Tag Archives: Middle Earth

0.6 The Long Tail and Feeding the Fire

Posted on by under Life, Networked Media

 

Not everyone wants a lifesize Gandalf statue, but it’s accessible to those who want it. Photo: Ewan Roberts

Of all the points raised in the Unsymposium 0.6, I feel the discussion surrounding the 80/20 rule, the long tail and niche markets to be the most relevant, and definitely something I can relate to. One of the great bonuses of having all of the small links in the network is the incredible wealth and depth of information that is available, something that Adrian has pointed out multiple times throughout the course, as well as reiterating in the Unsymposium.

An example of this is very prevalent in the film world. I read articles all the time from major newspapers, Time magazine, etc, that are catering for the general public in the best way they can. They’re a mass produced publication that has to appeal to as wide an audience as possible. For someone interested in upcoming films and productions, this can give you a brief sort of overview from someone outside the industry. As Adrian said, it’s enough to keep the people happy. But sometimes you get people who are incredibly interested in a single subject. For example, I am a Middle-Earth lover (in case you haven’t read any of my other posts that Middle Earth continually infiltrates). I can read major headlines in the paper and magazines talking about the upcoming Hobbit films (eg, major news such as the press release announcing the Hobbit as a trilogy over two films), but I can also access a plethora of blogs and websites, run by people like me and read by people like me, who absolutely love all things Middle Earth. Not even all of Middle-Earth, there are some websites dedicated purely to maintaining a public and accessible update on the next film of the Hobbit trilogy (Desolation of Smaug).

With access to such blogs I can read inside information, from people who have friends, family and relatives working on the project. I can read any sort of official news or updates (even some of this doesn’t make it into the mass produced news). I can read exclusive interviews with the cast and crew of the production. I can view photos (both behind the scenes and promotional), I can receive updates on when NZ Post is releasing the next series of New Zealand stamps commemorating the films release. I think you get the picture.

TOR.net (the one ring .net) is a perfect example of this. A site dedicated to Middle Earth. Thanks to the internet, I have access to this. Something myself and others are interested in, that normally we would have to have incredible connections to view. The kind of information the site contains used to be accessible to the people in the movie industry or involved in the production. Not anymore. Thanks to the long tail. So let’s support the little guys and the independent websites and blogs out there . The independent publications, the ones that matter for people like me, with unique tastes and interests.

Honouring the Honourable

Posted on by under Entertainment

Peter Jackson’s membership in the Order of New Zealand is Gandalf Approved. Photo: Ian McKellen

Yesterday Sir Peter Jackson became an Additional Member of the Order of New Zealand, the highest honour available to someone in New Zealand (That’s contentious I guess, but technically speaking). There are only twenty living people at a time who are members of the Order of New Zealand, with only a handful of “Additional members” who receive the same rights and regard as the official members. He’s also the youngest member of the order, at the age of 51, by a good ten years. For a film director and producer to be anointed such a prestigious position is an exceptional honour, but also shows the effects that one person can have on a nation and an entire industry.

The New Zealand Institute of Economic Research conducted a study into the effects the Lord of the Rings films had on New Zealand’s economy and film industry. The rise in jobs, studios and financing as a result of the films are astounding. There is realistic and appropriate evidence to suggest that the films single handedly boosted the New Zealand film industry from zero to hero in the space of several years. The study is well worth a read for anyone interested in the economical aspects of the film industry or the film industry of New Zealand.

All this is a result of the attitude of one man, which I have discussed previously,  and the aspirations and enthusiasm of his youthful interest in film. Peter Jackson’s love of his home country meant to him that the films couldn’t be filmed anywhere else in the world. A decision the New Zealand government have loved. Not only have the films caused a huge boost in the industry, but they also caused a jump in tourism.

New Zealand is now affectionately regarded as Middle Earth to fans of the movies and Tolkien’s universe. There’s nothing that could make your country more enticing than a label like that. In reality, the New Zealand Tourism department didn’t need to say a thing, once people found out it was filmed in New Zealand, the message spread itself. It is worthwhile to honour those who deserve it, and I think that Peter Jackson has firmly cemented his deservingness of this title through the huge impact that he’s had on the nation of New Zealand. So on this day, I tip my hat.

 

 

Mapping the World

Posted on by under Life

A hole in the ground, what a swell place to dwell. Photo: Rachel Lovinger

A great pick up by Adrian here. While it is clear that there is some bias in these representations (Let’s have a look at who’s conducting the surveys and the fact that some countries aren’t even surveyed at all), it is also easy to glimpse a pretty simple graphical breakdown of a number of key aspects of society, global relations and the economies of the world.

Although it is only a debatable study as I previously mentioned, it does yield at least a few main ideas that I took away. I guess they come from the more contestable maps, but still, its nice to think that they’re accurate, because the results are promising.

For me, aside from economies – which point in a similar direction– it reassures me of my beliefs that Canada, Australia and New Zealand are the three preferable places to live in the world. Canada it seems, outshines even Australia in liveability and happiness. As we consider our futures, possible moves (both international and nationally), these are probably three of the most important things to consider. Nothing will make you more productive than feeling happy, loved and having a positive mindset. It does highlight that we are among the luckiest in the world. While we complain and protest a lot about our current statuses in certain areas (health, education, all the regulars), it’s important to note the reason we care so much about these things is because we have had a ridiculously high standard on a global level for our lifetimes. We only want more because we’re used to having more.

In this sense it’s important to remember empathy and to consider that despite us having more and wanting more, there are people who have consistently had less. I’m not saying we should devote all our finances, interests and energies into helping other nations. That’s not a feasible solution. What I am saying though, is that we should take great pride in where we are, how we got here, and continue to note the positive effect that it has already had on our lives, whether we realise it consciously or not.

I’ve always had an interest in New Zealand and Canada (I’ve been to New Zealand once and plan to go there again soon, Canada – never). They seem prosperous and full of opportunity and beauty. They are rich in culture and experience, and I guess that relates once again back to me being an experience based person. Even the horribly biased and sensationalised travel advertisements for these countries seem incredible realistic and tangible. I guess that’s because the countries are actually so rich in these aspects. Peter Jackson and Lord of the Rings come up again on contributing to New Zealand’s culture and prosperity.

With that I guess, I look forward to future exploring in the world and the exciting experiences and opportunities such places possess.

Disclaimer | Background image: Emma Gawen
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