Geeks?

[Arwen Imladris]

Do you consider yourself a ‘geek’? According to an article in The Ottawa Citizen, people who like movies such as LOTR, Harry Potter, Spiderman and Star Wars are geeks! What do you think? Are most people who like these movies geeks/nerds? Are we being type-casted? Is this fair?

Disclaimer: No offence implied to geeks/nerds.

[Beruthiel]

That really isn't fair! Just cuz we watch some kind of movie doesn't mean we are geeks or nerds!

[Kalimac]

Hmm...this might be more comfortable in the movies section...

But anyway - since when is being a geek a bad thing? (I assume we're not talking about the original meaning of the word - back in the day, a geek was someone who ate raw meat at carnival stunt-shows; not generally the most respected gig out there). Yes, I would call LOTR, Spider-Man, etc geek movies in the sense that they tend to be very popular with people who are bookwormy or do a lot of technology work, which is a generally accepted definition of "geek" these days. (My husband does software development in a company that's 95% genuine geeks, and the number of three-inch-thick fantasy novels they have lying around the workplace is not to be believed). If you think that's an insult, think of it this way - would you call, say, "The Scorpion King" a geek movie? Didn't think so. Would you call it even vaguely comparable in quality to LOTR and even Spider-Man? Didn't think so again. Outsiders might think that calling it a geek movie is an insult, but to those who really appreciate these things it can be a badge of honour smilies/smile.gif.

- Kalimac (Geek of Letters)

[Arwen1858]

I consider myself to be a geek smilies/smile.gif Aside from being a total LOTR freak, I'm also a hardcore Trekkie. I'm sure that's plenty to make me a geek! smilies/biggrin.gif I love Elijah Wood's quote where he said that geeks are generally the most interesting people!
Arwen, Queen of Gondor

[Dúnethalath Taurendor]

I'm pretty much a geek, but hey, who cares? In movies, the geeks get the pretty girls...
Too bad that's just the movies smilies/tongue.gif

[dragoneyes]

Hey. I'm true geek material... yay! I just can't be bothered to be anything else.
Happiness is a geeks life, though I have to say I haven't heard the term 'geek' in over a year.

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

I don't really like putting lots of people into one big group. That's why I don't consider myself a geek. However, I'm pretty confident of possessing certain geek properties!

[Starbreeze]

I do not see how it is possible to type-cast us all as one thing, other than that we all love the film. We are all such different people, which you can tell from the diversity of posts on here. Because we are all so different, we cannot all be put in the same category. Some of us may be geeks, though that word in itself covers a wide range of different people.

[Neferchoirwen]

generalizations...closed minded people...the us-them mentality.

it isn't fair at all, unless you trtuly associate yourself with something you are truly dedicated to. heck. it's their problem for nit understanding what we LotR fans really love... smilies/smile.gif

haven't seen you around for quite a long time, Starbreeze. smilies/smile.gif

[Novlamothien]

Yes, I consider myself a geek. Aside from liking LOTR, I am very bookwormish and stuious. I also have the glasses-and-braces look going on. I think that in order for one to truly appreciate the Lord of the Rings and the like one must have geekish qualities.

Namarie

[Starbreeze]

Nice to see you again Neferchoirwen, I was wondering when I would see someone I knew.
smilies/smile.gif

Anyway, there is nothing wrong with being a geek - it is often those classed as geeks that do well in life.

[nerddogs]

<---GEEK

[Lush]

I partied too much, and they took away my geek badge.

Honestly, who cares?

[Cúdae]

I am not a geek. I am a Tolkienite. I come from a family of Tolkienites. Do you want proof? My brother's middle name is Curufin. My dog's name is Sauron. My sister's first name is (go figure) Galadriel. I am not even going to bring up the fact that I also come from a family of Trekkies and consider myself a Trekkie.

Geek? Nah... just a little... eccentric and overly interested in certain fandoms. Although, LotR is probably the best. smilies/smile.gif

[Manwe Sulimo]

Dammit, why couldn't I have been called Aragorn or something...?

I'm envious, Cúdae.

But, I consider pretty much any regular in these forums (including myself) a geek. But, hey, it's better than being a

<<<<< WARNING: STEREOTYPE ALERT!! >>>>>

stupid jock or something.

Cheers smilies/smile.gif

[ November 17, 2002: Message edited by: Manwe Sulimo ]

[Demloth of Dol Amroth]

i am a geek and darn proud of it. let them call us geeks! what are they-the alleged not-geeks-watching? typical hollywood slop? good for them. if LOTR is a geek movie, then that paper has just affirmed that geeks have *exceptionally* good taste. smilies/smile.gif
so they also put HP in the same ship with LOTR? theres asking for trouble. mayve i'm just being extremist, but my theory is that when good ol' harry blundered onto the scene with its movie, and then LOTR followed, ingorant people put them in the same boat because there first impression of HP was "juvenile fantasy," so thus they made the same judgement on LOTR. does anyone agree? maybe is should start a thread...

[Cúdae]

Keep being envious, my real first name is Aranrúth (wonderful, I'm named after a sword), my youngest sister's name is Aredhel, my cousin's middle name is Thingol and my other cousin's first name is Aragorn. Oh no, people don't think my family's wierd or anything...

[Arwen Imladris]

Some definitions of 'geek'

geek:
A person regarded as foolish, inept, or clumsy.

A person who is single-minded or accomplished in scientific or technical pursuits but is felt to be socially inept.

A carnival performer whose show consists of bizarre acts, such as biting the head off a live chicken.


Geek

n : a person with an unusual or odd personality [syn: eccentric, eccentric person, oddball]


this gives a variety of very different definitions. What exactly do you think a geek is? Is a geek diferent then a nerd?
I'm also a hardcore Trekkie
Me too! smilies/smile.gif

[Manwe Sulimo]

That's so funny! Just last week I bit off the head of a live....

[[[This portion of the post has been censored by the SPCA. Have a nice day.]]]

....isn't that weird?

[Orual]

Cudae, are you serious?? That's so cool!!! Why couldn't my mom have named me Eowyn, or something? Dang, some people have all the luck...

Me? A geek? Of all the--well, yeah, I am. Always been. Even before I really got into LotR. Then I was a ReBoot geek. (Please please please don't ask...) I'm a real bookworm, not particularly studious but occasionally one-track-minded. "Hey, guess how long it is till TT?" "SHUT UP!!!" "No, thirty-one days." "SHUT UP!!!" "And two hours..." "SHUT UP!!!" "...and forty-one minutes." "Eru, why do you test us so?"

~*~Orual~*~

[Lindril Arvilya]

Well, I hadn't thought about it before, but all of my friends are geeks, nerds, and so on and so forth. Dreamers with our heads in the clouds. My boyfriend is a Final Fantasy addict and now he's on to LotR (besides, he even looks geeky... don't tell him I said that). My best friend is a Tolkienite and he just "disclosed" that he's a Trekkie as well. In fact..... ok, fine, all of my friends are Tolkienites or not-yet-Tolkienites with great potential. Like friends, like me? I guess I'm a geek too.
I just dislike how it's classed as a crime to be a geek. I had to reassure my best friend that it's not a crime to be a Trekkie- that I really don't care, and that at least he has something he feels strongly about.
Look at it this way: would you rather be obsessed with history and the deeds of good against evil, or your makeup or cars?
Go geeks! We rock and we ought to know it!
------------
If you're having problems with being a geek, really, I think you're cool anyhow. When I first got to highschool, I saw all these people who I thought were freaks and weirdos and I'd never hang out with.... now we're inseperable. The outcasts are oucasts for a reason: we're interesting where society is dull. smilies/biggrin.gif I think we win.

[Neferchoirwen]

what do you say when confronted by someone callign you a geek?

I am not a geek. I am a Tolkienite.

coolness runs in your family Cudae! Pretty soon, my family'll sound like yours! --->but for now, the dogs will sound like Hobbits...

[Neferchoirwen]

Giving it more thought, I wouldn't mind it at all if I were called a geek...Whenever I talk Tolkien to my friends, all they react with the whole thing is "didn't have anything else to do?"--->which implies that they think that Tolkien is a geek. But hey, given that fact, Tolkien's a genius...and so are we...

At least its something that we identitfy ourselves with, as Middle Earth exists in our hearts!

[Beruthiel]

Wow Cudae I'm so jealous! I wish I'd been called somthing like that! some people have all the luck
anyway I still think its unfair that people are generalised into a certain 'group' just cuz they liked something that other people didn't

[Dúnethalath Taurendor]

I guess it's the same thing about Geeks and Goths: both not accepted, both don't want to be put in a group with others, for all want to be unique.

[Meela]

geeks, or nerds, are stereotypically those nuclear physics students with compasses in their shirt pockets, and maths text books for a bit of light reading. if u match up to this u are a geek.

harry potter fans, or even lotr fans, are not geeks. they are 'children of fantasy'.

or i am, at least.

[dragoneyes]

Maths? Physics? You have to like maths and physics to be a geek? Count me out, can not stand maths or physics, thank the Lord we don't have to do an hour of maths a day anymore.

[Tigerlily Gamgee]

I've been a geek my whole life. I hated it in high school, but now I love that I am. I think that geeks are some of the mosting interesting people.
I love Tolkien, Fantasy, Comic Books, Video Games, but I also love history and life in general.
I think that "geeks" are the people who are most in tune with themselves because they are not embarrassed to share the things they love with the world. It's great to love things and not worry about being embarrassed about it!

[Cúdae]

This is the wonderful thing about Tolkienites who are proud of their supposed geek-ness: They don't think that it is incredibly strange to be named after Thingol's sword. In fact, they think it's kind of cool. smilies/smile.gif Yet another great thing about Tolkienites (and you tried and true Trekkies!): You accept people whether they are preppy book worms or whether they are goths with $52 in library fines due(that would me...no comment). And to shower more compliments on the so-called "geeks:" Many people can claim to be working for the very same "geek" that they insulted in high school.

