A few suitable words

[Frodo Baggins]

Reasons I like this place:

1. Everyone is friendly here. I Belong to another message board where I get all but ignored. I mean, I say something and it's like they all say "The crazy hobbit is babbling again" "just ignore it". that dosen't happen here.

2. I am allwed to speak of Frodo (me) in the first person tense (e.g. I, me,) without getting laughed into the next age of Middle-Earth.

3. There is always someone else on here when you are(as in all of you on here) so no one feels ALONE.

4. All on here walk around with the same mentality (i.e. obsessed), so no one is seen as a geeky blithering idiot.

I'm sure there's more, but thoughts escape me. And, as you may know, on occasions such as this, we hobbits fear to say too much.

Also, as an inspiration from some friends of mine on here (you know who you are so I won't name names) I will start leaving little quotes with my posts. Here's my first:

"But I am going to Mordor."
"I know that well enough, Mr. Frodo. Of couse you are. And I'm coming with you."

Not to be mushy, I just like that part.

smilies/rolleyes.gif

[Raefindel]

What other board were you on, Frodo, If I may ask? I've never posted on any other. Just vivited to view comments and get an idea of the demographics.

I noticed the "Minas Tirith" forum has few women, and I got the impression that they were "tollerated". Just my impression.

[Frodo Baggins]

Ever hear of ringzone.net? I also will say that people here are a litle more, well, moral. Yes, moral, I will put it that way.

[Raefindel]

Yes, I've read some of the posts on ringzone. I sure wouldn't want my children on that site!I wouldn't want my children to know if I had been on that site! Glad you joined us here.

[Tigerlily Gamgee]

I also find this board to be more inviting. I used to post on another board (though not LOTR related) and people ignored my posts. I don't really go there anymore. Plus, the people there are not quite moral either.
I am glad you're with us here... one hobbit to another! smilies/smile.gif

[The Barrow-Wight]

I like this forum because the leadership is so intelligent and thoughtful smilies/biggrin.gif smilies/wink.gif

Seriously, I'm glad you find the Downs a hospitable place to discuss Middle-earth. We tend to be a bit more staid and less tolerant of mischief than other boards, but we feel that helps us keep the tone truly in the spirit of Tolkien.

Keep on discussing!

[Laiedheliel]

I also used to haunt another board, though it was not LotR related, and most of the time I got either:

a) Completely and utterly ignored

b) Made fun of

-or-

c) Offended beyond your wildest dreams

People on other boards are, well, immoral. I like it here, though, because people are inviting and quite ready and willing to help. Mentioning, if anyone knows any elvish and is willing to share.....

[Rimbaud]

I post regularly on a number of boards and I wouldn't want to make generalised comments on any of them. What I would say however, is that at the Barrow-Downs I have encountered great politeness and some insightful wits in a greater abundance than the Internet usually proffers.

For there to be lilies, there must be dungheaps. Or something like that.

[The Half-Hobbit]

I went to another message board (not LotR), and it wasn't terrible, but there wasn't the welcoming feeling that you get here. It's nice to pop on the Downs and hang out smilies/cool.gif

[Samwise]

I like that being able to speak of myself (Sam) in first person, too--probably why I have so much fun here. smilies/biggrin.gif Sadly, I have found a few (stress few) rude folk, but easily enough ignored.
Sam sat in the bows, clutching the sides, and looking back wistfully to the shore. The sunlight glittering on the water dazzled his eyes.

[Aosama, the Wandering Star]

Frodo: We agree on so many things! I love this place too!
Hope to see you at the forum birthday party!

[Arod]

I've been on some boards (not LOTR related) that are very vulgar and downright intollerable. It takes me a while to post on boards anymore because of that. I usually will linger, read and then decide if I want to join. With this board I was in and out for about 2 months. The thing that impressed me was the knowlege of the people here regarding Tolkien. I am NOT an expert and will probably never be so I am here to learn 99% of the time.

I've noticed some of those boards are just people who have nothing else better to do or talk about so they pick on people. Well I have better things to do than be flamed by some arrogant slacker. Conversation I can deal with even ones that disagree but there is such a thing called tact and respect. Some other boards choose not to use it. From what I've seen here they put those to use. Which is one reason why I continue to post. smilies/smile.gif

[Pips]

I've only found one other board that is as fun as this one.

