I have really enjoyed writing Lingwë — sharing news as well as the occasional internet oddity, trying out theories and arguments, and engaging in thought-provoking conversations with literally tens of dedicated readers, hahae. Actually, perhaps I’ve graduated up to dozens or even a few score by now, if Google Analytics is to be trusted. I’ve also had visitors from well over a hundred different countries — including even Iraq! And the sometimes bizarre search terms that lead people to Lingwë would make for a post all of their own!
I feel I can look back with genuine pride on some of the entries of the past two dozen months. I will resist the temptation to iterate a list of “greatest hits” — and in any case, there have been more than few forgettable posts and greatest “misses” too. And speaking of the greatest missus, I would like to take a moment to mention my partner and inspiration, who has (unfairly to her) been mentioned waaay too rarely here: my wife, Jennifer. She has the patience of a saint — a cliché, but true — and has been nothing but supportive of my extra-curricular work. I wish all of you could meet her. She’s quite simply the best person I know. Thank you for your unwavering support and enthusiasm, darling! (I know, I sound like I’m accepting a Webby or something, hahae.)
So, while looking back, let me also look forward. If you’ve enjoyed what you’ve seen over the past two years, watch this space: I hope to keep bringing you more of the same for many years to come — if this whole “interweb thingy” catches on. ;) As always, I welcome comments, feedback, corrections, and criticisms. So far, I have managed to avoid the radar pings of the trolling bots that would force me to moderate comments (*knock on wood*). And I still receive few enough that I can (and do) respond to each one. Feel free to make requests too — and yes, that is a tip jar. ;)
Let me be the first to congratulate you on your second year running Lingwe. I have always enjoyed reading your posts as they are usually very thought-provoking so thank you for that! I wish you a gross (and more) of new and returning readers!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've quite followed your blog for two years, but I hope to do it for many more years!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I wish I had something more thoughtful and/or expansive to say, but I will nonetheless wish you continued satisfaction with Lingwë.
ReplyDeleteProper congratulations, love. :)
ReplyDeleteI don't remember how I stumbled upon your blog sometime last year, but I really enjoy your posts, as I am an avid student of Tolkien, Lewis, language, etc. I think it must have been while I was working on my senior thesis on Tolkien's philosophy of story back in the fall. Anyway, thank you so much for the time you put into this!
ReplyDeleteComplimenti anche dall'Italia; sei uno dei pochi che continuo a leggere assiduamente, spero anche di tornare presto a scrivere con una certa continuità. Complimenti ancora, mi piacerebbe tanto avere l'occasione per vederti da queste parti. Buon lavoro! G.
ReplyDeleteMany, many heartfelt thanks to all of you for the congratulatory messages! E per Giova, alcune grazie particolari in italiano. Sto sperando di ritornare all’Italia qualche volta presto. Mia moglie ed io, vorremmo trasferirci in Toscana ... un giorno o l’altro. :)
ReplyDeleteGood to hear that you plan to continue keeping us updated on all things Tolkien!
ReplyDeleteAnd do continue to write favourable reviews of my humble contributions to the field of study in question :). Impressive references to Frye´s notebooks and quite inconceivable cross-checkings in obscure e-magazines denote an uncommon seriousness; it was a pleasure reading it. By the way, will you contribute with something in Klinger´s Constructions of authorship-volume, whenever she plans to have it published?
All the best,
Martin
Hello Martin! It’s nice to make your acquaintance (if only online). And it seems you’ve read my recent reviews of your work — thank you for the feedback. The phrase “quite inconceivable cross-checkings in obscure e-magazines” made me chuckle; I confess that certainly does sound like me.
ReplyDeleteAs to Judith’s volume, I had originally planned to contribute — I had submitted a proposal, which she had accepted, and which led to a very productive email discussion — but in the end, I realized I was a bit overcommitted already, and so I pulled out of the project. However, that was long, long ago. I haven’t been in touch with Judith recently to know how the collection is developing; I suppose there is a small chance I could get back on board. But depending on how far along the collection is, perhaps not. I may have to make an inquiry. Are you contributing to it?
Jason
ReplyDeleteCongrats on two years - you are my blog role model and I found your blogs (especailly on Tolkien and language) some of the most interesting and well written on the web - keep it up and look forward to reading more of your work in print. Posdravlio vash! Andy
Thanks so much, Andy, and — Большое спасибо!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on such a faithful work! Since two years is too short a time to live among such excellent and admirable hobbits, I -i.e., we- wish you the health, humility, and perseverance to go on with this brilliant job. I'll hopefully keep on visiting this Rivendell-kind site where everyone seems to find that peace of mind and wisdom to learn, and grow high and deep like an Ent -or an Ent-wife.
ReplyDeleteEduardo
Muchas gracias, Eduardo! I will try to continue to make this a welcoming place to discuss and learn. And believe me, I learn as much as anybody, both from researching and writing my posts, and from the insightful comments offered by readers such as yourself. You are all always welcome. :)
ReplyDeletePbbbbbbtttt!!!!!11
ReplyDeleteI mean congrats and thanks for all the good work.
;-)
Bbbut of course, Doug. My pppleasure. :~P
ReplyDeleteNice "meeting" you too, Jason. As for Judith's book, I wrote a piece for it more than three years ago and if the volume is still up for publication, it's supposed to be in it. Judith mentioned that you were connected to it in some way or another, and I would have liked to see some transatlantic "cross-fertilizing" scholarship in the book, hence my question.
ReplyDeleteAll the best.
I am really susprised the book has taken (is taking) so long, though perhaps I shouldn’t be. Had I known then that it would, I might not have withdrawn my proposal. But such is the way projects unfold. (I too had a paper accepted for a collection almost three years ago now, and still no word on a publisher.) Perhaps I will drop Judith a line to see what she can tell me.
ReplyDeleteTransatlantic cooperation and scholarly fellowship are good goals. And speaking of that, I have been published in two previous Walking Tree collections, as well as another collection published in the U.K.
Congratulations, Jason!
ReplyDeleteI think I came across this blog about a year ago, must be through a link on some Tolkienian forum or site. I've been following regularly for a few months now and have been enjoying it. Keep up the good work!
Thanks, Harm; I definitely will. :)
ReplyDelete