And, yes, of course I'm serious about my name and the names in my family. Not a day goes by when I do not have to repeat myself and spell it. Conversations go like this: "What's your name?" "Aranrúth." "Aran--what?"
You lucky people with normal names. smilies/smile.gif

[Morgul Queen]

the defination of geek(according to the oxford dictionary is " a boring and unattractive social misfit, a degenerate."

[Lindril Arvilya]

My dog's full name is Tansy Baggins, my cat's name is Pippin, and (if only this had come to be...) I found the list of names my parents had considered naming me, and Arwen was high on the list. *sigh* Instead I got stuck with a normal name. Granted, nobody can spell it properly, but it's heard a lot anyhow.

[Arwen1858]

Granted, nobody can spell it properly, but it's heard a lot anyhow.
That's how my name is, too. It's a normal name, but has different spellings, so I'm always having to tell people how to spell it anyways. Wish I had a Tolkien name. That would be cool!
Arwen, which, unfortunatly, isn't my real name

[Arwen_Evenstar]

I don't consider myself a geek, even though most others do. We just have a hobby. I could be a teenage rebel, doing drugs, getting drunk and vandilising but instead I am at home doing something that I love and that interests me no matter what others think, reading LoTR watching LotR, etc.
Its just opinion. I think we're lucky. Some people are addicted to drugs, We're addicted to Tolkien. Much healthier in my opinion... smilies/smile.gif

[Arwen1858]

Some people are addicted to drugs, We're addicted to Tolkien. Much healthier in my opinion...
Oh, yes indeed!! Maybe that's what I ought to tell people when they start looking at me oddly for my addiction....
Arwen

[vanwalossien]

The only thing we have in common is that we all love Tolkien, so I wouldn't know about the rest of you, but I'm a total geek. I've been entitled 'nerd of the year' by the school paper. They didn't really want to have a nerd of the year, because their ignorant editor thought it'd be too offensive, but I talked them into letting me be the nerd of the year. For some reason I've never had worse grades at a test than *tries to remeber how grades are in the US* B. I think that's it. In Norway it's 5 out of 6. And I don't even know why, I just get good grades. But there's four other Tolkien fans at my school, my best friend who's a lot like me, a guy who's kinda nerdy but not as bad as me, and two girls who are smart, but not at all nerds or geeks.
By the way, I think my signature says it all, but in case you didn't understand: I'm proud of being a GEEK! I know for certain that I'll end up with a better job than pretty much all of the 'cool' people in my class.

[ November 19, 2002: Message edited by: vanwalossien ]

[the phantom]

With the people I know, LOTR seems to have blurred all of the lines. A couple of my buds are sports jocks and they love it, these three guys in my marketing class are extreme geeks and they love it, and these two girls at work are ditzy cheerleaders and they love it.
I'm not sure if I'm a true geek or not. The other geeks think I'm a geek, but the jocks think I'm a jock, and the goof-off slackers think I'm a goof-off slacker, and ect. I have a wide variety of interests and basically just become whatever the situation calls for.
But, I have to admit, I probably enjoy my time with the geeks the most, which makes me a geek at heart. smilies/smile.gif

[Dúnethalath Taurendor]

And here I come with a stupid name like Wesley...
Hey, phantom, you're a tPhotO-fan? (That's my oldest nick you got there...)

[the phantom]

Yeah, I am!!
The Phantom of the Opera is my favorite musical work ever!! That's just part of how I got that nick-name though. For the full story check out the nick-name thread http://forum.barrowdowns.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=2&t=000019
I think I'm on page seven.

[Dúnethalath Taurendor]

Well, it's not exactly how I got my nickname back then, but it's part of it. I just called myself Phantom, and I think it's the greatest Musical ever. By the way, did you read the book. I read it in dutch, and sometimes I still sign an e-mail with:
het Sp. v.d. O.

[Starbreeze]

Dúnethalath and Phantom, I love Phantom of the Opera too, but I feel this conversation might be better carried out by private message. Just a friendly tip. smilies/smile.gif

[Tyler]

Oh no thay are calling me a geek. I could care less what some dumb jock or cool guys thinks of me. Its just to bad that thay cant be them selves. Caues hey what would their friends think of them? Im sure thay would like the book if thay read it. I dont know how many people i know who dont like to read but loved the books. So if i like to read LOTR call me a geek. Your comment means nothing to me due to your ignorance.

[NazgulNumberTen]

Labels are for jars.

[Faye Took]

In some ways I do consider myself being a geek and some not. I always always ALWAYS talk about lotr. Hehe, some people think I'm "sick". I just say no, I'm obsessed hehe.

[Elven-Maiden]

Woah! I totally resent the whole "geek" thing! I may be a LotR fan, a Star Wars fan, a Trekkie, etc... but I'm no geek. I have nothing against geeks; I happen to have a crush on one, but I've worked hard to maintain my reputation, and I really don't apppreciate some newspaper trying to sterotype me.

[Beren87]

At our school its a lil different. "Geek" is attached almost as a badge of pride. A lot of us call ourselves geeks simply because we are and proud of it. This includes all those that are computer loving, tolkienites, and etc. If anyone watches shows like The Screen Savers, you'll get my meaning.

So Heck yes ima GEEK!

[cassiopeia]

I suppose I am a geek in the modern definition of the word, although I resent being stereotyped. I like the LOTR, Star Wars, Star Trek and The X files. I also like science and am studying math! But that means I'm smart, liking those things, doesn't it? smilies/smile.gif

[Nevfeniel]

I AM NOT A GEEK!!!!


I'm a nerd.


smilies/smile.gif

[burrahobbit]

Liking mainstream movies does not make you a geek, knowing that Arwen messed up her elvish does.

(She did.)

[Lady_Artemis]

I am a geek and darned proud of it. Being called geek is not a negative title. People just call us that because we are interesting in something far too complex for their little brains to comprehend. So come geeks! Form an alliance against those who are not and lets defeat them with our brain power! Well, I'm only joking about the whole part of the going against peeps because I am a tad bit pacifist. smilies/wink.gif

[Gorothlammothiel]

I too hate stereotypes, and agree with NN10 that labels are for jars.

But if:

liking films such as LotR and Star Wars etc
watching programmes like the X-Files and Star Trek almost religiously
reading books everyday (and the odd comic)
writing in fictional languages
spending hours on the computer
taking sciences and maths and enjoying them


Makes you a geek, then I guess I am one. I've been told so many a time.

[Maylin Talese]

hmmmmmmmm... well, I'm more a nerd then a geek....

I'm a self-proclaimed nerd, but jut because you read Tolkien doesn't make you a geek. I've found people wo read tolkien, but aren't considered geek....

and for the most part, if you DON'T read harry potter you're coonsidered a geek... THough I think it's sad that so many kids at my school limit themselves to reading Harry Potter.

[Neferchoirwen]

and for the most part, if you DON'T read harry potter you're coonsidered a geek... THough I think it's sad that so many kids at my school limit themselves to reading Harry Potter.

Well, it is sad, though I guess we all have to wait for mature opinions until we all get older, and the kids after us read HP... Like the way LotR has created nerds and Geeks out even one who has been reading all of Tolkien for about 10++years...

[Cúdae]

If I need to like math and science to be a geek, leave me out of it! Hehe. I'm literary geek who tries not to refer to myself as a geek but rather as a Tolkienite or a Trekkie depending on who I am speaking with.

Hopefully, you don't need to like math and science to be a geek! I think I qualify for geek-hood because I do not argue with my sisters (of which I have another by the name of Haleth) over normal things (hair, clothes, etc.) but rather about the correct translation of correct translation of "Aragorn" and whether Sauron was truly destoyed at the end of the War of the Ring. Try arguing with a seven-year old about that.

And I need to correct a mistake I made in my last post: Aredhel is my cousin, not my sister. It's tough keeping names straight in my family. smilies/smile.gif

[Arwen Imladris]

Yes Gorothlammothiel, I agree, stereotypes are generally not very pleasent.

Here I how I measure up:

* liking films such as LotR and Star Wars etc YES!
* watching programmes like the X-Files and Star Trek almost religiously Yes!
* reading books everyday (and the odd comic)Yes!
* writing in fictional languages: Not usually
* spending hours on the computer Well, I am only allowed 1 hour a day so... ya
* taking sciences and maths and enjoying them: sorta, grade 11 Physics isn't allways what I would call "fun" however I did take it of my own free will so I really can't complain too much

Well, if that makes you a geek, I guesse I am one too! Oh well! smilies/smile.gif

[Gorothlammothiel]

Just out of curiousity, these are our reasons and lists for being geeks so are there certain "qualities" for the other stereotypes?

By that I mean ones like (excuse my lack of social skills, these may not be correct) trendies(?) townies(?) etc.

Another point, why is it that for a "goth", it is how they look that makes them a "goth"?. For a "grunger" it is how they look. For a "Skater" it is also how they look, so why is it that a "geek" or "nerd" are defined by characteristics, interests and intelligence? Does that make us more accurate to the stereotypes we have been given because they are deeper than face value?

[Elven-Maiden]

Dictionary Defintions:


geek (gTk) n. Slang.
1. An odd or ridiculous person.
2. A carnival performer whose show consists of bizarre acts, such as biting the head off a live chicken.
[Perhaps alteration of dialectal geck, fool, from Low German gek, from Middle Low German.]
—geek2y adj.

and...

nerd also nurd (nûrd) n. Slang.
1. A person regarded as stupid, inept, or unattractive.
2. A person who is single-minded or accomplished in scientific pursuits but is felt to be socially inept.
[Perhaps after Nerd, a character in If I Ran the Zoo, by Theodor Seuss Geisel.]
—nerd2y adj.