[Frodo Baggins]

Awwww! Thanks guys. To everyone, well met, I agree completely. I say again, well met.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Aosame -- the Forum birthday party? Where and when is that? I must have missed something here. sharon, the 7th age hobbit

[Eärendil]

I agree with you guys! smilies/smile.gif Not many boards are like this...
Well, I post in another forum (not LOTR related) and everyone´s nice to eachother there (almost all the time..). I never get ignored or made fun of (except for when I am "on it" too), but then it may also be because I am one of the oldies there and well-known everywhere in that "world" (I´m talking about a music group), so no one dares to do that! smilies/wink.gif smilies/biggrin.gif
But this forum is still the best...I love this place. smilies/smile.gif smilies/smile.gif

[Samwise]

Yes...what forum birthday party?
"You don't need to tell me that!" said Sam. "I came without any, and I've been worried ever since. But I was wondering what these were made of, knowing a bit about rope-making: it's in the family as you might say. "

[Auriel Haevasawen]

Yes I agree with everyone about the quality of this forum. I have read other forums and they frankly scare me senseless. You feel very naked writing your thoughts and opinions on here and if someone was to have a go at you it would be difficult not to take it personally. I have only been capital lettered twice, once by someone I've never seen on this site since, and once because I actually posted some incorrect information about the movies. I am to be trusted with Tolkien, sewing, natural history, saxon history and just being friendly though!
Generally speaking everyone here is polite, friendly and like-minded. I haven't felt this welcome in the 'Mortal' world where you may meet one Tolkien enthusiast in your lifetime. Here there are hundreds (Almost Three Thousand!) Thank you Barrowdowns. I know I ramble about nowt but because you're such nice people you don't seem to mind. Thankyou residents of the Barrowdowns.

[Morquesse]

Greetings, people. smilies/biggrin.gif
Yes, this site is very "moral" and I like it that way. What suprised me at first was that there are so many people here and yet it is still very clean. I was at TolkienOnLine.com(a HUGE site) for three months, and it started to fall apart morally, like bad smilies/frown.gif. I wouldn't recommend going there.
So I'm going to enjoy this site while it last. smilies/cool.gif

~M

[Aosama, the Wandering Star]

I'm glad this is a good clean site, or else I wouldn't be allowed on it. If you go to "Barrow Downs", there's a thread called "Let's have the party here!". On page six (yes, six) there is all the info about the birthday party you want to know. Usually, I'm the last one to know anything. This forum, its seems, does not follow the world's pattern (thank goodness!)

[Raefindel]

Welcome to the Barrow-Downs, Morquesse.

[Samwise]

Morquesse, hullo and welcome from the neighborhood gardener! smilies/smile.gif (actually, I'm only one of them on here, but I'm speaking in character smilies/wink.gif )
"Bill, my lad, you ought'nt to have took up with us. You could have stayed here and et the best hay till the new grass comes. "
~Sam Gamgee

[Ms. Took]

I love this board. Everyone is nice. And you don't have to worry about reading ...inapropriate messages.

[Lomelinde]

This is the only Tolkien related board I'm registered on, although I've seen some pretty pathetic messageboards all over the rest of the net. The Barrowdowns forum is a very unique and wonderful board, simply because the people are very friendly and the focus stays on Tolkien and LOTR, resulting in some amazing discussions that are thought-provoking and intelligent. Very rarely have I found threads on other boards as deep and knowledgeable as many on this one.

The Barrowdowns forum is a haven in the midst of the storm of wannabes. (Sorry, lame metaphor. smilies/biggrin.gif )

[Samwise]

I agree whole-heartedly with that, Ms. Took.

"But I'm beginning to think it's time we got sight of that Fiery Mountain, and saw the end of the Road, so to speak. I thought at first this here Redhorn, or whatever its name is, might be it, till Gimli spoke his peice. "
~Sam Gamgee

[Frodo Baggins]

Hear hear and well met I say!! I spend modt of my day here. I love it!

Welcome Morquesse!!! Nice picture byt the way.

Sam! You silly, you changed your signature!!

[Samwise]

Sorry, sir, I change it on a regular (or semi-regular) basis. Don't want to get bored lookin' at the same thing, you know. smilies/smile.gif
At that moment Sam came running back from the edge of the dell.
"I don't know what it is," he said, "--but I suddenly felt afraid. I durstn't go outside this dell for any money" I felt that something was creeping up the slope. "

[Lanniae of the Axe]

Poor poor Frodo! Glad the Downs is beter for you!

