About Magic Mountain
Magic Mountain B.V. was established by Dick H. Ahles in 2004. During its active commercial years, the company worked on publishing projects, management consulting, internet marketing, website development, digital communication and related services. The common thread was the organisation, production and distribution of information.
A new direction in 2026
In 2026, Magic Mountain decided to discontinue commercial consulting, web hosting, online marketing and related services to external clients. The company remains in existence and now focuses on providing the organisational and administrative foundation for independent intellectual and scientific work. It is no longer accepting new commercial assignments.
From encyclopaedias to the internet
After studying political science at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Dick Ahles began his publishing career in 1976 at Het Spectrum, where he initially managed illustration rights for the Grote Spectrum Encyclopedie. His work later extended to encyclopaedic databases, electronic information systems and the development of digital reference products.
In the 1980s he worked in database development and new media, including CD-ROM and teletext projects. At Brokerits, he was involved in projects such as the teletext service for RTL 4. This marked the beginning of a professional trajectory through several fundamental changes in the way information is created and distributed.
Publishing management and transformation
During the 1990s and early 2000s, Ahles held senior executive positions in the Dutch publishing and media industry. At Wegener, he worked on the integration of cable news operations. As managing director in regional newspaper publishing, he was responsible for the merger of De Stem and Brabants Nieuwsblad into BN/DeStem.
Later, as managing director of Gouden Gids Nederland, his focus shifted to the transition from printed directories to multimedia publishing and internet-based services. Across these roles, recurring themes were organisational change, product innovation, digital transformation and the relationship between technology and institutions.
Selected milestones
Publishing initiatives
Magic Mountain has been associated with several online publishing and advisory initiatives. These include the Dutch websites TrotseMoeders.nl and TrotseVaders.nl, developed and published in cooperation with Karina Ahles-Frijters. Earlier activities also included search engine optimisation and online reputation advice.
Open-Civitas: the current research initiative
Open-Civitas is a research and publishing initiative operating under Magic Mountain B.V. It addresses questions in political philosophy and social organisation, including institutions, power, knowledge and the effects of technological change.
The connection is not accidental. From encyclopaedias and newspapers to databases and online information systems, Magic Mountain’s history has revolved around how information is organised, made accessible and interpreted. Open-Civitas continues that intellectual interest from a research perspective.
About Dick H. Ahles
Dick H. Ahles (born in Amsterdam in 1951) studied political science at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. His career encompasses traditional and electronic publishing, organisational restructuring, newspaper management, internet publishing and information services.
In later years his interests have increasingly centred on political philosophy, social institutions and the relationship between technology and society. Open-Civitas offers a public setting for this independent research and publishing work.
Organisation & contact
Magic Mountain B.V. is a Dutch private limited company. The company no longer offers commercial services to external clients.
Business: d.ahles@magicmountain.nl
Research and academic enquiries: open-civitas@proton.me
Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK): 20118474
VAT identification number: NL814772596B02
Bank account (IBAN): NL43 KNAB 0736 8059 90