WORD HISTORY: The word nerd and a nerd, undefined but illustrated, first appeared in 1950 in Dr. Seuss's If I Ran the Zoo: “And then, just to show them, I'll sail to Ka-Troo And Bring Back an It-Kutch a Preep and a Proo a Nerkle a Nerd and a Seersucker, too!” (The nerd itself is a small humanoid creature looking comically angry, like a thin, cross Chester A. Arthur.) Nerd next appears, with a gloss, in the February 10, 1957, issue of the Glasgow, Scotland, Sunday Mail in a regular column entitled “ABC for SQUARES”: “Nerd—a square, any explanation needed?” Many of the terms defined in this “ABC” are unmistakable Americanisms, such as hep, ick, and jazzy, as is the gloss “square,” the current meaning of nerd. The third appearance of nerd in print is back in the United States in 1970 in Current Slang: “Nurd [sic], someone with objectionable habits or traits. . . . An uninteresting person, a ‘dud.’” Authorities disagree on whether the two nerds—Dr. Seuss's small creature and the teenage slang term in the Glasgow Sunday Mail—are the same word. Some experts claim there is no semantic connection and the identity of the words is fortuitous. Others maintain that Dr. Seuss is the true originator of nerd and that the word nerd (“comically unpleasant creature”) was picked up by the five- and six-year-olds of 1950 and passed on to their older siblings, who by 1957, as teenagers, had restricted and specified the meaning to the most comically obnoxious creature of their own class, a “square.”

[Lady_Artemis]

Thank you Elven-Maiden. I had never acctually read the defenitions of those words. Now it all makes sense.......

[FarathrimMaiden]

Im a geek if you wanna stereotypr like that, i like lotr, star wars, i play chess (im a girl and the only girl on our chess team), am studious, love comp games like diablo, i even like board games like risk and civilization. My friends ( i hang out with people i would consider non-geeks, although some do like board games and star wars) call me "geek" in the nicest sense of the word since they know that i dont mind. Then again i use dto p[lay basketball and volleyball and could have been called a jock or prep, basically i think stereotyping is dumb, cuz im still the same person (although i actually like being thought of as a geek, its awesome)

[Inderjit Sanghera]

I think the person who wrote the article, is a bit angry, most probaly because he is a loser. Spiderman,Harry Potter, Star Wars and LOTR are adored by proablably around 1 billion (all together) people. So he/she thinks 1 bilion poeple are geeks just becuase he doesn't like that kind of thing? Yeah, um right. This guy (or girl) is just beign a stereotypicla twat. Ignore him. (Or her)

[Peacepoet]

I feel that there is nothing wrong with being a geek. It's the geeky type that bring us the literature and the movie that we enjoy and are fascinated by. I bet Peter Jackson was a geek....and look was he created. Those of us who enjoy these movies and books tend to be of the bookworm variety. I mean how many of you can just get lost in the history that Tolkien create? You have to read to know all that.

[eleanor_niphredil]

Hey, from the moment I picked up my first copy of The Hobbit and scribbled all over the pages, I was a geek. I work at being a geek, because if what the people at my school apart from my mates) are "normal", then I sure don't want to be normal.

People call me a geek, among other things, on a daily basis. today I got it twice to my face and god knows how many times behind my back. But hey, I am a geek and darn proud of it too. It's cool to be different, and different is what I am.

I don't tally with any definition in the whole world of dictionaries, but who are the dictionary-writers to diffine us?

LOTR is a whole different world to submerge yourself in, and if you can't do that, then you just arn't living. It's not only Tolkien, but any book you can pick up. There are times when he real world just is'nt enough.

And I'll tell you one thing. When the people who call us geeks reach a low point in their lives; when everything goes wrong and the world seems to close in around them, they wont have LOTR to escape to. For them, there is no escape.

But even if LOTR suddenly disappeared, it would exist in our hearts, Something to pass on to our children and our childrens children.

so my message is: Jump on the bus to geek-dom. Middle-Earth; there is no place like home.

Sorry if I spooked anyone.

[Elvenstarr]

Wow! I guess I consider myself a nerd..not really a geek. Hey, different strokes for different folks, right? I'm just a punk rock nerd girl. That sums myself up in one sentence. lol

[Gorwingel]

Wow, I don't know what I would consider myself. Maybe I am a mix, part nerd, part geek. Though I don't really mind either. But I don't like being labeled.

[eleanor_niphredil]

Any one who wants to lable me as clever, witty, beautiful and such is free to, in my opinion.

[nuguernachil]

i'm a wannabe. i wear what i want, occasionally imitating other people, and ususally do what i want as well. i tend to pick up the traits of other people too - like what they like, etc. total social faliure, i know...*slap slap nuguer*
i do have a few things that are my own though - mainly LOTR, titanic, and alias. mostly stuff i found on my own and didn't steal from someone else's personality.
i don't consider myself a nerd or a geek, though other people probably do. i hate stereotypes, but i am a bit of a social outcast. i don't talk much. :P
i do love fantasy worlds, especially lord of the rings, the taliswoman trilogy, and the fantastically awesome book sabriel. i want to be an actor so i can be someone else regularly.
so...to sum up, i'm different but i'm not proud, and i'm forever trying to change myself. *sigh* thank god for legolas.

[LadyElbereth]

I'm a geek and no one realizes it! What's wrong with people these days? Don't they know anything? smilies/rolleyes.gif
But seriously; geeks, freaks, nerds, jocks, bookworms; the world is full of titles and it will always be. So I say, just have fun and live with it cause stereotypes are always gonna be there. So this month I'm a geek, next month I'll be a nerd, and maybe one day I might gather up the courage to step over the line a become a ditzy cheerleader! smilies/eek.gif
(I give everyone permission to shoot me if that ever happens *shudders*)

[lord of dor-lomin]

Everyone has some geek in them, some just don't want to give in to it. I gave in long ago, and I couldn't be happier.

[eleanor_niphredil]

and the fantastically awesome book sabriel.

you know, I have that book currently sitting on my bookshelf collecting dust. I guess I should read it, get obsessed and have yet another claim to geekdom.

And by the way, today I got called Frodo 2nd and elf girl.

[ January 09, 2003: Message edited by: eleanor_niphredil ]

[nuguernachil]

*gasp*
PICK THAT UP AND READ IT RIGHT NOW!!!
you'll love it, i promise.

[Luthien]

I am A Geek and Proud of it, although I enjoy nerd better, geeks are well respected and are true pleasure seekers, who else would love the lord of the rings, star wars, and Harry potter and not try to find some new way to call it gay. If you are not comfortable being a geek or associating with them, think of it this way, we love what we do and don't give a palantir what anyone else thinks.

[Fingo]

I am thrice accursed, being a LotR geek, and anime geek and a band geek, lol.

But seriously why does the term geek or nerd seemed to be plastered to those who enjoy escaping the confines of reality through things like music, art, reading (especially that of fantasy or science fiction genre). I mean, aren't these the things tht enrich our culture and make it more beautiful and able to bear? I proudly bear the term geek, and even though I'm scorned for it. So in true geek fashion, i would just like to say...

~Frodo Lives!~ *waves nine fingers in the air*

[Arwen Imladris]

There is this article from Sci-Fi magazine showing what a geek-version of the Oscar would look like, Minority Report, Star Wars, Spider-Man, Signs and of course TTT leading the way!

Click Here! (http://www.theonering.net/movie/scrapbook/large/6156)

[Eressië Ailin]

Geek? Well, I'm more of a nerd. But yes I do consider myself a sort of geeky LOTR fanatic.

Eressië Ailin= geek/nerd

YAAAAAYYYY!!!! I'm a Wight!!!!!!!! Go me!!! And I've only been on this site for two weeks!!!!! YAAAAAAYYY!!!!

[Haelothiel]

My family is definitely geeky, and so am I. We are trekkies, starwars-fans, bookworms, band-geeks, ect. I don't enjoy math but I enjoy it's "practical application": SCIENCE! I found LotR on my own, and if being a LotR fanatic makes me a geek then I really am! But in a way that's sad, because if I had gotten LotR from my parents maybe they would have named me Arwen, Galadriel, Eowyn, or something else, like Cúdae's family did. *Sigh* Well MY kids will get cool names smilies/smile.gif I agree with all the people who said that geeks are labled because of how much fun we have. And I like Meela's alternative label: Children of Fantasy. It has a nice ring to it, don't you think? Well, this Child of Fantasy/ Geek is done!

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

I've never been "geeky" as in math/science/computer overachievers, but I became a "bookworm" as soon as I learned to read. I've been a Tolkein fan and Star Trek fan since the 1960's. I've always been considered odd in my family and in recent years I've been considered odd at work as well (my screensaver cycles about 250-300 images from FotR & TTT and I carry a book with me where ever I go [usually Tolkein]). But at 52, other people's opinions don't matter much to me. I enjoy my books (and my screensavers) and get on with my life.

[the guy who be short]

im a geek and proud of it. i wear glasses, am very short, and am always always reading.
i have skipped a year at school and am extremely good at everything except drama and pe. so yes im a geek.
im gonna have a better job than the cool kids in my class, who cant even read. and whenever one of them "teases the boffin" to remain cool, i reach into my pocket and bring out a steel ruler with sharp points. i also hit 1 around the head with my boot bag once, so they know that geeks who have been touched by the violence in tolkien are not very easy targets. i now actually await scuffles with them, just for the chance to stab someone

[the guy who be short]

my friends are actually fairly normal, and though i go around speaking elvish, they dont seem to mind. they are ot eeks, im afraid. but we geeks are of a higher order than the fools beneath us. why should we not form a great alliance, a geek club even?
we could have a britain, america and canada wide geek club, or better still, tolkienite group. we could be great in the world, but we are spread too far apart. geeks are etting harder and harder to find, and tolkienites are even scarcer. seems were never gonna rule the world...

[Vardamar]

Im glad to see that I'm not alone in my love of Trek and LOTR. Now if only I had a Holodeck, or was Q..... smilies/biggrin.gif

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

Im glad to see that I'm not alone in my love of Trek and LOTR. Now if only I had a Holodeck, or was Q.....


