A journey that was planned in late 2010, and started in March, 2011, is only now beginning.  Middle-earth Network Radio launched  as Dunedain Radio on March 25th, 2011.  What everyone may not know is that the journey now begins in earnest.

What you’ve seen accomplished by a small, rag-tag band of idealists over the last 5 months on a shoestring budget is only what we’d call, ‘just getting warmed up’.

A 24/7 Internet radio station dedicated to fantasy and sci-fi music and talk content that, as you read this, is being broadcast and listened to in over 70 countries worldwide.  The start of a world class social network dedicated to people around the world who are inspired by the works of Tolkien, Lewis, Morris, MacDonald, and the great fantasy writers of our time.  Partnering with Dr. Corey Olsen the launch of Mythgard.  A revolution in on-line education that is focused not only on Tolkien, but the great works of literature and myth.  Taught, I might add, by some of the world’s foremost scholars.  The start and growth of a news organization called Middle-earth News, which is second to none in delivering both news and human interest features.

Many friendships have been formed and many people have begun to join us on this quest, this journey.  Among those are you 200-300 that have come over from the old beta social network to our new multi-site home.  You are the founders along with all of us who began this in late 2010.  You are the participants, the fellow travelers, the witnesses, and  the voice of what we are now embarking on.

art by Ted Nasmith

So what happens next?

Starting in September you’ll see some major events begin to take place.  We are a matter of days away from having the finishing touches completed on the social network, and websites.  Once this is done you’ll be a part of an even more amazing journey.  But let me tell you first what’s been going on behind the scenes the last few months.

We’ve been working with Kate Madison of Born of Hope fame to explore the ways in which we can assist her in developing new fantasy related media.  She is currently working on two projects.  One of which is a full length fantasy movie called ‘The Last Beacon’.  The other is a fantasy series which I have to keep secret at this time, but like everything else that flows from her creative genius…it’s good.  It’s very good.  We’re also exploring relationships with other independent fantasy film producers to have their works, which have been put on hold, released  to the public.

Related to the above, we have retained a top entertainment lawyer who specializes in copyright and trademark and licensing issues.  Our plans are to aggressively go after either licensing and/or outright release of some of these fan films to be made available to the greater public.  In keeping with our vision, we’ll also be using this legal team of experts to provide a virtual haven for the creative people who join us, in order that they are informed and no longer intimidated by the powers that seek to limit and restrict fair use.

Middle-earth Network has become an LLC, or legal entity now.  It’s not so much that we are not affiliated with Middle-earth Enterprises or the Tolkien Estates, but they are not affiliated with us.  A subtle difference since we believe, at our core, that we are a community of not fans, but people.  Fans by nature need to be entertained.  People on the other hand, are dynamic forces that can inspire.  We use the term Middle-earth in our name since Middle-earth was not the invention of any one person, but rather a part of language itself used to describe the world we live in.

Lothlorien

A publishing label has now begun.  Our first release is planned for February 2012, and is a collection of short stories and original illustrations by renowned artist Jef Murray.  In 2012 we become the official publishers of ‘Silver Leaves’, the Tolkien Journal, produced by The White Tree Fund, that we believe is a must for every person who is inspired by the great works of fantasy.  With writers like Tom Shippey, Douglas Gresham (the stepson of the  late C.S. Lewis), and many more.  Our aim is to put this on the shelf of every major bookstore in the world.  We are also talking with both Jef and one of the worlds most beloved Tolkien artists, Ted Nasmith to offer up a poster series based on the works of Tolkien.

On September 22nd you’ll also see the debut of a new record label from us.  It is a part of our goal to provide an outlet and resources for the musically creative and inspired composers, musician, singers, and bards of our community.

We’re also working with our partner Mythgard on a new ‘community education’ wing.  Our first class will be ‘Introduction to Game Development’, and will be taught by some of the leading game designers, developers, and CGI people in the industry.  We plan for the class to start in January 2012.  Other classes are also being formed in crafts and the arts that will relate to everyone’s interests who are fans of fantasy.  These classes will be affordable, informative, and constructive, since we are also working with Mythgard on the potential of following an educational and career path that will lead to an Associates Degree.

Silver Leaves

But now my friends.  The journey begins in earnest.  In September we’ll start by reaching out with an ad campaign to over 4,000,000 like minded people.  The results for the social network alone will be profound.  If only 2% of those reached join the rest of us….well you do the math.  And as I said before, we’re only getting ‘warmed up’.

At the core of our vision is an integral belief that we can inspire the world around us, by sharing the messages from this world we have in common.  With so many things in the world today that divide us, it’s time we all begin to look at the things that can unite us.  To borrow from the opening page of Silver Leaves, ‘Our inspiration has been the White Tree of the Kings of Gondor, the image of which represents renewal, healing, and enduring hope’.

The journey begins.