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.

Tune into the Tolkien Professor’s Silmarillion Seminar -LIVE on Middle-earth Network Radio

Last December, Corey Olsen, the Tolkien Professor, started up the Silmarillion Seminar, a weekly discussion that has been proceeding chapter by chapter through Tolkien's stories from the First Age of Middle Earth. Recordings of the proceedings are being made available through the Tolkien Professor podcast feed.  

Now, listeners are invited to tune into Middle-earth Network Radio at 9:30 PM EST every Wednesday to listen LIVE as Professor Olsen and his seminar group engage in their weekly discussions.  Silmarillion enthusiasts can even contribute to the ongoing discussion.  During the broadcast, those who might have a question or an observation to offer to the discussion can go to the Silmarillion Seminar group page in My Middle-earth and post their thoughts on the wall.  As many as possible of those comments will be relayed live to the seminar group in real time.  

This week at 9:30 PM EST on the Silmarillion Seminar we will discuss Akallabeth, the Downfall of Numenor. We'll be looking at the actual sinking of the island and its aftermath. After this, there will only be 2-3 more weeks, on "Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age." Recordings will still be available later on for those who miss the live broadcast.

Middle-earth Network’s Art Contest Has Been Extended

Since the announcement of our Middle-earth Network Art Contest, many fans have written in conveying their disappointment because they would be unable to participate due to summer vacations and previous plans. Our hope and wish is that this contest would be available for all artists, whether art is your profession or hobby, and we wouldn’t want a summer vacation to come between you and your chance to have Jef Murray and Ted Nasmith judge and critique your art, nor your chances at winning one of our Ringer’s dream prize packages slip by! Therefore, we have decided to extend the contest.

The new dates are as follows:

-From now until 12 PM EST Wednesday, August 10, 2011 we are taking submissions.
-On Monday, August 15, 2011 5 submissions (in both categories) that have been hand picked by our judges, Jef Murry and Ted Nasmith, will be posted on My Middle-earth for ALL members to vote on.
-Polls will close at 12 PM EST Friday, August 19, 2011.
-At 9:30 PM EST Friday, August 19, 2011 the winners will be announced LIVE on Middle-earth Network radio.

Submission Requirements:

The subject of the art will be a Middle-earth spin on Uncle Sam’s classic line, “I want you for the U.S. Army”. Submitted art should hold the text,  “Middle-earth wants you!” with the body of the art entirely up to each individual artist. However, submissions must not contain any nudity or pornographic material. Judges reserve the right to refuse any art submitted that they deem inappropriate. In order to submit your work, you must be a member of My Middle-earth Social Network and join the “My Middle-earth Art” group. Submissions can be entered under one of the two categories: amateur artist (i.e. I am not regularly paid for my work) and professional artist (i.e. I am a regularly paid artist).

To submit:

Post a photo of your entry onto “My Middle-earth Art” group’s wall with the following information by 12 PM EST Wednesday, August 10, 2011:

-Specify: “My Middle-earth Art Contest Submission”

-Name

-Specify amateur (not paid) or professional (paid)

-Title of submitted piece

-Brief description of your artwork (2-5 lines)

Middle-earth Network Announces 'My Middle-earth Art Contest'

Calling all artists! Ever since Middle-earth Network launched their social network, My Middle-earth, the art community within has bloomed with talented artists, and now it’s time to gather you together and watch you shine. Starting at 12 PM EST on Wednesday, June 1, 2011 artists from all over the globe are invited to compete in Middle-earth Network’s Art Contest.

Submission Requirements:
The subject of the art will be a Middle-earth spin on Uncle Sam’s classic line, “I want you for the U.S. Army”. Submitted art should hold the text,  “Middle-earth wants you!” with the body of the art entirely up to each individual artist. However, submissions must not contain any nudity or pornographic material. Judges reserve the right to refuse any art submitted that they deem inappropriate. In order to submit your work, you must be a member of My Middle-earth Social Network and join the “My Middle-earth Art” group. Submissions can be entered under one of the two categories: amateur artist (i.e. I am not regularly paid for my work) and professional artist (i.e. I am a regularly paid artist).

To submit, post a picture of your entry onto the “My Middle-earth Art” group’s wall with the following information by 12 PM EST Wednesday, August 10, 2011:

-Specify: “My Middle-earth Art Contest Submission”

-Name

-Specify amateur (not paid) or professional (paid)

-Title of submitted piece

-Brief description of your artwork (2-5 lines)

At 12 PM EST on Wednesday, August 10, 2011, Middle-earth Network will stop taking contest submissions. All previously submitted art will be examined by the judges who will pick the top five in each category (amateur artist or professional artist). By Monday, August 15th, 2011 the chosen ten will be posted on My Middle-earth Art group’s wall where all My Middle-earth members have until 12 PM EST Friday, August 19, 2011 to vote on their favorites. The ones with the most votes win and will be announced LIVE on Middle-earth Network Radio at 9:30 PM EST Friday, August 19, 2011. See the official prize list below.

A word from our honored judges...

Jef Murray

"Despite a handful of well-known artists whose work we all regularly encounter, there are scores, nay, hundreds, of others who have their own visions and own insights into Middle-earth, but who rarely receive an opportunity to have their renderings seen and appreciated. I am delighted to do anything I can to encourage these artists...for we are all richer for having learned from and appreciated each others' sub-creative sojourns." -J. Murray

Ted Nasmith

"It is always a privilege to play a role in encouraging young or lesser known creative talent, and it is with pleasure that I participate in this exciting new competition." -T. Nasmith

PRIZES (FOR BOTH AMATEUR AND PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS):

Third Place Prizes: Ted Nasmith & Lonely Mountain Band CD Package/ Jef Murray Print

Second Place Prizes: Ted Nasmith & Lonely Mountain Band CD Package/ Jef Murray Print/  Map of 

The Dwarves

First Place Grand Prizes: Ted Nasmith & Lonely Mountain Band CD Package/ Jef Murray Print/ Map of the Dwarves/ Lord of the Rings Anduril Replica Collectible Sword (Professional category) or Decorative Scottish Claymore Sword with Leather Sheath (Amateur category)