Yeah, I wish Q would answer my e-mails...he promised to send me to Middle-Earth for my birthday but now he's hiding!!

[the guy who be short]

just out of interest... is anybody else here planning to take over the world? its sorta a geeky thing to do. we could form an army and torture people to turn them into orcs... i have a few peoples names in mind...
and then we could squash people to make hobbits. and squash them if they have beards to make dwarves. and give em face lifts to make elves. and set them on fire to make balrogs. we could have so much fun if we ruled the world. we could make it more lotr like. come on, any other geks wanna help?

i am more of a boffin than a geek. my level of intelligence is stunning and i am very short.

i have made myself a bow out of 4 rulers and an elastic band. i also made myself 3 arrows by sticking pens together. now, this is not a particularly geeky thing to do. but then i gave them all names (the bows durin, the arrows are gimli, thorin and dain)

so, being a geek is a good thing, if we can take over the world.

p.s., extremely sorry that this message had no paragraph structure!

[Iarwain]

You people make me want to weep! smilies/frown.gif smilies/wink.gif

It goes from calling Tolkien fans geeks to all book learned people geeks, to plotting to take over the world and setting up a Tolkienite regime. I feel like screaming!


Wailing for Goldberry,
Iarwain

P.S. I just realized that this barely shows any opinion at all, so here it is. Most people reguard being a "geek" a negative thing. At the same time, "geek" is an almost completely undefined term with the blind stereotype of clumsiness and oddity attached. Therefore, why and how should we label ourselves as geeks when the very word signifies the opposite of what we are, if only through this website, that is that we are not an anomaly because there are so many of us. I find the terms "geek" and "nerd" very annoying and disturbing, since their very use brings the idea of persecution to mind. Thus the frown on my face at this very moment. smilies/confused.gif

[ March 01, 2003: Message edited by: Iarwain ]

[Lossenorodion]

i think they dont have the reason to call people geeks, i dont know if im one but if im one for other people i aint one for me i guess its just points of view and knowing the person

besides liking fantasy and things like that is not necessary that your a geek but well as i said before its point of view if people wannna call me gekk let them do it

[nPiLL]

Im not a geek. Actually, im an athlete who gets the girls. lol. Even though im the only athlete who likes LotR, i dont care and neither do my friends. Its just another "hobby" of mine when im not playing sports. lol. So i dont consider myself a geek.

[Eressië Ailin]

I'm with you all the way, the guy who be short!!!! Let's take over the world, make some more Tolkien fans!!!! I know a guy who'd make a great Gollum... smilies/evil.gif

[Iarwain]

Society is so screwed up. Honestly, what is with the whole geek thing? It's just another blind stereotype like jocks, nerds, and pastor's kids. People are people, they cannot be classified. How much can you really say about a person by finding out that they read books by a certain author? Its like judging a person's views on socialism by the color of their socks.

Iarwain

[Lush]

Geekiness can be extremely attractive. Or rather, one can make it extremely attractive. Take it from me. smilies/wink.gif

[Iarwain]

Please tell Lush! What's the secret!?!

Iarwain

[Gorwingel]

Yes I do too find being "Geek" very attractive, I do not like someone who is too cool. They don't really want to go with the crowd, and are more inclined to do their own thing no matter what.

[Lush]

Yer missing the point. Geek is generally cool. Where I live, if you're not a geek, you get put on academic probation. The geeks graduate, get fancy jobs, and fly first class to exotic locales. What can be more attractive than that?

However, if you want to get into the details, the right accessories are a must. Smart glasses, messenger bag, and a haunted look about the face should do the trick. Of course, having a great face and body to go along with the geek exterior helps just a tad.

[Neferchoirwen]

First, I'll go with Iarwain's comment on top of this page...and I'll have to agree with what he said by adding that "geek" is an ambiguous word, which makes us choose how to define it..or use it for that matter.

I love being a geek...it defines me. It makes me stand out. And yeah, messenger bags are cool...but I miss my glasses...

And yes...admitting to being a LotR geek is more like pledging aleigance to Middle Earth---complete with the psychosis and all smilies/biggrin.gif

[the guy who be short]

i am a geek.
i go round either speaking english, old english, or quenya. i wear glasses, go 2 chess club, and get the feeling ive already written all this somewhere. but most of all, i am unique. insane, even, to you less understanding, more overstanding, half not standing (face it, you're drunk) people who hate dwarves just because we are short.
i am a geek, but a unique 1. i doubt many of you stab people with rulers if they annoy you. if a dumb jock annoys me, i hit him round the head with a bootbag (actually happened) or stab him with a metal ruler between the ribs (happened) or stab him anywhere (happened).

more normally now, i am writing a novel at the age of 13. how geeky is that?

in response to whoever agreed with me about taking over the world, you'll need a bow and a sword (a ruler will do)

[the guy who be short]

um... whats wrong with plotting to take over the world and setting up a tolkienite regime? perhaps even a fascist dictatorship?

[Gorwingel]

Oh, Lush, you are meaning that kind of Geek. Those kinds are the best smilies/wink.gif Like the highly successful, very smart kind.

[Iarwain]

I see, everyone. I like your personalities. smilies/smile.gif

But, I never would have been able to tell that you weren't raw meat eaters if you hadn't explained yourselves. My problem is that I strongly dislike the use of the word geek. It is a complete variable, and is used cruelly in many situations. The great thing is that people like you and I, perhaps more inclined to a craving of knowledge than others, can turn something cruel like that into a wonderful pro. (I'm just realizing this now) Sadly, though, I cannot boast a perscription for glasses, a chess club membership, or an energetic personality. My life is completely and fundamentaly rational, straightforward, and generally boring.


smilies/smile.gif ,
Iarwain

P.S. I hope to be a geek like that someday too, Lush. smilies/smile.gif

[ March 07, 2003: Message edited by: Iarwain ]

[HerenIstarion]

Hey, being a geek is a status worthy of an envy of fellows around, it is!

The following piece concerns not 'school geekness' very much discussed above, though touches on it here and there. Nevertheless it is of interest as it is free advice for women whose male companions fall under category 'geek' this way or another. Furthermore, I suppose, there are some husbands around who's obssession with JRRT is not, alas, shared by their esteemed spouses. Let them read it, my dear geeks :)

(I was not able to locate the spot where the following article was originally located, but fortunately I have had it saved to my hard drive)


****************************

By Matthew Sakey

Back when I was in high school, geeks were not highly regarded as potential boyfriend material. (Being one of them I am eminently qualified to attest to this.) Comic books, thick glasses, computers and chess club just don't match the selling potential of varsity jackets and cool cars. However, it's been noted that some geeks grow up to found software conglomerates, and even those who don't tend to be more agreeable later in life than they were back in their teens.

Like everyone after high school, we mellow out, ditch the young-wizard glasses, and develop the social skills that seemed so sorely lacking when we were pimply youths. However, that doesn't mean that we've lost our geekhood — we just conceal it better. More importantly, since you've grown up since high school as well, that geekhood which was so unpleasant back then is kind of charming now — try it and you may be surprised. There's no longer any shame in dating a geek, and it can be well worth the effort. The only issue is that sometimes you may find it difficult to understand our peculiarities. While it's not necessary to know the difference between Sauron, Saruman and the Sarlaac to successfully date one of us, mastering the art of tolerance and bemused understanding will assure a long and fruitful relationship with your geek.

Geek care and feeding is easier than many think, because we are generally healthiest when left to our own devices. This doesn't mean we can't do things together; but we do thrive when given a little time to do our own thing. (This conveniently frees you from having to be part of it.) For example, let me wander off to the computer section while you're browsing CDs at the store. And though I am betraying my people to share this, adhere to the strict "yes-no rule" of computer product purchases: If I come back clutching an object in a brightly colored box, let me buy it only if I didn't buy something last time we were shopping. We do tend to overextend our finances, especially on computer equipment — it changes so fast, and the stuff is just so neat — so it also might behoove you to check the price tag and confirm that I really need this item. (My interpretation of "need" at this point will be highly subjective, so ask the tough questions.) Remember that there's a good chance I only want it because it's new. Geeks are suckers for new stuff.

We geeks are comfortable in herds, so keeping yours content requires that he have the opportunity to associate with his own kind now and then. Conveniently, this also solves the movie problem: Our taste for multiple viewings of certain films may not appeal to you, so let us go with our friends as often as we like. Since geeks generally like movies of all kinds (we just gravitate towards those with dragons or starships over others), you can feel free to choose whatever films you'll see as a couple without fear of whining. Try that with a football star.

If you live together, it's also helpful to grant your geek a little space to call his own. Here we will build our model airplanes, operate our ham radio, play our games, whatever — all in gleeful privacy. After a school career of constant abuse, we are rather unsurprisingly embarrassed by our geekdom, so letting us practice it in solitude is a very considerate gesture. We'll appreciate it and you won't have to move all our miniatures off the kitchen table every time you want to eat.

Geeks are among the sweetest and most adoring of boyfriends, and the old prejudice of greasy-haired basement dwellers has long since fallen by the wayside. We can dress ourselves and perform routine grooming tasks, and as geeks move into the mainstream, we are becoming more sought after by savvy women. If you don't share some of your boyfriend's more esoteric hobbies, remember that they'll almost never interfere with all that you do share — so let him enjoy them.

*************************

Hope you enjoyed it :D

[Beren87]

Reminds me of this (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=4736) discussion Rimbaud started a while back. The article at the top from the guardian is excellent, and a good read.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Attentive readers will have noticed that the author of the above article speaks only of male geeks. We are left to conjecture on the existence of females of the species. However, if there were no females, how would geeks (some sources also refer to nerds, but I am not sure whether those are a different species or just another name for the same) multiply? Does Saurgates breed or spawn them unnaturally? To even imagine the act of geek procreation is gross, but can even one so mighty as he bring his creatures to life, or does he merely twist those already created to serve him?

