TheOneRing.net has a long tradition of using digital means to bring like-minded friends together in real life. Internet friendships are even better when shared over a table of drink and food or a game, discussion or popcorn and soda. The Line Party tradition goes back to the early days of the site and the efforts have cemented life-long friendships. By the time The Return of the King rolled around, over 10,000 people signed up and enjoyed Line Party activities around the globe with many more enjoying the celebrations in person without ever signing up. The largest Line Party had over 1,200 participants but it was not the only one to reach beyond 1,000.

I personally have made many friends from Line Party efforts both at my local line and from people around the globe. A big, widespread effort from fellow fans also demonstrates that we aren’t just an online community but a real-world community that joins with others in celebrating the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. Since Fellowship of the Ring hit theaters, users and staff at TORn have celebrated each Middle-earth film by lining up in our local neighborhoods. We even printed a t-shirt declaring: “One does not simply walk into theaters, there are geeks there that do not sleep,” long before it was an internet meme. So join a line and if there isn’t one to join, start one! Here at TheOneRing, we have done this before and, we might be good at it. We will help and support as we are able.  What follows is a guide of the purpose and way to have a line party. We wish you the best success and look forward to celebrating a new journey into Middle-earth. (Line Party page.) Continue reading “Line Party 101: How to host or sign up for a Hobbit premiere viewing near you”

Here at TheOneRing.net we have a long history of ‘swamping’ polls – showcasing the full power of Ringers worldwide. Well, today we have a special poll from the folks at People’s Choice. They have come up with a list of 10 Nominees for a ‘Favorite Movie Fan Following’ category, and we ‘Ringers’ are among the choices. Sure those other fan bases are great and all, but we hope you hold a special place in your hearts for the Ringer community. (BTW – Anyone know the first use of Ringers to refer to the Tolkien fan community? We’d love to hear what you think in the comments)  Jump over to their nominations page and cast your vote today! [Vote Ringers!]

Gollum is reaching for some nice NZ rainbow trout
Gollum is reaching for some nice NZ rainbow trout

A tired but jubilant Weta crew unveiled their new Gollum statue at a press function at Wellington Airport this morning. Working almost around the clock for three days, Gollum was hoisted up overnight to hover over diners at the airport’s main lounge. The 13m sculpture was designed and produced by Richard Taylor and Weta Workshop supervisors

Rob Gillies and Sarah Morris. Richard made a short speech to thank the team that made the incredibly realistic sculpture – a testament not only to their talent and hard work, but also to the technology and skills Weta has developed. He also thanked the “excellent” team at Wellington Airport, who have been a pleasure to work with in creating something that would bring delight to Wellington’s visitors. Airport CEO Steve Sanderson said the airport was proud to work with Weta and have such a magnificent sculpture on display. “Everyone will be amazed when they enter the terminal.”

Continue reading “Gollum swoops into Wellington Airport”

We teased it last week, and now its time for action! The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey tickets go on sale Nov 7th, 2012 and that means millions of fans from around the globe will be securing tickets to the movie event of the year. It also means you – yes, you! – have an amazing opportunity to lead the charge in your local community by becoming an official TheOneRing.net Line Party Leader! As a Line Party Leader you will work with your local theater to arrange for special festivities surrounding the first screening of The Hobbit. We at TheOneRing.net will do our best to help you manage your party with our online tools, exclusive promotions, exclusive swag, and of course tips and tricks from our team of Line Party veterans.

How do you get started? First you will need to make sure you are signed up for a TheOnRing.net Fellowship account (upper right corner of the page). When you’ve completed your registration process, visit our Line Party landing page and click the ‘start a line party’ button. The most important information at this point is getting the correct address for the theater. Everything else can be adjusted at a later time. Further details from our staff will be happening in the coming weeks! [Line Party Landing Page]

SPOILER WARNING! Our French partner site Tolkiendrim.com has scored some amazing high resolution imagery of Bolg – the imposing and horrific monstrosity from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey! The high resolution imagery show great details including dried blood (as Tolkiendrim.com suggests, possibly signs of cannibalism??) and some artifacts from his dwarven foes. View this full article to see the three images. [Tolkiendrim.com]

Continue reading “Tolkiendrim.com Hi-Res Photo of Bolg! – SPOILERS”