Yahoo Forum Archive
This is an archive of the MEFA Yahoo Group, which was shut down by Yahoo in 2019. The archive can be sorted by month and by topic ID. You can use your browser to search by keyword within the month or topic you have open.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | - | - | - | 182 | 1042 | 655 | 89 | 25 | 263 | 362 | 316 | 285 |
| 2005 | 189 | 56 | 107 | 538 | 347 | 446 | 97 | 276 | 194 | 358 | 565 | 136 |
| 2006 | 231 | 66 | 27 | 76 | 117 | 139 | 127 | 56 | 67 | 66 | 159 | 79 |
| 2007 | 20 | 25 | 7 | - | 29 | 72 | 99 | 143 | 3 | 185 | 83 | 103 |
| 2008 | 56 | 13 | 3 | 54 | 240 | 141 | 274 | 77 | 51 | 60 | 90 | 106 |
| 2009 | 28 | 3 | - | 39 | 194 | 101 | 72 | 27 | 22 | 15 | 36 | 24 |
| 2010 | 67 | - | 1 | 4 | 103 | 138 | 129 | 32 | 13 | 16 | 3 | 30 |
| 2011 | 1 | - | 17 | 2 | 6 | 25 | 90 | 61 | 32 | 7 | 5 | 8 |
| 2012 | 30 | - | - | - | 8 | 122 | 76 | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2013 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2014 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | 2 |
| 2015 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2016 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2017 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2018 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2019 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | - |
Title: Crossing towards Sunrise · Author: Imhiriel · Times: Fourth Age
and Beyond · ID: 14
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2007-12-04 11:52:02
When you think about it, Elrond must have truly been exhausted by his
labors in Middle-earth. And going West would have been a bitter-sweet
journey indeed, as he was leaving all his children behind with no
assurance that Celebrian would not blame him for it. Imhiriel depicts
this dilemma very poignantly, describing the very last part of the
journey through Gandalf. The arrival in the Undying Lands is very well
done, and though Bilbo is not one of my favorite characters, he makes
an appearance here to good effect.
Title: The Perfect Girl · Author: nikara · Genres: Non-Fiction · ID: 232
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2007-12-04 18:20:16
Nikara's essay "The Perfect Girl" presents a well researched and developed
survey of the Mary Sue character in Tolkien fan fiction. In Nikara's
opinion, the Mary Sue genre is a viable one, undeserving of the bile
the genre receives from the Tolkien fan fiction community. Nikara
blames the Mary Sue genre's bad press on the lack of writing
experience of the young women who typically author in the genre.
I found most interesting Nikara's test case, wherein she writes a
prologue starring a character who embodies all the stereotypical
characteristics that typify Mary Sues. Nikara presents the reviews and
hit statistics on the prologue to illustrate her points.
I recommend "The Perfect Girl", especially for those who are
interested in the development and nuturing of fan fiction as a viable
literary form for Internet publication.
Title: Are You Going to Leave Me? · Author: Llinos · Genres: Drama:
With Merry · ID: 142
Reviewer: Aranel Took · 2007-12-04 19:52:32
[*Contains Spoilers*]
This is a great gapfiller! Merry's confusion at the beginning is so
heartbreaking, as is Pippin's worry and Éowyn's despair that Merry
could be lost. And of course it would be talk of food to bring Merry
out of his darkness! I love Merry's argument for why he should be
allowed to go to the Black Gate -- he is so brave and loyal -- and I
love that Éomer gave in and made him a knight of Rohan, thus enabling
him to go to the last battle.
Title: South · Author: Aliana · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond: Gondor
or Rohan · ID: 8
Reviewer: Aranel Took · 2007-12-04 20:22:10
A very touching look at the friendship between Merry and Éowyn. I like
how his dream of horses led him to visit her, and that they can sit
together in silence (a mark of true friendship). I love the connection
he has with the remaining members of the Fellowship and others (such
as Éomer), that he needs them because they understand everything he's
been through. I love this paragraph best of all: ['He once thought
that leaving the Shire, seeing all the wilds and wonders and terrors
of Middle-earth would make his world larger, and it has. But in some
ways his world is also smaller, now, shrunk down to the roomful of
people with whom he can sit in silence and not feel the need to
explain.'] Wonderful story!
