. And trust me, it will in [just] a few days. What we've done is to contract the individual who built the guts and platform for Ning and other social network providers. I've seen some of the bells and whistles he's come up with, and they're pretty impressive. In fact I'll go as far as to say that I think there's nothing like it out there."


Mark goes on to state that the new social platform will be tested this week and over the weekend and hopes to launch it within a week or two.


Meanwhile, Mythgard Institute, although newly launched, will also be seeing some improvements. Mark explains, "We've already brought in as guest lecturers 4 of the most recognized Tolkien scholars in the world. We're also working on full accreditation and are offering a Masters Degree program, and will be adding many more classes in the spring." 

So, Middle-earth Network is a social site, news source, radio station, and partner of an Institute. What else could they take on? How about producing, publishing, and a record label? 


In a phone interview I had with Mark moments ago he stated, "We are in the midst of negotiations with the well-know producer Kate Madison ('Born of Hope') and Actors at Work Productions on creating a high end fantasy movie/video series and as soon as things are finalized we'll announce the details."


Further down the letter we find out Middle-earth Network is also working with the members of the My Middle-earth social network community on a publishing label as well as a music label (with four bands already under it's belt) which Marks calls "a humble and hopeful start". 


Mark ends the letter with this: "Part of our vision and goal is to provide quality content, but the other goal is to become a haven and vehicle for artists, writers, educators, broadcasters & podcasters, musicians, and a greater community of people and fans who believe, as I do, that we can actually inspire the world around us by sharing the world we have in common. Many of these people who write music, literature, or work in the medium of paint and brush, for too long have been overlooked and have been given no support and no real outlet for some of the brilliant things they're doing...Already you see this reflected in [our] social community. Because in the end that's exactly what we are. A community. We started this because we all felt there was a need for people, and artists to interact and develop real working relationships and friendships. I personally believe (idealistic as I am) that this, in a small way actually makes the world a better place. Our job has been to not only develop some of these things, but to provide the best vehicles we can to make it work well, and make it as easy as possible for people to access... so suffice it to say that we've big plans, high hopes, and a massive amount of determination."


You can follow Middle-earth Network on Facebook. For the latest in network news follow Middle-earth News on Twitter.


To donate to the Middle-earth Network community click here.

Harry Potter Based 'Hog's Head PubCast' Joins Middle-earth Network Radio

As the Middle-earth Network continues to grow, we are striving both to recruit the highest quality content and to diversify our programming and reach out to new communities. In the last decade, many Tolkien fans have embraced  another series, one that is radically different in its worldview, basic rules and structures, and writing but has the same tug on our moral imaginations and many of the same essential core values, including the value of friendship and self-sacrifice. The series we're speaking of centers on a boy wizard by the name of Harry Potter.

Middle-earth Network is proud to announce today the first of what we hope will be many Harry Potter shows to join the Middle-earth Network: this show is the Hog's Head PubCast. The PubCast, as its fans call it for short, broadcast its first episode back in late 2006, and this week, after a nine-month hiatus, it makes a triumphant return by joining the Middle-earth Network family. The PubCast is hosted by thehogshead.org, a fantastic site for serious discussion of fantasy literature, and it's produced by Travis Prinzi, one of the Leaky Cauldron's Potter Pundits, and a trailblazer in serious Harry Potter scholarship, having written books such as "Harry Potter & Imagination: The Way Between Two Worlds" and most recently "Harry Potter for Nerds." And we'll let y'all in on a secret: Travis is also an avid Tolkien fan.

We are thrilled to be partnering with The Hog's Head and to be working with them to build bridges between our two communities who have so much in common. Keep your eyes and ears open for further announcements to come in the next week and be sure to give a warm welcome to any Hog's Head fans who join us at the My Middle-earth social network.


BREAKING: Airing TODAY at 2 PM EST- Travis Prinzi was able to screen the new Harry Potter film, Deathly Hallows, Part 2 (due to hit theaters this Thursday, July 15th, 2011) and will be reviewing the film LIVE on Middle-earth Network Radio!


Also Airing today is Travis' newest Hog's Head Pubcast at 1 PM and 6 PM EST.