I've never been on another message board, but I am on a yahoogroup, sorta the same, but it's jsut a small gorup of close friends, etc. so yeah I've never had that problem.

Ringzone.net immoral?? Haha now you've intrigued me...woo just kiddin!

--Lanniae

[Frodo Baggins]

What do you mean Axe? That I was ignored? Well, let me say that om that other place, it's gotten worse. Here is how it is, "Do you hear somrthing?" "Yes, the dummy little hobbit is babbling again, don't pay attention and maybe it will go away." whail I'm going "hey I'm talking!! Heloooo!!!!"

I'm am well-hear here. though my remarks can be rather stupid at times.

not all those who wander are lost

[Auriel Haevasawen]

That's awful Frodo, talk to us anytime. I talk rubbish at every available opportunity and will listen to anyone as they seem so kind to listen to me.
The dead don't want you to go away. Stay awhile amongst us.
I personally don't frequent other sites, this one is perfect for me and now I'm finding out what it's like out there I'm staying in my barrow.

[Frodo Baggins]

Oh man! Oh man! Oh man! I'm a Wight!! I'm a Wight!! I'm a Wight!

*does hobit dance, a few steps of the Springle-ring*

Yayyyyyy!!!!!! Wahooooo!!!!

I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!!!!!

Deep roots are not reached by the frost

[Lady_Báin]

"Yes I agree with everyone about the quality of this forum. I have read other forums and they frankly scare me senseless. You feel very naked writing your thoughts and opinions on here and if someone was to have a go at you it would be difficult not to take it personally."

I thought i was the only one who was scared out of my wits whenever i posted smilies/smile.gif

but hey three cheers for the barrow downs I commend you with the Lady Báin award for best and most welcoming forums ever smilies/smile.gif

Its so incredible how all of the people here are like a comunity and have never even met (well most of us smilies/smile.gif) before

makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside smilies/smile.gif

not all those who are lost wander.

[ May 17, 2002: Message edited by: Lady_Báin ]

[Mithadan]

On behalf of the "Team", thank you all.

For those asking about the Barrow-Downs Birthday Party, an announcement will be posted later today.

[Morquesse]

Whoa, haven't been here in a while. smilies/rolleyes.gif
Thank you, Raefindel, Samwise and Frodo Baggins for your welcomes! and I'm glad you approve of my pic, Frodo. smilies/wink.gif
Yes, this is a fine site, where everyone feels comfortable. smilies/cool.gif (and people don't to worry about being cussed at)
See ya,
~M

[Ithaeliel]

*Sniff* this is the best forum I've ever been to... all the other ones were full of people who slinged so much mud at the subject that about 1% of the people were fans. When I first came, I was so scared that everyone might be mudslingers that I almost didn't sign up. But I was wrong and I am sure glad I did! I love all you guys!!! smilies/smile.gif
And I think the b-day party is in the Books section.

[VanimaEdhel]

Yes: sadly I once was a big Backstreet Boy fan (I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I was young!), and THOSE boards...MEOW! LOL. I found a few good friends and never made enemies, but the girls there...wow...I pity you that must live with my generation of teenagers (my b-day's in 25 days: I'll be 15!).

But: here, the worst I get is eyes rolled at me when I comment that I like Legolas (as a CHARACTER!), and I can deal with that! LOL But: I love you guys! Never change!

And: where else do the mods not get so overly mad when I do an extra post just because I am so happy at the fact that I upgrade (I just upgraded to Shade of Carn Dûm, btw: yay for me!) in status.

[Raefindel]

Congratulations, Van! smilies/biggrin.gif

[Morai]

*Falls through the door*
Oops! Sorry I'm late! (Man do I have a problem of being late into topics)
I like this forum cuz there's actually other Elijah Fans here!
Plus I used to go to this other forum (not tolkien related) and if you were a newbie they would flame you on purpose until you left the forum. (thank goodness that sites down!)

[Nevfeniel]

Yeah, Morai. Here, whenever a newbie arrives, people actually welcome them.
*gasp!*

[ May 26, 2002: Message edited by: Nevfeniel ]

[Morai]

plus at the other forum I was talking about, I once got flammed by a muslim because I'm a christain.
(I still got the scars left from the burns, hehe.)