Title: Some Dark Place · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Adventure:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 226
Reviewer: Marta · 2007-12-04 20:26:10
Very evocative writing! I could completely see this happening. And the
taste of foresight at the very end added a nice bit of depth to this
piece.
Title: A Pirate's Life for Me! · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races:
Men: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 438
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-12-05 03:52:00
[spoilers]
These delightful ficlets take a light hearted look at pirates.We know
that with the corsairs of Umbar, Gondor lived with the threat of
pirates for a very long time until there two final (we hope ) defeats
at Aragorn's hand.
I loved seing young Faramir playing at being Captain Thorongil with
his Uncle Imrahil and Imrahil's musings over the identity of the
mysterious Captain. Nice to think that Faramir admired his King long
before they ever met ! young Faramir shows his budding wisdom and
scolary leanings in wishing to learn the pirate's language lest he
encounter them.Is it fanciful to suggest that even at such a young age
he has the foresight to know the pirates will trouble Gondor again?
The Gilbert and Sullivan references are insppired as who can think of
pirates without them?
It is sad that Uncle Imrahil is playing at pirates with Faramir rather
than Denethor.
The second ficlet shows that the next generation has cast of the
shadow of the old,as Faramir now Steward is happily playing at pirates
with both his son and his daughter and showing himself a loving father
who can have fun and at the same time ensure that Elboron is nice to
his sister.
I cannot say I'm a great fan of pirates in general and the current
craze has passed me by, but these ficlets are a most enjoyable read
and capture the essence of childhood.
Title: Pick Your Battles · Author: Aliana · Genres: Alternate Universe
· ID: 550
Reviewer: Marta · 2007-12-05 03:53:33
I'm really enjoying this series of post-modern vignettes! The touch of
the functionally illiterate orderly was truly inspired, especially the
way she defended it. But there's the dark undercurrent that
characterizes all of these, and the sort of plodding-along spirit that
seems characteristic of Gondor, even if it takes a very different form
than what I might expect in a more traditional work. Good job, Aliana!
Title: A Kingly Discussion · Author: GamgeeFest · Races: Hobbits:
Post-Grey Havens · ID: 780
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-12-05 07:50:47
Of course, that Elis-bloke is only the King. A letter from him is not
quite like getting one from the Thain - but certainly worth taking
down the pub ... just so that everyone there can see just how much
this person thinks of his son.
I can just see the Gaffer preening himself - and trying to look
modest, while attempting not to burst with pride.
Title: For all the Gold in Harad · Author: Elendiari22 · Genres:
Drama: Incomplete · ID: 584
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-12-05 07:55:40
What? Education can be interesting? Elessar and Arwen should
definitely encourage the acquaintance! Their son will benefit
enormously - lessons in manners, other cultures, the value of books.
Good for Lady Seraphine!
The relationship between Eldarion and the princess from Harad is an
intriguing one - although she is in exile, there is an equality
between them that he would never get with another tutor. And it is
fascinating discovering more about her life, too.
Title: First Flight · Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · Times: Mid Third
Age: 2851 - 3017 TA: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 513
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-12-05 07:59:22
I love this - the excitement of the eaglets as they welcome Radagast
as if he was their favourite uncle is delightful. And I can't imagine
an occasion more worth celebrating - if you are an eagle - than your
offsprings' first flight. Gwaihir is a credit to his parents, too. The
thinking eagle's chick.
Title: Journey's End · Author: Altariel · Genres: Drama: Ithilien ·
ID: 442
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-12-05 08:10:21
Delightful. The character of Eilen is well realised - she's a
sharp-eyed and practical woman, caring and intelligent - and with a
good understanding of what is really important. I like her family
background - and I love the way she sees that the visitors condemned
to the barn are actually quite pleased by the decision. The Rangers,
of course - well, they would be pleased. They've been let off leashes
that must choke them both at times, even if they are given to acts of
nobility and self-sacrifice. I hope they do get the chance to return
to the inn.
Title: Yours to command · Author: Lialathuveril · Genres: Romance:
With Rohirrim · ID: 129
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-12-05 08:20:37
The Princess of Dol Amroth must be high on the list of maidens
suitable to become the bride of a king - all things being equal. Yet
even Faramir accepts that she is totally out of the question! I pity
Eomer as he visits the White City - the victim of a particularly
unforgiving hunt.
