What do you love about the Barrowdowns?

[Lyra Greenleaf]

I think one thing we all agree on is that the Barrowdowns are fantastic, so why is that? What do you like best about the BDs?

Is it in-depth discussions on Balrog wings and Legolas’ hair in the Books forum? Or helping out newbies? Or tormenting newbies? Or the way everyone helped YOU when you were a newbie? Or arguing over whether PJ is a genius or a heretic in the Movies? Or playing a half-Elven magical shieldmaiden in the RPG rooms? Or the fact that Pio won’t let anyone play half-Elven magical shieldmaidens - it’s just so not Tolkien? Or making new friends all over the world? Or the whole new set of people to tell how much you LUUUURVE Orlando Bloom? Or the effort everyone puts into their spelling and grammar? Or the buzz of FINALLY spotting the word-in-words in the Quiz room, then noticing the Saucepan Man got there first? Or tormenting Helka? Or dreaming about the day you get your personal title? Or the lovely warm feeling when someone mentions you on the “What do you like about people” thread? Or the wonderful, kind and friendly Mods? Or just the feeling that you’re not a freak for living and breathing Tolkien- there’s always someone out there more obsessed than you (mentioning no names!)?

[Hirilaelin]

Hiri's list:

Helping out the newbies

Playing evil characters in the RPGs

Getting a quiz question right, even before Beren!

Laughing at the craziness in Middle Earth Mayhem

More to come!

EDIT: And of course, how could I forget dreaming of a personal title !

[ May 28, 2003: Message edited by: Hirilaelin ]

[Bêthberry]

Its defining characteristic of witty, clever, erudite posts, coupled with a slight po-faced tendency--that is, of assumed seriousness, without taking oneself too seriously.

Whose posts am I talking about? Those of Barrow Wight, Mithadan, Mr. Underhill, Sharkû, Onewhitetree (Kkate), Zifnab, burrahobbit, Bruce Macculloch, Rimbaud, Squatter, Kurruharan, Estelyn Telcontar, Birdland, Lush, Legolas/Ulmo.

I'd also include any thread which Child of the Seventh Age sets up even though her discussions tend towards earnest seriousness rather than assumed. Her thoughts are always rewarding.

[ May 30, 2003: Message edited by: Bêthberry ]

[Lindolirian]

I like the cold dank smell, the sandy dirt in my bony toes, and the occasional worm that stops by for a nice crawl through my rotting abdomen. Okay, enough with the morbid stuff...
Any BD-er who even faintly knows me knows that I am a quizzer at heart, and I love putting out the most nassty posers that pop into my sweet little head. O yes, of course answering the easy ones that newbies think are hard... hehehe smilies/evil.gif
I enjoy these little threads that have to do with people's emotions and the Downs. They're so corny, but so nice.

By the Boogeyman, I nearly forgot. I love seeing that Agent Elrond next to my name. He's just too cool.

[ May 28, 2003: Message edited by: Lindolirian ]

[Manardariel]

What I love si much about the Downs is the ability to make me feel like the Queen of Arda when I was just about to kill myself from Monday Blues five minutes earlier. It´s true!
And I´m also amazed by the fact that I´m comunicating with all these -truly amazing- people I´d never met it life-to-life circumstances. If the Downs have taught me something -exept for sesible paragraph writing, time commitment and RPGing- it´s that every person out there who I never waste a thought to could be on the Downs, just as Tolkien-addicted and PCdependant as me, and just as cool and funny and sweet as you!

Ok, that was the cheesy part..... I love:

*RPGs
*Laughing at stuff in Mayhem
*That ever-so-proud-feeling when someone posts stuff like "I loved your post" or "I´m sure you can do it!" (especially when that someone is a mod!)
*My mom´s blank face when she looks over my back
*All those cool Avatars
*And especially YOU PEOPLE!! smilies/biggrin.gif

[VanimaEdhel]

I like the people the most. I even like the Orlando-shriekers. They provide a little extra comedy and where would we be without them? I love all the RPG'ers I play with, and all the people that I have spoken with on here and in the Chat. Where else could I debate Tolkien with people from the Netherlands while, at the same time, chatting with people from various parts of Great Britain in the Chatroom? No other room I have ever belonged to had that diversity. I love people to begin with, so that adds to why "the people" would be my favorite thing about the 'Downs.

[Lush]

I love three things in life: money, absinthe, and the Barrow Downs. It's all about the green.

Hardy har har.