The Hog's Head Pubcast on Twitter.
My Middle-earth Network Radio on Twitter.

What Middle-earth Network Is All About

What is Middle-earth Network?

We are the only place that provides My Middle-earth, a social networking community, where all fantasy fans can gather together and share videos, pictures, music, blog, vlog, learn, and inspire. We give fans access to Tolkien-inspired musicians, authors, artists, and top companies like Weta Workshop, Lord of the Rings Online, Turbine, The White Tree Fund, Ted Nasmith, Jef Murray, Doug Adams, Ian Brodie, Gandalf’s Fist, Arjan Kiel, The Tolkien Professor, The Lonely Mountain Band, A Casual Stroll to Mordor, Middle-earth Minutes, Mad Dwarf Workshop, and SQPN. We are the only place where you can tune in to Middle-earth Network Radio, running 24 hours a day, seven days a week and where Middle-earth News keeps you informed on the latest breaking Tolkien-related news.

We are Middle-earth Network and this is our vision:

NOW AVAILABLE! The 2012 Jef Murray - ALEP2 Fantasy Calendar

Source: JefMurray.com

Press Release:

Signed copies of this brand new 2012 calendar are now available to US, Canadian, and UK residents shipped directly  from the illustrator Jef Murray. The calendar is loaded with Middle-earth inspired painting images from Jef's collection, and half of all proceeds go to directly support the ALEP2 gathering in Kentucky later this year.

Middle-earth Network’s Launch Party

2,634 - That’s the official number of listeners that tuned into Middle-earth Network’s Launch Party last Friday, March 25th. Scads of fans and well-wishers poured into the station’s chat room, anxious to be a part of what was going on. Many of the guests signed in and talked for hours with the listeners. And just as Middle-earth Network promised, the calls started coming in. Among the guests to call in were David and Andy (Mad Dwarf Workshop), Michael Kaiser of Middle-earth Minutes, Author P.G. Holyfield, Artist Ted Nasmith, The Lonely Mountain Band, The UK Band Gandalf's Fist, Michael Martinez (Middle-earth Radio), Dr. Corey Olsen (The Tolkien Professor), Kate Madison (Born of Hope), and Rick Heaton (Turbine). Author Doug Adams and Artist Jef Murray where both unable to attend, however their pre-recorded well-wishes where broadcasted for the listeners.

Over all it was an amazing night! One of the spotlights was Corey Olsen (The Tolkien Professor) interviewing Rick Heaton (Turbine)—a “Tolkien meets the gaming world” type of moment. Truly entertaining! If you missed the Launch Party, don’t panic! The schedule is soon to be posted on Middle-earth Network’s site, and I hear tales of a Bird and Baby interview with Doug Adams is soon to be aired. So stay tuned!

Middle-earth Network can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.

Image is copyright Middle-earth Network and is used with permission.

Dunedain Radio Has Set A Launch Date!

It’s official! Middle-Earth Network, aka 

Dunedain Radio, will go live March 25th, at 8pm CT, so mark your calendars. The Tolkien/fantasy based station is run by three geniuses and fellow Tolkienists: Mark aka Maerech, Candace McCarty of The Green Dragon Inn, and John Di Bartolo of the Lonely Mountain Band. The station offers everything from rock to classical and has had an impressive lineup of podcast interviews, including the most recent, Doug Adams, author of The Music of the Lord of the Ring Films. The Tolkien Professor (Corey Olsen), Ted Nasmith, Kate Madison, Mad Dwarf Workshop, and Gandalf’s Fist are among some of the others to grace the station with their presence. Even Weta Workshop in New Zealand has agreed to let the station re-air their podcasts.

And that’s just the beginning. To kick off their launch date, they have been hard at work, creating their very own Map inspired by Middle-Earth! From February 25 until March 25th you can get your hands on one, for a donation of $15 or more. Once the 25th has gone and passed, you may still receive one for a donation

of $20 and up.

Besides a major revamp of their website under way, Dunedain Radio is now an affiliate of Amazon.com and Audible Books, launching a “One Stop Shop” on everything Tolkien/fantasy-related. It’s a Tolkien lover’s dream, and much needed as there are not many places where you can find such a vast network of Middle-Earth-centered material.