Fortunately, Lothiriel manages to save him from the wiles of Lady
Wilwarin and her ilk. Just about! I love how protective Eomer became
of the princess - and, if she doesn't meet his list of bridal
perfection, he sensible no longer cares, just as long as she loves
him. Quite right!
Now the evil prince - deserved all he got! While Arwen's response to
the Butterfly was ... masterly.And Eomer and Lothiriel deserved their
happy ending. A very enjoyable story.
and Beyond · ID: 14
Reviewer: Isabeau of Greenlea · 2007-12-04 11:52:02
When you think about it, Elrond must have truly been exhausted by his
labors in Middle-earth. And going West would have been a bitter-sweet
journey indeed, as he was leaving all his children behind with no
assurance that Celebrian would not blame him for it. Imhiriel depicts
this dilemma very poignantly, describing the very last part of the
journey through Gandalf. The arrival in the Undying Lands is very well
done, and though Bilbo is not one of my favorite characters, he makes
an appearance here to good effect.
Title: The Perfect Girl · Author: nikara · Genres: Non-Fiction · ID: 232
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2007-12-04 18:20:16
Nikara's essay "The Perfect Girl" presents a well researched and developed
survey of the Mary Sue character in Tolkien fan fiction. In Nikara's
opinion, the Mary Sue genre is a viable one, undeserving of the bile
the genre receives from the Tolkien fan fiction community. Nikara
blames the Mary Sue genre's bad press on the lack of writing
experience of the young women who typically author in the genre.
I found most interesting Nikara's test case, wherein she writes a
prologue starring a character who embodies all the stereotypical
characteristics that typify Mary Sues. Nikara presents the reviews and
hit statistics on the prologue to illustrate her points.
I recommend "The Perfect Girl", especially for those who are
interested in the development and nuturing of fan fiction as a viable
literary form for Internet publication.
Title: Are You Going to Leave Me? · Author: Llinos · Genres: Drama:
With Merry · ID: 142
Reviewer: Aranel Took · 2007-12-04 19:52:32
[*Contains Spoilers*]
This is a great gapfiller! Merry's confusion at the beginning is so
heartbreaking, as is Pippin's worry and Éowyn's despair that Merry
could be lost. And of course it would be talk of food to bring Merry
out of his darkness! I love Merry's argument for why he should be
allowed to go to the Black Gate -- he is so brave and loyal -- and I
love that Éomer gave in and made him a knight of Rohan, thus enabling
him to go to the last battle.
Title: South · Author: Aliana · Times: Fourth Age and Beyond: Gondor
or Rohan · ID: 8
Reviewer: Aranel Took · 2007-12-04 20:22:10
A very touching look at the friendship between Merry and Éowyn. I like
how his dream of horses led him to visit her, and that they can sit
together in silence (a mark of true friendship). I love the connection
he has with the remaining members of the Fellowship and others (such
as Éomer), that he needs them because they understand everything he's
been through. I love this paragraph best of all: ['He once thought
that leaving the Shire, seeing all the wilds and wonders and terrors
of Middle-earth would make his world larger, and it has. But in some
ways his world is also smaller, now, shrunk down to the roomful of
people with whom he can sit in silence and not feel the need to
explain.'] Wonderful story!
Title: Some Dark Place · Author: Raksha the Demon · Genres: Adventure:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 226
Reviewer: Marta · 2007-12-04 20:26:10
Very evocative writing! I could completely see this happening. And the
taste of foresight at the very end added a nice bit of depth to this
piece.
Title: A Pirate's Life for Me! · Author: Raksha the Demon · Races:
Men: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 438
Reviewer: Linda hoyland · 2007-12-05 03:52:00
[spoilers]
These delightful ficlets take a light hearted look at pirates.We know
that with the corsairs of Umbar, Gondor lived with the threat of
pirates for a very long time until there two final (we hope ) defeats
at Aragorn's hand.
I loved seing young Faramir playing at being Captain Thorongil with
his Uncle Imrahil and Imrahil's musings over the identity of the
mysterious Captain. Nice to think that Faramir admired his King long
before they ever met ! young Faramir shows his budding wisdom and
scolary leanings in wishing to learn the pirate's language lest he
encounter them.Is it fanciful to suggest that even at such a young age
he has the foresight to know the pirates will trouble Gondor again?