Some of the best conversations in my life have been held with various Downs members in the forum and on chat. I could name-drop, but I'm tired, and you all know who you are, a thousand times over. smilies/wink.gif

[Sapphire_Flame]

I love all the cool people you can meet here. Like: The Barrow-Wight, ElentariGreenleaf, Arestelwen, Hirilaelin, Helkahothion, and Sapphire_Flame (of course!). I love ME Mayhem, and the Quiz Room, and The Movies. The Barrow Downs forum is great too. smilies/biggrin.gif The whole place is just wonderful!!!!!

[Lyra Greenleaf]

Or the lovely warm feeling when someone mentions you on the “What do you like about people” thread?
No more fear of this...

My favourite (as I never answwred my own question smilies/wink.gif ) is definitely getting to know people. There are some great characters from all over the world. It's amazing to think I talk to people in the USA or wherever more than some of my friends. And scary too...

[Eressië Ailin]

I love all of you!!! I have very little to add to this... Beating Beren in the Quotes room is a very nice feeling (not in the Quiz room though smilies/redface.gif ).

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

One of my favorite things is writing a quiz question I think is hard enough to merit the "evil" ( smilies/evil.gif) face.

I also love the IM conversations I've been having with fellow-downers,

the RPG rooms (especially when you get to write with such great people as Maikafanawen, Lyra, Durelin, X Phial and all the rest... sorry those of you I've neglected, you're great to write with too!),

and realizing you have something to say and saying it well in the Books forum is very rewarding as well. Even though it's a rare occurence for me smilies/wink.gif.

Sophia

[Iarwain]

I love engaging in "deep" conversations that are based largely on one's view of reality. I share Sophia's love for PM conversations. But what I love most of all are discussions on morality (and Tolkein, of course). In these, I feel that I truly thrive.

Iarwain

[Tarien Ithil]

I love the people and their tolerance with others, friendliness and will to accept others! And I love the discussions and the fcat that I learn something new every time I visit the Downs!! smilies/smile.gif

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

I love this place for all of the above reasons, and also for teaching me not to use chatese... I used to use it all the time on AIM.

~Menelien

[ June 03, 2003: Message edited by: GaladrieloftheOlden ]

[peony_foxburr]

1. The Downs is the friendliest board I've frequented. If you ask about something which has been discussed already, you're directed in a very nice way to that information, not ridiculed. (Not that I care much, at my age--but it's not nice to make fun of new people!!!)
2. Incredibly knowledgeable posters. I can do a search and find out all kinds of stuff about Tolkien, the books, Middle-Earth. Sort of a Google for all things Middle-Earth.
3. Funny.
4. Contact with the whole world of Tolkien admirers, in all their diversity. No one likes feeling like a lone freaky geek. I'd rather be with all the other freaky geeks smilies/smile.gif
5. The Walk to Rivendell!!!!!!!
By the way, can someone direct me to information on the true significance of the message icons?

[Manardariel]

HERE (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=14&t=001064) you go, peony! smilies/smile.gif

[Arwen Imladris]

In-depth discussions on Balrog wings and Legolas’ hair in the Books forum - even though I can never think of anything to add! smilies/smile.gif

Helping out newbies - I try anyway!

Making new friends all over the world!

Dreaming about the day you get your personal title - Oh ya!


The wonderful, kind and friendly Mods! smilies/smile.gif

Just the feeling that you’re not a freak - Well, sometimes even here...

[Yavanna228]

I have a feeling that as I'm here longer, I will have more to add.
I love the kind help given, even whenever I make some silly mistakes.
I love the colourful personalities of all the members here, the way they compliment each other perfectly, forming a beautiful tapestry of humanity. smilies/smile.gif
I love the intellectual interplay that goes on, and the deep thought that goes into many posts.
I love the way people are willing to share their beliefs about things, and even better is the acceptance of those differing opinions.
I love the really very helpful mods, the structure of the site, and the way it is so well run.
I love the incentive this site gives to know Tolkien inside and out, and I love all the learning opportunities! I feel that I can really thrive here.
Thanks to all of you who make this site so wonderful! smilies/biggrin.gif
Peace

[ June 04, 2003: Message edited by: Yavanna228 ]

[Durelin]

...tormenting Helka

Uh...DUH!!

