Welcome to the Third Age!!
Our beloved Professor Tolkien split the History of Middle-earth into three Ages. The First Age being a time of creation, testing, and growth. The Second Age was a time of continued growth, and a few hurdles. The Third Age arrives with the defeat of Sauron, and the Return of the King.
Lotro has followed a somewhat similar path. A First Age of creation, testing and growth ending with Moria. A Second Age of continued expansion, Server merges with the possibility of losing Crickhollow itself, and eventually ending with a 15th Anniversary celebration and a Midsummer Wedding. The Third Age is SSG just beginning to explore Middle-earth, with additions so far of Swanfleet, Cardolan, Yondershire, and Umbar.
Shirefest is the same. Rosalie created Shirefest, and for five years, tested it, tweaked it, and turned it into something Awesome.
For the last five years, I've continued to keep Shirefest a Top-Tier event, seeing it grow, jumping a few hurdles here and there, and having fun along the way, ending with a Wonderful Shirefest 10th Anniversary!
But now Shirefest is entering it's own Third Age!
It's story doesn't end here, it continues onward!
Shirefest 11 is coming, and it's going to be Fantastic!
When RT Raid Sunday started, it was a one-person show. Foxfern (yay!) did all the scouting, all the leading.
That's how burnout happens.
Gradually RT Sunday transitioned, with zone leading being carried by more hands, and more raid leads training up and helping carry the burden of a complicated but rewarding job. And so RT Sunday has been able to last eight years and counting.
We are going to learn from this model. Shirefest is no longer going to be the burden of one strong, brilliant person. From the outset I am not going to try to fill Luven's big steel-plated boots - I opened the discussion and thereby the first chair of the Shirefest Committee falls to me, but this will be a group effort in which every voice will be heard and every helping hand welcomed.
Duidhrastir: Your perennial game of Band Tetris putting the schedule together has been priceless to us. I hope you will let me look over your shoulder this time, and ask questions, and learn your Art just in case you ever decide to put it down one year.
Gelglir: Your cross-server relations are stronger than mine, and you are less of an introvert. Your ambassadorship is invaluable, and I hope you will agree to fill that role going forward. I will join you as much as I can, but I will learn from you, and hopefully grow for that learning.
Khazandra and Throwan: Your ideas and execution have made the kickoff of our publicity effort far better than what I would have come up with alone, and thanks to your vision we have a roadmap for the next several months of follow-on. If we can continue to count on you and your artistry, this year will be a triumph.
Nennith: You were thrust into a role you didn't ask for this Winterfest, and you handled it like a champ. I know you have already taken on the job of inventory and storage for Shirefest Treats Team, and I thank you from the bottom of my stomach for filling the role going forward. I hope adding fireworks to the mix won't be the last straw!
Starr: I have never seen you refuse an opportunity to volunteer. And for all you claim to rely on my memory, I rely on yours just as much. I beseech of Elbereth that she let me continue to count on your calm strength.
And Luventhariel: Dear Boss Emerita, I have no doubt we are going to pepper you with questions, and draw on your insight and warmth to guide our emcees when the time comes. I trust we will keep this year interesting as well as relaxing for you.
Thank you all - and everyone else who is interested in getting involved with Shirefest XI! I have named only the people who have chosen to step up so far! Every voice will be heard and every hand welcomed to make this year a landmark in Second Breakfast history.
Onward!
(ETA: If anyone knows how to lock the proportions of inline images, I would love for you to share that arcane knowledge.)
Last edited by Rheniogil on Fri Dec 15, 2023 2:26 pm; edited 1 time in total
Rheniogil the Lutenist, The Rakes of Kilkarill
(ETA: If anyone knows how to lock the proportions of inline images, I would love for you to share that arcane knowledge.)
When you click on "Insert/edit Image", and then paste in the source link, click on first (left) "Dimensions" box and it will automatically input the size of the original picture. Change that size (for in forum posting I use 800, for the front page of Crickhollow Music I use 600), then click on the second (right) box, and it should automatically resize the vertical, then click "Okay". :)
I have zero doubt that Shirefest 11 will be spectacular!
Ha! 1180 perfectly fills the column! Thank you!
Rheniogil the Lutenist, The Rakes of Kilkarill