[Aldarion Elf-Friend]

If suggestions from a mostly-lurker may be entertained:

Originally Posted by Aiwendil

1A. We may want to allow a longer time (i.e. longer than one week) for each discussion before beginning the following chapter.

I think that a longer time is an excellent idea, but why tie down to a fixed period for each discussion. As the eariler chapter discussions show, some chapters elicit much discussion, give and take, and point and rebuttal. Others generate 2 or 3 posts and then nothing for five days (although it would surprise me if Silm has that affect).

How about this: each chapter is open-ended, with the moderator announcing two or three days in advance that, since discussion seems to be drawing to a close, the new chapter will be posted on...

Originally Posted by Aiwendil

1B. Another possibility is to further sub-divide the chapters (particularly the later ones).

If you can find logical starting and stopping places, then by all means.

Originally Posted by Aiwendil

2. I wish to encourage, in addition to direct discussion of the chapter as found in the published Silmarillion, discussion of the history of each tale (i.e. of related material in UT and HoMe). But I certainly don't want to frighten off readers unfamiliar with the additional material. I plan to include a list of references in UT and HoMe for each chapter, and also to give a short introductory note on the textual evolution of each chapter. Does this sound like a good idea or might it be too intimidating?

I think that this sort of material in the introduction and inserted by the more knowledgeable and well-read members would be most welcomed, even by the casual reader (will there be any casual readers of these threads?) So far, the source material that has been referenced has been included in a way that is straighforward, non-confusing, and adds to the experience. Kudos to those, especially in the LotR discussions for that!

I have only read UT, so don't know what Silm material is included in the other volumes of HoME, but I know that the stuff from UT was either totally fascinating (the complete Fall of Gondolin, or the creation of the sun and moon), or failed completely to hold my interest (the evolution of the story of Earendil, for instance). I know that everyone's experience is different, and therefore encourage the inclusion of source material and "historical" refrences as part of the discussion.

Thanks for listening.