Well, really, I love the organization of the Downs just as much. I know I always complain whenever a mod deletes my nonsesne posts, but, really, I'm glad they do it! The forums have room for intelligent discussion, and Mayhem is the place for goofy stuff. The oraganizational excellence peaks in the RPG forums. The Barrow Downs is THE BEST place to RP, and it has the most talented writers because of that. It also helps create talented writers, I think.

Playing evil characters in the RPGs

Another thing I will always cherish. People always tell you how evil you are, too, so it makes it double the fun to laugh at those people who think you're so good. When really you aren't that good. Nope. No one's that good. Except for me, of course! smilies/evil.gif

Kidding, of course. smilies/biggrin.gif Thanks to all those people who kept saying that Raken was so evil. He will forever be one of my favorite characters! smilies/biggrin.gif

[Niluial]

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
...tormenting Helka
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Uh...DUH!!
Ahh.. the feeling you get once you get it right is amazing!! smilies/biggrin.gif

[arianrod]

I've joined many other Tolkien forums in the past couple of years, and there is no forum out there quite like the Downs. I feel so much more welcomed and loved; it's so much more relaxed and easier to post here without fear of being attacked if my views are different from everyone else's.

I love the people here and the discussions I can have with them. It's amazing; I can laugh my butt off at strange captions, embarrassing LotR stories, and Elvish insults at Middle-Earth Mayhem and then go straight in to the Books and have stimulating and in-depth discussions about the books and characters with the same people I was just laughing with. The Barrow-Downs is such a unique place, and I'm so grateful to have found it! ^_^

[MLD-Grounds-Keeper-Willie]

I love the intellectual discussions, especially in the books forum.
I love how I can discuss just about anything Tolkien.
I love the people here, and I love how there are so many people here.
I love how I can criticize the PJ movies if I want, or defend the Bakshi film if I want.
I love how we're supposed to be dead but we're really having the time of our lives.
I love the friendly atmosphere.
I love the fact that you can feel like you've actually accomplished something after being here for a while.
I love the fact that I've been here only for about 8 months yet I feel like I've been here for years.
I love all the new members that keep popping up and you know that each batch that comes in will have at least one great member that is going to challenge you.
I love watching newcomers grow and early on, knowing that they're going to be great.
I love the challenges, the debates, and the arguing.
I love the mods and administration, who don't abuse their power.
I love the respect we all give out and receive.
I love how people share and defend thier beliefs.
I love how this site started from the books, not the movies.
I love how we are all so diverse.
I love how we are all brought here together by a common thread- Tolkien and his Middle-earth.
I love how I can have an intelligent conversation with all of you.
I love how there is always someone here who has understood me.
I love that I can spill my feelings all over this forum and never get laughed at.

Most importantly though, I love how this is my home away from home. You people are like a whole other family to me. I have no friends or relatives from my daily life here. It is like a whole other life. Middle-earth is also like a whole other life, so think of how great this site is to me if I can compare it on a level of Tolkien and his works. But it is greater because you know this is real. I care about my reputation on this forum. It's not like other forums or any type of online community where I don't care one bit. This site means something to me. I can be myself here. I don't have any friends or relatives, not even acquaintances, but I like that. I don't have to hide my light in a bush, I can let it out for all to see if they will. I can just be who I am and that means so much to me I don't know what I'd do if I couldn't. It's actually quite funny since I don't wear a mask to hide myself in real life but I sometimes can't be myself, yet I wear a mask to hide myself here but I am myself. I love this site and the people who make this a community. I love all the things that go with it- the humor, the sadness, the joy, the anger, the love....Thank you so much.

~Sincerely,

MLD-Grounds-Keeper-Willie

[ June 14, 2003: Message edited by: MLD-Grounds-Keeper-Willie ]

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Well, after that glowing report, my little addition seems rather humble.

I love getting on chat and being greeted with exclamation points.

Sophia

[The X Phial]

Sophia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Take that!

I love the fact that so many excellent people are gathered together to discuss such excellent literature. I have found many friends through this site. I also love that it allows me to express my love of Tolkien and my creativity together. That's about it, I shouldn't post and listen to weird al at the same time. It does things to my brain.

[ June 14, 2003: Message edited by: The X Phial ]

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

I love meeting new people, friends of all ages, many of them better friends to me than all but the best few of my "real-life" ones. I love that I can be more me here than in school and other places. If I acted anything like this anywhere else, I would be thought of as more of a phsycho than now, and here people are... uh, understanding. ^_^ Also, that I have a chance to create a reputation for myself. I mean, it may not be great, but still, in school I’m considered "the quiet tall girl with the book in the corner", and here I get a new chance to start again. And I don’t believe many people here consider me quiet. smilies/wink.gif And another thing, nobody minds how young I am. If they did, I would have many fewer friends here than I do, but instead nobody minds, as most people in real life do.