[Joy]

Morai, I am sorry about that. Flame wars are aweful.

Here, we have such diversity of religions, yet it does not get in the wasy of our love of Tolkien and Lord of the Rings.

I love this board so much. I have learned a lot here and feel free to post even stupid questions smilies/biggrin.gif.

This is one of the few secular boards that I have been to that I feel free to place Scripture in my signature.

Thank you all for making this place what it is.

[Gimli Son Of Gloin]

One reason I like this board is because there is no vulgarity.

[Frodo Baggins]

Hear hear Gimli, That's one of my favourite points.

[Nevfeniel]

Yes, that is definitely a plus. I hate it when I'm posting and (not here, thankfully) someone starts cursing at me in all caps, and I'm just like, "Whoa, cool it." Which, of course, makes them even madder (more mad? I don't have very good grammer, do I?)

[Arladwen Brandybuck]

I Know what it is to be Ignored Happens on every board I snig up for. But then maybe if I were a louder Voice in the place that wouldn't happen so much. I hung out at a place Called the blackrider untill I found the downs. Only had two friends on the hole board and the were Admins of the place and just up and wonder away.

[Joy]

Arladwen, I see that you are new here. I don't know if you have been given a proper welcome or not...

Mae govannan Arladwen. Elen sila lumenn' omentielvo. (A star shines on the hour of our meeting.)

Hope you enjoy your stay here at the Downs. Post often and learn much! smilies/smile.gif

[Raefindel]

Mae Govannen Arladwen, Welcome to the Down.

Cool Picture, where did you find it?

[Arladwen Brandybuck]

*Bows to joy and Reafindel glad that they had Greeted here * thank you both smilies/smile.gif this place is the best place I have been so Far people are so cool smilies/smile.gif As for the picture it is a Anime elf and a lotr Background I found I'm good with a photo editing programs. I'm glad you like it I put a lot of work into it. smilies/biggrin.gif

[Nevfeniel]

I'm bringing this topic back from the dead!!
Anyhoo, I'm registered at another forum (non-Tolkien) and it's like nobody ever posts! I'm gone for a couple months, and almost nothing has changed! I love how people reply so quickly here! Maybe the 'Downs shouldn't have been my first forum; I'm spoiled here! smilies/biggrin.gif

[Samwise]

I know what you mean, Nev. I'm registered at another message board (non-Tolkien, and actually where I got the link to this site, from), and I've been back a few times to post, ask "How's it going?" or whatever, and they've completely ignored me!


<font face="Verdana" size="1">I am...</p>


<img src="http://www.freak-in.com/~fof/quiz/seana.jpg" border="0" alt="I'm Sean Astin!"></p>


http://www.freak-in.com/~fof/quizWhich Fellowship Actor are YOU?</a></p>

"So my plan is all spoilt!" said Frodo. "It is no good trying to escape you. But I'm glad, Sam. It is plain that we were meant to go together. "

[ July 02, 2002: Message edited by: Samwise ]

[Nevfeniel]

Well, that was rude of them! I actually made a topic at the non-Tolkien site I mentioned, and about two people answered! And that was in, like, May!! I replied more than anyone, and one of the posts was, "anyone there?"

[NazgulNumber10]

this board is the only place i've ever related to people....snuf snuf......i love you guys....(note: i don't mean that in a gay way, nn10 is straight as a ruler)

[Samwise]

Nice. smilies/frown.gif
I'm glad I've got this place. Lots of interesting folks here. smilies/wink.gif
I've even made a couple snail and e-mail friends.
'Nother thing I didn't like about that site was that they were all (%98, anyhow) stuck on this one "topic" that I completely disagreed with, so when I went there, half the time there was nothing for me to talk about. smilies/wink.gif
"Just hold on a moment and I'll get my stuff!" cried Sam eagerly. "It's all ready. I thought we should be off today. " http://www.tolkienmovies.com/images/spyphotos/womensweekly10_sm.jpg

[NazgulNumber10]

yeah thanx for the support samwise......i just need a shoulder to cry on...........