If there are females, what do you suppose they’re like? Are they smaller than the males and kept at home to rear the young, as they are not useful for the warfare against their foes? Or, like dwarf females, are they so similar to the males that those of other races cannot differentiate between them?

So many questions, so few answers! I have great hopes that the new volume XIV of HoME, The Peoples of Modern Middle-earth, will shed some light on this topic. Christopher Tolkien has held this information back long enough – eager fans want to know!

[tar-ancalime]

The Matthew Sakey article seems to be directed at non-geeks who may want to date or live with geeks. This implies that geeks can and do procreate with non-geeks, thus creating a whole population of half-geeks. Could it be that these half-geeks may then choose freely which half of their heritage to embrace?

But to answer Estelyn's question directly, there are certainly female geeks. It is unfortunate that here as in so many other instances, their contributions to geekdom throughout history have been overshadowed or simply ignored in favor of the male of the species. It is high time their voices were heard.

As far back as the Middle Ages, female geeks such as Beatrix the Codex-laden were at the forefront of advancement of geek culture. Beatrix herself is well known to have created the first fantasy-related action figure, a small wooden model of a dragon with working arms and legs, which she carved and painted herself.

Female geeks of today, it is time to speak out. We have been hidden too long.

[Hama Of The Riddermark]

To really understand what 'GEEK' means you have to have watched an extract from a while back on the Conan O'Brian show...It was a few days after Attack of the Clones came out...

That short ten minutes of film had me laughing for about a week...

[Sirithheruwen]

I am not a geek.
Nor am I a nerd.
Nor am I a jock.
Nor am I a goth.

I am an original...me and me alone. I detest stereotypes as no one person is exactly the same as any other person. Unless they try to act like another person so they can be accepted. Those people are stupid twits. No offence.

[Saraphim]

One day, everyone will stop using small words to describe a large amount of people. Everyone will be accepted for thier differences, and happiness will ensue.

But until that day, I remain, an Uber-Geek!

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

In the spirit of Prof Tolkien, I have gone to the Oxford English Dictionary to find out what, precisely, a "geek" is (I would humbly suggest that we all strive for definition number 3 (and do our best to avoid number 2)):


I. Simple uses.

1. slang (chiefly U.S.). a. orig. Eng. regional (north.). A person, a fellow, esp. one who is regarded as foolish, offensive, worthless, etc.

b. Freq. depreciative. An overly diligent, unsociable student; any unsociable person obsessively devoted to a particular pursuit (usually specified in a preceding attrib. noun). Cf. NERD n.

c. spec. A person who is extremely devoted to and knowledgeable about computers or related technology. In this sense, esp. when as a self-designation, not necessarily depreciative.

2. U.S. slang. A performer at a carnival or circus whose show consists of bizarre or grotesque acts, such as biting the head off a live animal.

II. Compounds.

3. geek chic, a glamorization of the culture and appearance of geeks; the style associated with geeks.

[Mad Baggins]

I like being a geek. It enables me to make the other students in my class feel inferior. :)

[Alda]

Hmmmm.....

Let me see if im following this correctly.

I dont need to keep hiding my inhaler under my pocket protector? Socks and sandals worn together are acceptable? (comfort and ventilation) ;)
What about different colored socks?

While standing in line at the supermarket checkout, would it be considered "nerdish" to be quoting movie lines from the Rankin Bass Hobbit?

Just wondering :cool:

[Lígligàst]

Kudos to who-ever said they were an uber-geek. Yes, the word does seem to be a negative sterotype, but the "geeks" define the meaning of the word. If you want to be a geek that has tape on the bridge of your glasses, so be it. I don't think anyone here is a geek that eats live animals, but we each have our own little things.. Like Star Trek, X-Files (Mulder was kinda a geek! And there was that one episode with the real geek, that ate cockroaches and stuff) Dilbert, all those shows.. We are the new-age geeks! Not a bunch of losers, but people with personalities, we aren't recluses or anti-social! I find geeks, in a sense, to be the smartest people in our school. A "geek" that also happens to like LotR and other fantasy stuff like that got a perfect 36 outta 36 on the ACT, and almost got a perfect on the SAT, or something like that. If you use your "geekiness" or "nerdiness" correctly, you could eventually be very successful. I prefer to enjoy my geekyness, and scare the uber-stoopid people away. Or at least intimidate them with my superior intelligence and humor, that hardly anyone gets... :D Does anyone else have a problem with a sense of humor that nobody around you understands?? It's really annoying, you quote movies and such, and people are just like... what???. Although that is funny, I wish more people my age would get the stuff I say.. A teacher of mine said he really liked my sense of humor... That is kinda scary, considering he is about the only person who gets a majority of my jokes!!! WEll, thanks for your time, and 1 more thing, I am not THAT computer savvy, or tech-savvy. I also do not have glasses or braces... And I don't normally wear shirts with pockets, and I don't have pocket-protectors in the pockets even when I do wear pocketed shirts...

[Lalaith]

One of the great pleasures of the Barrowdowns: coming across new knowledge. To think I have lived this long without knowing that there was a special word for a person who bites the head off live chickens at carnivals. *claps hands with joy*

But coming back to the more common use of the word 'geek': For me, it's ok as an adjective but not as a noun. Being geeky about a specific area of interest is quite cute and is a sign of an enthusiastic, intelligent nature - quite different to actually being labelled a general, all-round geek.
And I also applaud wholeheartedly those of you who are constraining against pigeon-holing and stereotyping. Some high schools and colleges seem to operate like the Hindu caste system, you are stuck into rigid roles and have no choice but to play them out. Good for anyone who kicks against that.

Tar-ancalime, I *love* your geek-peredhil concept....

[WhyDoYouCrySmeagol]

Well, i dont think im a geek i honestly dont think any of us here are geeks i jus think everyone is different and have different perspectives on things and things they like and if jocks like sports then hell they like sports and if cheerleaders like cheerleading then they like cheerleading And if people like readin books and watchin movies there is certainly nothing wrong with that. so more power to so called "geeks" cuz they are bein themselves and doin what they like as well. I dont place myself anywhere tho if someone says im a geek then thats wha they think, and to them thats wha i am. :rolleyes:
Well this is my first post and i must say it feels good :p

[Vanwatholiel]

I am a geek and I'm very proud of it!! All geeks unite! Geek power!! Go geeks, go geeks!!!I am proud and perfectly happy being a geek. yay!!! Three cheers for resident geeks!!!! :D

[Saraphim]

My friends are all the complete manifestation of Nerd. There isn't time to talk about how much they're geeks.

And yet, the only person who they call a nerd/geek is me. Thus, I am, like I said before, the Uber-Geek.

Upon hearing this title my friend proclaimed that anyone who would use a german prefix on an english word is an unsalvagable nerd.

I bowed.

[Lhunardawen]

I don't know if someone will agree with me, but it seems to me that geeks are not as un-accepted as they used to be. Or maybe they have learned to be geeky but still fit in...somehow. But why does anybody care if someones a geek? There are probably more of them in this world than those who consider themselves normal... no sense stereotyping.

I, for one, am a true-blue geek and nobody cares about my geekiness. To Angband with those who think geeks are (insert something insulting here).

Lhunardawen, a geek and loving it. ;)

[PaleStar]

yes, it does seem like nerd/geek is less of an offensive term anymore, and more like a badge of honour now.

[Frodolvr]

i'm so glad you brought this up! I'm not too fond of labels, but for someone to call me a geek is completely true! i mean, come on! i've memorized every line in lotr and the interviews and commentaries! my favorite movies are lotr, star wars, and pirates, and i listen to beatles and led zepplin (i don't know how geeky that is, nor do i care!). i just bought a new pair of chuckies, and my friends asked: " are they white, pink, green,..." no, they're plad. well, before i get to ahead of meself and begin to forget what i'm doing, allow me to end like tis:GEEKS IS GOOD PEOPLE! :D

[Frodolvr]

ye know, i might just type on this topic forever, forever, forever...

anywho, one time in walmart, my geeky friend and i sat on the floor in the middle of every one and did a few scenes(rather loudly) from rotk. They said we were disturbers of the peace ( i said thank ou) and then they kicked us out. i also went to a furniture store with four of my friends, and we started jumping on their couches and singing (rather loudly again) a hobbit drinking song. we were kicked out of that store and assumed to be raging drunks! no, just lotr band geeks! :D

[Aredhel]

I don't feel so bad now.
Honestly, I knew lots of geeks in high school. They were the greasy-haired fellahs with zits in their parent's basements building computers that exploded chips and played D&D every Saturday and Sunday in a marathon around their parent's dining table.
But I wasn't that kind of geek, no. I was the Star Trek obsessed gal with the long greasy hair who went to conventions just because she might meet someone famous... I was the gal who was one notch from being beautiful, and totally desirable. If only I had seen it then, and washed my freaking hair more often.

Anyway, I made it to true geekdom when I realized that I'm the only person in the office that knows the term "Bounce the server!" or that I opened my Dell to blow it out and fix the fan. ("Oh my GOD, the admin is going to get you for that?! You're gonna break it!") Yeah, yeah. When I did my windows updates on it the rest of the office freaked out. Hey, it's not my fault I live with a network engineer!

Tolkienites are not true geeks. You must have some scientific interest, computer interest, gaming AND fantasy interest. I'm afraid that movie fans just don't count, either, unless they have those qualities.
So there. :cool:

[Araréiel]

c. spec. A person who is extremely devoted to and knowledgeable about computers or related technology. In this sense, esp. when as a self-designation, not necessarily depreciative.
My boyfriend to a T! Heck, www.bondedsender.com (http://www.bondedsender.com) is him. Anti-spam. He and his friends are the types who grew up with those old punch-card computers. He was the tall, 6'6" gangy, pimpled, awkward, glasses guy in high school who never got the girl, not that he cared to-he was too into computers. My God, he's filled out now and is hot! And he proudly wears the label of Geek and Nerd. Geeks and Nerds tend to be very smart, so be proud. Those pocket-protector-kids are the Bill Gateses of tomorrow. In other words, the future billionaires. And with a billion bucks, who's gonna tease ya? Unless you have a bad Trump hairdo or Gates' ugly jackets.......

