Even though we got a bit of a scoop late last night/early morning on when Lord of the Rings Online would come out (April 24), what I didn't want to get into was what the pre-order program would be like for the game -- which if you're a fan, you and your wallet will be very happy. Check it out:

Turbine, Inc. and Midway Games Inc. (NYSE: MWY) today announced the details of the revolutionary pre-order Founder’s Program for The Lord of the Rings Online™: Shadows of Angmar.
 
This exciting Founder’s Program rewards all players who pre-order The Lord of the Rings Online with special $9.99 monthly subscription pricing, early access to the game (beta version), character roll-over and unique in-game bonus items. Players can become a Founder by pre-ordering the title at www.lotro.com/preorder or at retail stores nationwide beginning February 1, 2007.  This limited-time offer is exclusively available to pre-order customers.

The Lord of the Rings Online Founder’s Program* offers players two different membership options: Only $9.99 per month subscription price!  OR Just $199 for a Lifetime Membership! 

There's even more after the jump, including info on rolling over your open beta character to the real game. 

In addition to these special pricing options, The Lord of the Rings Online Founders receive:

Open Beta: Guaranteed access provides Founders the first opportunity to create a character and enter Middle-earth currently planned for March 30, 2007

Character Roll-Over:  Moves the character that you created during the Open Beta into the live service —along with the stats, levels, items, and experience that character earned prior to launch!

Bonus Items:  Two special in-game items that are only available to those who pre-order: Enchanted Cloak of Regeneration, Ring of Agility

This exciting Founder’s Program is available for a limited time until the commercial launch of The Lord of the Rings Online (currently scheduled for April 24, 2007).