The Gilbert and Sullivan references are insppired as who can think of
pirates without them?
It is sad that Uncle Imrahil is playing at pirates with Faramir rather
than Denethor.
The second ficlet shows that the next generation has cast of the
shadow of the old,as Faramir now Steward is happily playing at pirates
with both his son and his daughter and showing himself a loving father
who can have fun and at the same time ensure that Elboron is nice to
his sister.
I cannot say I'm a great fan of pirates in general and the current
craze has passed me by, but these ficlets are a most enjoyable read
and capture the essence of childhood.
Title: Pick Your Battles · Author: Aliana · Genres: Alternate Universe
· ID: 550
Reviewer: Marta · 2007-12-05 03:53:33
I'm really enjoying this series of post-modern vignettes! The touch of
the functionally illiterate orderly was truly inspired, especially the
way she defended it. But there's the dark undercurrent that
characterizes all of these, and the sort of plodding-along spirit that
seems characteristic of Gondor, even if it takes a very different form
than what I might expect in a more traditional work. Good job, Aliana!
Title: A Kingly Discussion · Author: GamgeeFest · Races: Hobbits:
Post-Grey Havens · ID: 780
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-12-05 07:50:47
Of course, that Elis-bloke is only the King. A letter from him is not
quite like getting one from the Thain - but certainly worth taking
down the pub ... just so that everyone there can see just how much
this person thinks of his son.
I can just see the Gaffer preening himself - and trying to look
modest, while attempting not to burst with pride.
Title: For all the Gold in Harad · Author: Elendiari22 · Genres:
Drama: Incomplete · ID: 584
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-12-05 07:55:40
What? Education can be interesting? Elessar and Arwen should
definitely encourage the acquaintance! Their son will benefit
enormously - lessons in manners, other cultures, the value of books.
Good for Lady Seraphine!
The relationship between Eldarion and the princess from Harad is an
intriguing one - although she is in exile, there is an equality
between them that he would never get with another tutor. And it is
fascinating discovering more about her life, too.
Title: First Flight · Author: Isabeau of Greenlea · Times: Mid Third
Age: 2851 - 3017 TA: Other Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 513
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-12-05 07:59:22
I love this - the excitement of the eaglets as they welcome Radagast
as if he was their favourite uncle is delightful. And I can't imagine
an occasion more worth celebrating - if you are an eagle - than your
offsprings' first flight. Gwaihir is a credit to his parents, too. The
thinking eagle's chick.
Title: Journey's End · Author: Altariel · Genres: Drama: Ithilien ·
ID: 442
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-12-05 08:10:21
Delightful. The character of Eilen is well realised - she's a
sharp-eyed and practical woman, caring and intelligent - and with a
good understanding of what is really important. I like her family
background - and I love the way she sees that the visitors condemned
to the barn are actually quite pleased by the decision. The Rangers,
of course - well, they would be pleased. They've been let off leashes
that must choke them both at times, even if they are given to acts of
nobility and self-sacrifice. I hope they do get the chance to return
to the inn.
Title: Yours to command · Author: Lialathuveril · Genres: Romance:
With Rohirrim · ID: 129
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2007-12-05 08:20:37
The Princess of Dol Amroth must be high on the list of maidens
suitable to become the bride of a king - all things being equal. Yet
even Faramir accepts that she is totally out of the question! I pity
Eomer as he visits the White City - the victim of a particularly
unforgiving hunt.
Fortunately, Lothiriel manages to save him from the wiles of Lady
Wilwarin and her ilk. Just about! I love how protective Eomer became
of the princess - and, if she doesn't meet his list of bridal
perfection, he sensible no longer cares, just as long as she loves
him. Quite right!
Now the evil prince - deserved all he got! While Arwen's response to
the Butterfly was ... masterly.And Eomer and Lothiriel deserved their
happy ending. A very enjoyable story.
If you have any questions about the archive, or would like to report a technical problem, please contact Aranel (former MEFA Tech Support and current Keeper of the Archive) at araneltook@mefawards.org or at the MEFA Archive group..