[Samwise]

Anytime, NN10. smilies/wink.gif
"Now Sam," said Frodo. "Don't hinder me! It's the only way! "
"Of course it is." answered Sam. "But not alone. "I'm coming too, or neither of us isn't going. I'll knock holes in all the boats, first. "
My First Parts of My First Attempts at an LOTR-Based Story (http://www.network54.com/Hide/Forum/187925)

[NazgulNumber10]

ok..wawawawawawawawa...ehhhhhh you may want to change yor shirt samwise

[Samwise]

LOL---it's okay, I've got a large wardrobe.
Sob away.
"Of all the confounded nuisiances you are the worst, Sam! "
~Frodo Baggins

[NazgulNumber10]

ok..wawawawawawawawawa..snuf snuf..wawawawawa

[Aosama, the Wandering Star]

It is a fine thing for a board and it's inhabitants to be considered trustworthy enough for NN10 (or any Nazgul) to confess love for us. *feels special*. Another shoulder for your other eye, NN10? smilies/biggrin.gif

[NazgulNumber10]

hmmmmmmm....yes yes it's all going according to plan.......i mean....um...

[Samwise]

Mister Nazgul, I'll have you know I still carry my Barrow-blade. http://forum.barrowdowns.com/ubb/icons/icon1.gif
C:/Mydocuments/Samwise4.GIF

[NazgulNumber10]

yes yes samwise...my plan will be revieled in soon in the black gates are open rpg. it will explain how a tenth nazgul came to be, and of my purpose here at the downs....

[Samwise]

Hm....
*Goes to get his daughter Primrose, who's more than a fair shot with a bow....*
"But I am going to Mordor."
"I know that well enough, Mr. Frodo. Of course you are. And I'm coming with you. "
http://www.tolkienmovies.com/images/characters/newline-frodosam1_sm.jpg

[QuickSlash]

This does seem to be one of the best boards out there. Everyone's always welcomed, it's always active, and you've got just about everything you could want.

I've had my own bad experiances with other boards (none LotR), including being ignored and occasionally flamed. I ended up leaving the place, becuase I knew that there are happier boards to visit. *grins* Best wishes.

[akhtene]

Great place!!! And my first experience. It's the second one that turned a disaster (they all suddenly turned to computer problems, of which I'm an ignoramus)

Know what, I think I've grown really adicted. Yesterday my PC said something like "first you pay, then you post" as I had absolutely forgotten about such earthly matters as paying for the time.
I spent a sleepless night cursing thee world, myself and my smilies/tongue.gif dear machine included. But tonight at last I'm HERE!! smilies/biggrin.gif

EHJOY YOURSELVES EVERYONE AND LET ME ENJOY YOUR COMPANY! smilies/biggrin.gif smilies/biggrin.gif

[Samwise]

Well, hullo,akhtene! Welcome back!!


"Gollum's doing, I'll be bound," said Sam to Frodo. "And a nice place to choose, too. The River seems set on taking us right into their arms! "

http://members.aol.com/sst205/images/frodoandsam.jpeg My Two Favorite Hobbits! (Particularly the one on the left, but you didn't know that, right? smilies/wink.gif )
My Pic/Poem Page (http://hometown.aol.com/sst205/myhomepage/lotr.html)

[akhtene]

Thanks. And nice picture page! smilies/smile.gif

[Samwise]

LOL--thank you! It's just something I'm playing with....I "updated" it this afternoon---'cause I don't know WHEN I'm going to get our scanner hooked up. I'm afraid if I try it myself--I'll blow up the house! smilies/wink.gif
"It's a shame to wake you." whispered Sam, "but that's what you said. "
http://www.freak-in.com/~fof/quiz/seana.jpg

<font face="Verdana" size="1">I am...</p>

[Child of the 7th Age]

Samwise -- I love that picture I have it up on my refrigerator as a magnet which I picked up at e-bay. It's the only one I know where they're both grinning.

sharon, the 7th age hobbit

[Samwise]

Child, how are you?? I miss you guys.
Ooh. What a cool idea...I have a metal desk in my room with magnets all over it. How I'd love to have one like that.
I know what you mean, too. Most of the pics of "Frodo" are super-serious or scared out of his mind, and "Sam" is either serious, dirty(I mean real dirt--man, those poor guys must've had to shower every six hours on that set) or with what my friend calls the "Famous Sean Astin half-smile." I just think the above pic is so sweet. smilies/smile.gif
"That's about it," said Sam. "I'll keep watch. I can sleep tomorrow, being no more than luggage in a boat, as you might say. "