[yavanna II]

Isn't Bill Gates the biggest geek? But, hey!! He's the richest geek alive

[Araréiel]

Warren Buffett is catching up, and he isn't so geeky. Trump and Gates are the worst, although Trump's big crime is that hair! WHich works well since it causes people to talk. Ta-da! Publicity. If I were a billionaire geek, I would just buy style. :D And there's that 23-year-old last recently whose billionaire father threw her a $60 MILLION wedding! Hey, you can't buy that kind of wealth! Well, yeah you can buy already having it!

But how many self-made millionaires do you know who aren't geeks? My boyfriend knows a bunch of internet-start-up millionaires, including the founder of Hotmail, and they're all geeks!!

But for the money, I'd gladly be more one! And keep in mind geeks can be attractive! I'm a semi-geek and get hit on a lot! Look ay my av.

But where's the money? SHOW ME THE MONEY!!

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Posts on this thread need to be Tolkien-related! All who participate here, please check your contributions - if you can't edit them to make them relevant, please delete them before the administrators/moderators have to do so. Thanks!


http://www.barrowdowns.com/images/skwerlz05.jpg

[Sapphire_Flame]

<==GEEK!!! ^ ^

It is interesting, though, how liking Tolkien almost automatically classifies one as a geek. Not that I mind; I'd rather be a geek than one of the "cool" people. :rolleyes: Why is it that Tolkien fanhood deposits one into the realm of geekishness?

On another point, here's a fun test to find out just how much of a geek you are! (Don't worry, Estelyn, it does mention Tolkien in there! ^ ~) THE GEEK TEST (http://www.innergeek.us/geek.html)

Abedithon le,

~*~Aranel~*~

[Legolas]

Because of the involvement more or less required to get really into his world and understand it. Others see this sort of committment to one book, world, author, et. al as 'nerdy' simply because of the amount of committment.

Note these definitions of 'nerd':

'a student who studies excessively' (confirms my statement above - Tolkien's world being wide open for in-depth study)

'1. [mainstream slang] Pejorative applied to anyone
with an above-average IQ and few gifts at small talk and ordinary
social rituals. 2. [jargon] Term of praise applied (in conscious
ironic reference to sense 1) to someone who knows what's really
important and interesting and doesn't care to be distracted by
trivial chatter and silly status games'

If we're considered 'nerds,' I'd have to say that last definition is the reality of it.

Well, some of us... :cool:

[tar-ancalime]

I was shopping for a birthday card the other day and saw this one:

Front: Birthday greetings from Gandalf! (With a distinctly non-Ian-McKellan image)

Inside: You actually got sort of excited, didn't you? God, you're such a geek!

Back: Get a life!

Also, Sapphire_Flame, that was a great quiz!

[Araréiel]

49.5069% - Super Geek Not to geeky! My boyfriend is a dysfunctional nerd, but hot!

See, to fully appreciate Tolkien requires brains, and brainy people are often considered the nerds and geeks and people tease the nerds and geeks because they're smart. I was tormented and suicidal in fifth grade from it! However, the bullies and teasers will get their comeupance when, at their 10-year-reunions, they see said-nerds and said-geeks are now part of the jet-set.

But I feel sorry for those people who haven't been able to grasp Tolkien.

Both the definitions of Nerd apply to me, and it's something to be proud of. Even non-Tolkienists I know who know who Tolkien is admit he's brilliant, and it almost feels an honor to participate in his world, even if by reading and studying. A lot of people don't have the time neccessary. The Lord knows I barely have time these days with what's happening in my life.

A doctor once told me that reading a lot is a sign of depression, and if I didn't stop and start being more "social," he was going to have me committed. No joke. And schools don't seem to encourage reading mush either.

My boyfriend calls this uber-geeky, but I think it would be beneficial if courses on Tolkien were taught for the parallels to life and the government. It's much more interesting to study our own world when we can compare it to a fantasy world.

[Saraphim]

tar-ancalime, I love that card!
I have noticed an influx in the amount and nature of geekdom over the past few years. I blame the LotR movies. They made LotR, which was one of the first things to start a geek cult, into mainstream, thus causing whoever liked them to be a geek, but also part of pop culture.

Of course, there are those few who say they're geeks but aren't. Mostly these are annoying self-inflated people who would jump on Morgoth's bandwagon if it would make them more popular.

Oh, and by the way, I scored a 68.83629% on the little quiz thing. I'm not really a geek-god. Am I? :(

[Sapphire_Flame]

Heh. I was only at 22.68245%. I guess that comes from really hating math...

Abedithon le,

~*~Aranel~*~

[Shadow]

Well geek mines somebody who is fascinated with computers and such, so I wouldn't take that as an insult. But most people use it as an insult like nerd. Nerd meaning somebody with a restricted/none existant social life.

[Lalaith]

10.45365% - only geekish tendencies, alas.

But I'd guess this quiz is American, as it sometimes seems to confuse being an intellectual with being a geek.
*ducks hail of blows from American Downers*

[Luthien_ Tinuviel]

I took this a long time ago.. I'm sure my score improved, because as of yesterday I do know my age in binary.. but it still seems strangely familiar. 37.67258% - Major Geek. That's me.

What's this about reading a lot being a sign of depression? I'm not sure I believe that.. I must have been and still be quite depressed. And if we follow that rule, I'm sure Tolkien himself was, too. ;)

[Laitoste]

I'm generally not fond of the idea of casting people into roles. I don't fit nicely into a package like that. I'm sure no one else does, either.

Front: Birthday greetings from Gandalf! (With a distinctly non-Ian-McKellan image)

Inside: You actually got sort of excited, didn't you? God, you're such a geek!

Back: Get a life!


I got this card for my birthday!

[Encaitare]

I GOT THAT CARD TOO!!!! Hooray for my best friend Anna who buys me fun geeky cards! And yes, I did get excited and I don't care! Bah-hah!

My Geek Test Score: 26.62722% - Total Geek
Okay, just because I'm in AP classes and know that the answer is 42 doesn't make me a geek! ... okay, yes it does. :D

So actually I consider myself a dork. Not a geek, because I know geeks, and they're not me. I like Star Trek (original only! Leonard Nimoy is my hero!) and most fantasy; I've been to a Renaissance Faire and am hopefully going again this year; I dressed up to see RotK on opening day... and need I say that I'm completely obsessed with all things Tolkien? But I really don't give a crap about my hair (while everyone else has it straightened perfectly), I don't follow the fashion, I purposely wear horrendously clashing clothes from time to time just to break the monotony, and I have been known to "ride" through the halls at school a la Monty Python and the Holy Grail, or run wildly through them while singing (badly) the Fellowship theme.

It's cool, though. I have a feeling most people in my grade have gotten over my friend Anna and me being all crazy and weird. I'm sure people talk about us, but I think most of them probably see us up to some LotR-related antics (ie: shouting "Nai yarvaxea rasselya toltuva notto-carinnar!" in the parking lot -- btw, that's what Saruman says to bring down the avalanche at Caradhras in the FotR movie) and just go, "Oh, it's them again" and move on with their lives. My friend Courtney stated, "In most schools, dorks get tortured. In our school, it's cool to be a dork." And it is, because there are so damn many of us!

But I am an utter band geek, now and forever! ::hugs flute::

[Sapphire_Flame]

Band geeks rule, man. :D As do theatre geeks. :D :D

So, pardon my non-geekish stupidity, but what is binary? And how does one find ones age in it? http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de//sad/confused5.gif

Abedithon le,

~ Saphy ~

[Encaitare]

Binary is the code computers use for just about everything, for all the information. It's all zeros and ones, and the computer interprets these digits to make us all very happy. Out of curiosity I found out my name in binary code yesterday and wrote it on the bottom of my shoe (because that's just the logical thing to do, right? ;) )

The alphabet can be found here: http://www.tekmom.com/buzzwords/binaryalphabet.html

And numbers and other symbols here:
http://www.ccmr.cornell.edu/helpful_data/ascii2.html

Have fun!

[Morgul Queen]

According to an article in The Ottawa Citizen, people who like movies such as LOTR, Harry Potter, Spiderman and Star Wars are geeks!

If that's geekiness, then I'm a full blown geek - and proud of it!

Geeks rule this world, the 'cool' people are just our grunts. Maybe magazines should think about this pefore labeling us.

[Encaitare]

::exchanges high-five with Morgul Queen::

Same here. I'm wearing a Prisoner of Azkaban shirt ("Have You Seen This Wizard?"), I've got the One Ring around my neck (though I suspect it's a knockoff, because it doesn't make me invisible), and I thought the Spiderman movies were brilliant. Star Wars is okay, they're getting kinda dumb but oh well. The Imperial Death March song is awesome, though! ;)

All those people who consider themselves non-geeks are just jealous anyway.

[Morgul Queen]

Exactly! I am currently wearing my One Ring, which I also suspect is a knock-off because I never turn invisible no matter how many times I do the 'Ring goes on, Ring goes off, Ring goes on, Ring goes off' thing, my Return of the Ringers T-Shirt from the get together last year and....this is rather embaressing....those knots that Elrond wears in his hair, I've got 'em. They're not that hard to do, really!

[Morsul the Dark]

15% geek I think it's more that test is tricksy and false at any rate today I furthered my geekiness I learned to play lotr trading card game it is however not too fun anyway

GEEKS UNITE! :D

[Morgul Queen]

25% GEEK PARTY! *throws on Rammstein and headbangs*

[Isowen]

I totally disagree that we are geeks because we like lotr. We should not be judged on what kind of films or books we like. That's just crazy! I don't really like star wars or any of that but Harry Potter is ok. I don't see why we are wierd or geeks because we like the works of a genius! maybe the people who call us geeks do not undestand the magic and wonder that is middle earth. I think if they took the time to read lotr they would realise why we're all so hooked on it!
Thanks
Isowen :D

[Morsul the Dark]

We're geeks because we don't bulk up on muscle and bark like dogs at a football game and we can think of more than sports statistics...We are geeks however GEEK is short for Great Empowered Excelent King you see we rule the world !! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA http://www.computerpannen.com/cwm/contrib/dvv/eplus2.gif

[Encaitare]

Wow, Morgul Queen. I dub thee cool, for enjoying both the Rammstein and the Legendary Frog cartoonage. ::dubs:: That's awesome with the Elrond 'do. Wish I could do that ... Hugo Weaving is my hero!

[Isowen]

Morgul Queen, we are liking Rammstein too. Yay! Encaitare I totally agree and dub thee cool aswell! Just thought i'd say

[Lalwendë]

I was called a geek savant by one of the blokes at work the other day - it wasn't nasty, just a way of describing my erm, 'focus' on Tolkien and lack of knowledge about Star Wars and comics.

By the way, Encaitare, your post about running up the corridors of your school imitating Monty Python & The Holy Grail really made me laugh!

[Gelmir]

Can Someone give me an up to date version on the definition of the word, 'geek', the way I picture 'geek', is somebody who spends all there time on the computer or in books, I mean it's alright to be on the computer at least for 4 hours, unless you're going through the night, but in books, books are only for 2 hours and school hours, or when you are absolutely bored! :smokin: Well...is that was definition of 'geek'? But do tell, if there is another one. :)

[Morsul the Dark]

My personnal definition

Is basicly a fan of a certain thing who has extensive knowledge of that subject or just loves it to death The subject however mst have some mystery to it

Star Wars Geeks-geeks

LOTR Geeks-geeks

TV Geeks-geeks


Then there are geeks who only know about one thing these may be called geeks but they are nerds there is no mystery the merely know

Computer Geeks-nerds

actually best way to seperate the two Geeks like fiction Nerds like nonfiction

here is my map of geeks

fan-fanatic-knowledgable-geek-super geek-uberdork ;)

nerds

knowledable-smart-nerd-way too smart-scary smart-stuffed in locker smart

[Sapphire_Flame]

If that's geekiness, then I'm a full blown geek - and proud of it!

Geeks rule this world, the 'cool' people are just our grunts.

Rock on, Morgy!!! ^ ^ All hail the Geeks!

Thanks for the binary stuff, Encaitare! I now know my name in binary. ^ ^

My general definition of "geek" is just someone who is completely and totally obsessed with a certain book, movie, TV show, video game, or a complete genre of any of the above. Example: I am a fantasy geek. I am completely obsessed with fantasy books, movies, and video games. I am a sci-fi movie geek. I like Star Wars, Aliens, Star Trek, and Back to the Future. I am an Anime/Manga geek. I love Anime movies, and Manga graphic novels.

Abedithon le,

~ Saphy ~

[Encaitare]

By the way, Encaitare, your post about running up the corridors of your school imitating Monty Python & The Holy Grail really made me laugh!

Lol, you should give it a shot at work if your co-workers are open-minded!

Hooray! You too are dubbed cool, Isowen. I dont know where you live, but to get temporarily OT, apparently people in Germany don't even like Rammstein... they think the lyrics are lousy (and they kind of are sometimes but it all just sounds so awesome!).

I think that nerds, geeks, and dorks are entirely separate things.

Nerds: sterotypical glasses-wearing, bad teeth-sporting, computer-obsessing types, a la "Revenge of the Nerds." (Ain't that an amusing movie? ;) )

Geeks: pertains to one thing, such as band, Star Wars, etc. (Wow, those have absolutely nothing to do with each other, but that's okay)

Dorks: Well rounded. Lovers of all things socially uncool. Me.


I'm more of a fantasy person than a sci-fi person, except when it comes to my one sci-fi weakness, the original Star Trek. I love fantasy v. much, including LotR and other novels and movies. Not that big on video games simply because I'm bad at them :D I go to Renaissance Faires... they're so much fun. Anime is kinda where I draw the line; I like the style of drawing and have tried my hand at it, but I'm not into the shows or manga... I don't watch tv that much anyway because the forking sci-fi channel never plays the Star Trek reruns anymore. Blugh on them.

[Morsul the Dark]

Nerds: sterotypical glasses-wearing, bad teeth-sporting, computer-obsessing types, a la "Revenge of the Nerds." (Ain't that an amusing movie? ;) )

... I don't watch tv that much anyway because the forking sci-fi channel never plays the Star Trek reruns anymore. Blugh on them.

well I have the nerd look except slightly up to date like my pants arent too short otherwise im a geek GEEKS UNITE

at any rate try the Sci-fi chennel on Fridays 11:00am to 4:00pm Star Trek usually comes on then Go Spock!

[Encaitare]

Nothing wrong with geek-dom! Or nerd-dom! Let us all unite and be happy!

I shall definitely sit there for the whole 5 hours on Friday and not accept phone calls. Spock is awesome!

[Isowen]

Yey! Encaitare, thank ee' I'm from England, to answer your previous question. I guess because the Germans know what the lyrics mean, it probably doesn't make sense, but to us, it just sounds like very cool awesome ROCK!!
There is absolutely nothing wrong with being a so-called "geek" and I for one, don't give a damn what people call me because I like what I want to like, and if that makes me a geek, so be it. :D Geeks are people too!

[Gothbogg the Ripper]

I don't think we are, is someone a "geek" because they enjoy classic literature? Is someone not a "geek" because they prefer to live in an unenlightened state of intelectual emptiness? If that is the case then I am a geek and I'm proud to say it! :)

[Lush]

I think it's time to go into detail about my first post on this thread. It may just give you some perspective. Or it may just waste your time, though I'll try not to let that happen.

I wasn't one of the cool kids in high school. I had some good friends, and I did have too much fun from time to time, but I was mostly just a bookworm with a naughty sense of humour, proud of being a sexy, misunderstood outcast (or that's what I thought I was at the time).

My first year of college, however, I went a little nuts, and started going out to all the lame clubs in little dresses, and so on. One of my long-term friendships from high school ended at that time. I was accused of "selling out" by subscribing to a ridiculous notion of "cool."

Here is an interesting charge that was levelled at me at the time: "I bet you can't even tell your new buddies you read Tolkien. Nyah!"

It's strange, because about half of my "new buddies" had read Tolkien. And watched the movies. And counted themselves as fans. And partied and played sports and did all those other things that "cool kids" normally do. But they weren't "cool," they were just living their lives.

I learned that the pigeonholing that goes on in high schools loses all relevance if you can think bigger.

I also learned that even so-called geeks can be self-righteous about what they deem to be their superior lifestyle.

It was both funny and sad.

So, um, if people are calling you things because you read Tolkien, it's sad that they do that, and it's sad that you should care. You're better than that. *kiss kiss*

(I know, it's easy for me to say, I'm out of the hell of high school, but trust me on this one, it almost always gets more interesting afterwards)

[Laitoste]

Thank you, Lush. You have given me hope. *chants "one more year" under breath* :D

[Mark]

Ok, we are accused of being geeks and nerds, right? Yes. Now, I just have one question to ask of all of you, whats wrong with being called a geek or a nerd? My friends and I always joke around with each other by calling ourselves geeks, whats wrong with something like that?

The definition of geek is; A carnival performer whose show consists of bizarre acts, such as biting the head off a live chicken.

What a cool thing to be :P

Anyways, when anyone attempts to put me down, by calling me a "geek" or a "nerd" I point and laugh. He is isolated from the wonderful world of fantasy :P His loss.

Just my slice in the pizza :)

[Encaitare]

The definition of geek is; A carnival performer whose show consists of bizarre acts, such as biting the head off a live chicken.

I guess it would be safe to call the great Ozzy Osbourne a geek, then. Except he liked doves. :p

[elronds_daughter]

Having taken the GEEK TEST (http://www.innergeek.us) (and scored 25.64103%... pathetic, really), I must declare myself a TOTAL GEEK. (but according to Encaitare's definition, I am more of a dork. but I really prefer geek.) This, however, is not a bad thing. Therefore I have only one thing to say: Embrace your Geek-ism!

[Nimrodel_9]

Yes! I am a geek, and I don`t care that people think that about me. It`s just who I am, and I am not ashamed. I scored 30.57199% Total Geek on the test. *disappointed* ;)

[aredhelthewhite]

OK geeks=conventions-video games-comic books-dungeons and dragons-chess-other
nerd=high maintenance-beeten up by jocks-smart-ya
I have loved lotr for a while along with star wars and sci-fi and anime and hockey and not people and aahh hm and such Well other than that controversy needs to stop between all ofus and those stupid preppy jocky prep jock like people. WE can out number em come on what do ya say.
They'll never come down to our knees NEVER But all we can hope for is that we try and still keep trying till we get old our teeth fall out and that neibor boy across the street will beat up your enemys robotknomes.
to awnser your question geek good Jock bad





P.S. If any other suchpeople read this PLEASE don't suff me in a locker I'm still healing wait no please no anything but that not that AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.....NO NO PLEASE NO WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO WITH THAT ........ BBBBBBLLLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRGGHHH! !!!!............

END TRANSMITION... :eek:

[Elentari_Elbereth]

I response to the first post, Simply liking Spier-Man, LotR, Starwars movies doesn't make you a geek. Take a look at those Orlando Bloom freaks- many of them care nothing for Tolkien or the Lord of the Rings. I say geekness is in the heart :p

I would possibly classify myself as a geek and a nerd.

I read the hobbit at age 7, and LotR at 8 and 9- and I understood it all!
I still read the books each year, study Quenya in my spare time, etc.. I speak elvish outloud at times and quote from the books and films.
I also like other fantasy and sci-fi things, both geek-categories (books, games.)

And I'm a nerd in school (just ask my friends.. I'm the "smart one".. though I certainly don't think so in my own)

I see "Geek" and "Nerd" as compliments, because there is just nothing interesting about "Ordinary" people. I take pride in geekiness. besides, I agree with an earlier post (forgot who) that it does take brains to understand tolkien. i'd say Geek or Nerd could imply intelligence for that matter :D

p.s. this is my first post here.. Barrowdowns is such a nice site!

[Encaitare]

OK geeks=conventions-video games-comic books-dungeons and dragons-chess-other
nerd=high maintenance-beeten up by jocks-smart-ya

Enca....
-likes conventions (although she's never been to one yet)
-likes comic books/graphic novels
-likes RPGs
-likes chess and isn't half bad at it either
-has been known in some circles as "smart"

I guess I'm a dork, a nerd, and a geek, then! Go me!

p.s. this is my first post here.. Barrowdowns is such a nice site!

Isn't it, though? Welcome to the site! :)

[Elentari_Elbereth]

Thank you! I feel quite welcome here already *smiles*

I agree with Enca, I'd say i'm proud to be a Geek, Nerd, and a Dork!

Actually, I even taught myself to sew and made Eowyn's "shieldmaiden" dress from the films. and I plan to wear it to a convention in the near future :D

The girls in my class tell me I think too much.. but they only think about one thing :"hot guys". It is beyond me why one can think so much on such a dull subject...

Ha ha! I took the GEEK TEST and scored as a Super Geek. Analta Alasse! Super Geek! I like that title. *imagines a superhero: "super Geek"*

p.s. forgive my quenya grammar :p

[Imrahil]

24.65483% - Geek

In some way, everyone is a geek

[Lathriel]

I am also a geek. Maybe not a major one but i do have tendencies. I love band and when I graduate this year the most heartbreaking part will be the fact that I won't be able to play in a band anymore.

I have also taken two AP courses, English and Spanish just because I find both of these subjects interesting.

I don't always reveal my full geekiness cause me family gets annoyed and thats where the Barrowdowns comes in. I can just reveal my full geek self without getting weird looks or my brother rolling his eyes. :D

[elronds_daughter]

I'm a geek

I'm a Major Geek, Imrahil. So there! ;) :D

And I'm proud of it! We should all embrace our geekiness!

[Encaitare]

I have also taken two AP courses, English and Spanish just because I find both of these subjects interesting.

Four for me, to date: European history, American history, English, and Music Theory. Four more next year -- Government, Economics, Spanish, and the next level of English -- along with two other courses for college credit: Psychology and Music History.

About half of these classes hold no interest for me whatsoever.

[Lalwendë]

I have to ask, what's an AP course? Is that something like studying a subject you don't have to study? Like doing extra lessons? :confused:

[elronds_daughter]

"AP" stands for "Advanced Placement". It just means you're taking classes at a higher level than the average.... I think. I don't really know much about it, being homeschooled.....

[Holbytlass]

Whether the word 'geek' is meant to be a compliment or an insult I don't fall into either category. I'm not brainy or technically inclined, and people who see me or know me wouldn't think of me as 'geeky'. I'm just a plain, average, uneventful kind of a person. Most people wouldn't think of me as a Tolkien fan, but when they get a glimps into my obsession, then I'm considered weird.

[Elentari_Elbereth]

Since I've been homeschooled most of my life (save last year and this year), I've never been in a school with AP classes or Honors classes. But I came into 8th grade in a private school and passed tremendously well; straight A's. I did so well that they let me skip the 9th grade and go straight into 10th.
So I'm a grade ahead and doing exceptionally well. I'm bored with my classes, and I find them very simple.. but the rest of the class thinks it is very difficult.

When we review or study in group they fight for me on their side.

odd...

[Lathriel]

AP is a first year university course that you an take in Highschool. If you get a 3 or 4 out of 5 for your exam mark some universities let you skip a first year course. So if you want to get a degree really quickly it can help or you can repeat the course and get higher marks.

Not a lot of people take these courses and that is where the geek factor (or nerd factor)seems to come in.

[Encaitare]

I have to ask, what's an AP course? Is that something like studying a subject you don't have to study? Like doing extra lessons? :confused:

An AP course is like flagellantism: self-inflicted torment that everyone assures you is for the best in the long run.

Lathriel explained it rather well. Basically it is a college-level course, and at the end of the year you take a grueling 3-hour exam. A 3 or above (out of 5) will earn you 3 college credits, although some schools require a 4, or a 5, and certain sticklers won't take them at all.

I suppose they're right, though... I'll be graduating high school with 36 credits, and though not all schools will take them all, at some I can knock out virtually all liberal arts courses because of these credits.

In my school there are Regents Skills courses, which are the easiest, Regents courses, which most people take, and AP or SCALE courses, which get you college credits. They're a lot more work, but I think I'd be bored to tears in anything else. There actually are some cool courses you can take, though, like music theory and music history.

I've actually got my AP theory exam tomorrow, so I'd really better get to bed...

[Amroth]

I don't favour thinking of myself as a geek because everything i do except like LotR HP SW and stuff, ain't what ive heard very geeky.
I think the word geek is just a desperate attack mechanism for someone so that they don't feel so bad about themselves. Confusing? nah just weird.Sorry for any offence taken. :rolleyes:

[Lalwendë]

So you're all deadly clever then, taking these classes a year early? :)

You can't do that in the UK. The closest thing to it is if you are in a school which groups kids according to ability, and that's not very common any more. This is a good thing for anyone who's average at a subject, but if you are very good then you only suffer in mixed ability classes. At primary school I was placed with kids a year above me, but there was no way the local authorities would let me go to high school at 10 so I spent over a year learning anything I wanted to (easy to deal with, with only 30 kids in a whole school). Then it took until I was 13 to finally start learning anything new, by which time I'd developed an unhealthily strong independent and anti-authoritarian streak! :( I suppose its better to be a geek in the US then. It would certainly be excellent to have to be at university for less time, as there would be less bills!

[Celebuial]

I suppose I'm a geek. I got A*'s and A's in my GCSE's with only two B's. I took more subjects than everybody else and took some a year early. I was also the only person doing two languages. But Now I'm doing my A-levels and I was shoked to find that you actually have to put in some effort! I'll be starting an Astrophysics Degree in September.

I still don't get this whole AP thing though. Does that mean that if you don't do any of these you can't go to university? As long as I get the required grades I don't need to do anything else. From all the books I've read that have school scenes there was one that had a bit about an AP maths class, but all the stuff was GCSE or As level so I don't get it. Are university courses longer in America or something? Is that why people take them?

[Encaitare]

I still don't get this whole AP thing though. Does that mean that if you don't do any of these you can't go to university?

Certainly not! They just earn you some college credits to get you a head start. Although they're not at all necessary, colleges/universities like to see that you've taken AP courses because it means you can handle a college workload.

Are university courses longer in America or something? Is that why people take them?

As far as I know, all courses run for one semester. I plan on doing a double major in college, for music education and flute performance. In a lot of schools this is a five-year program instead of the regular four, so having credits in advance will lighten the load a bit for me about a year from now.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

My school is small (less than 500 students Pre-K to 12), and they don't offer AP courses. The closest we have are actual college classes that advanced students can take. My "brother"'s only senior year requirements are Economics and Phys. Ed. Besides that, he took photography, but he only comes in for that. He goes to college classes the rest of the time. I've got credit for a freshman level Government course, and am five weeks from completion of an Economics one. They won't help me for my intended major, but as I'm going to a liberal arts college, it means that they'll be out of the way and I can fill the space with electives.

I am a nerd though. I happily admit it. I'll post for you something that I first heard my Advanced Biology teacher read three or four years ago:

Michael Jordan will make over $300,000 a game, $10,000 a minute assuming he averages about 30 minutes a game.

Assuming $40 mil in endorsements next year, he'll be making $178,100 a day (working or not)!

Assuming he sleeps 7 hours a night, he makes $52,000 every night while
visions of sugarplums dance in his head.

If he goes to see Independence Day, it'll cost him $7.00, but he'll make $18,550 while he's there.

If he decides to have a 5 minute egg, he'll make $618 while boiling it.

He makes $7,415/hr more than minimum wage (after the wage hike)

He'll make $3,710 while watching each episode of Friends.

If he wanted to save up for a new Acura NSX ($90,000) it would take him a whole 12 days.

If someone were to hand him his salary and endorsement money, they would have to do it at the rate of $2.00 every second.

He'll probably pay around $200 for a nice round of golf, but will be 'reimbursed' $33,390 for that round.

He could take 1/100,000th of his income and buy some poor college student 5200 packages of Ramen.

Assuming he puts the federal maximum of 15% of his income into his tax deferred account (401k), he will hit the federal cap of $9500 for such accounts at 8:30 a.m. on January 1st, 1997.

If you were given a tenth of a penny for every dollar he made, you'd be living comfortably at $65,000 a year.

He'll make about $19.60 while watching the 100 meter dash in the Olympics.

He'll make about $15,600 while the Boston Marathon is being run.

While the common person is spending about $20 for a meal in his trendy Chicago restaurant, he'll pull in about $5600.

Next year, he'll make more than twice as much as all of our past presidents for all of their terms combined.

And something to cheer you up after all of this. . .

Jordan will only have to have this income for 270 more years to have a net worth equivalent to that of Bill Gates.
See? Nerds win hands down. And Lord of the Rings helps us on the path to greatness, teaching us modesty through Arwen, trust through Frodo, honor through Boromir, leadership through Aragorn, understated intelligence through Merry, faith through Sam.... must I continue? The virtues that make every person great can be learned through the reading of a novel. Who wouldn't want to?

[zifnab]

According to dictionary.com (of course I chopped it)...


geek ( P ) Pronunciation Key (gk)
n. Slang

A carnival performer whose show consists of bizarre acts, such as biting the head off a live chicken.
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geek

n 1: a carnival performer who does disgusting acts 2: a person with an unusual or odd personality [syn: eccentric, eccentric person, flake, oddball]
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I wonder if KFC is hiring at the moment...