~Menelien

[ June 15, 2003: Message edited by: GaladrieloftheOlden ]

[steve]

Hey all
What I love about the downs is well... all of you, you are all so nice, even the Mods, you made me feel like I fit in somewhere. You all have been really nice to me. I love you all of you are so nice to the newbs, whereever they are, weither its a new person to Tolkien, or someone like me trying to fit in with a RPG charachter. I could post like this about all of you for pages upon end, but I wont waste the memory of the site, since i dont have any money to contribute to the site, even tho (i know i spelt though wrong, but tho is how i spell it) i want a downs shirt more then anything at the moment. I just love all of you so much, you seem like extended family (for some reason I think I spelt family wrong) to me. *Gives everyone a BIG HUG (or a handshake to those guys that are a little homophobic)* I better stop typing, im starting to cry.

Love allways to everyone
Steve


Ps. If I emntioned earlier on a topic but not many saw it, I dont think, But I am making a Warcraft 3 RPG and I am dedicating it to all of you, so if you want your name (custom account) included, just PM me, please. (edit 1)

Post-Ps. Happy fathers day to all of you fathers out there. *edit 2)
[ June 15, 2003: Message edited by: steve (YES I EDITED THE EDITED MESSAGE MUAHAHAHAHAHA (ok I better go to sleep now) ]

[ June 15, 2003: Message edited by: steve ]

[Lyra Greenleaf]

QUOTE]It's actually quite funny since I don't wear a mask to hide myself in real life but I sometimes can't be myself, yet I wear a mask to hide myself here but I am myself.[ [/QUOTE]
That's just like what I was thinking a little while ago. Spooky! I think it's the fact that I'm letting a different part of my personality out rather than one being right and one not. I like the oppurtunity to be Lyra who is completely different to Joanne!

the RPG rooms (especially when you get to write with such great people as Maikafanawen, Lyra, Durelin, X Phial and all the rest...
Thank you very much Sophia. Flattery will get you everywhere! But you know Reclaiming the City would have gone to bits without you (and GaladrielOTO, and Nil). I'm just a follower!

[ June 15, 2003: Message edited by: Lyra Greenleaf ]

[Estella Brandybuck]

Well for one thing, this is one of those rare LotR message boards where most of the members aren't always posting things like: "omg i luv thes movis leggy iz sooo hott!11!1" smilies/wink.gif

The discussions here are great - I'm amazed at how much detail members can put into their arguments. Despite the feelings of inferiority I get when I see how much more everyone else knows about Tolkien's world, it's still a lot of fun to watch these discussions.

Also, the discussions are pretty intelligent (when they need to be smilies/wink.gif ), with little, if any, chat talk. It is so refreshing not to have to see "omg u ppl r so crayz lol!!111" every other page.

And of course, there's the people. Pretty much all of the oldbies do their best to help out newbs like myself. So far I've gotten two PMs from random users welcoming me to the boards and telling me not to be shy about joining the discussions. I haven't really made friends here (I'm kind of a loner smilies/tongue.gif ), but the members here are definitely very kind and friendly.

Another great thing about this place is that I learn new Tolkien facts pretty much every time I visit. And most of the members here are very devoted to the dear Professor; it's nice to see that not everyone in the world is a critic. smilies/wink.gif

[Everdawn]

I love this place mainly becuase of the RP's. Since i have been here, It had kind of developed my writing skills, so now i am at a solid A in senior English at school.

[obloquy]

I mostly just love my own posts.

[the phantom]

I'd tell most people they were being overly conceited, but I suppose you have just cause, oblo. I love your posts too. smilies/smile.gif

[Helkahothion]

I like: The RPG section of course.
I like: The Inn's
I like: The people I met here. Some of them are weird and clame they can pester or annoy me( Durexy) but I know they mean well and are great persons. (again Durexy) The MSN conversations are wonderfull. So are the PM conversations.

I like: Well since a short time I am fond of the books too. People there know so much and I am learning a lot. It is really fascinating.

I like: The Moderators and Admins. (especialy Pio, Aman, Bb, but most of all Mithadan.) They don't bark at you and are always trying to help you. Never too tired to answer questions or help you on your way. Bethbêrry is a great help in my spelling too. So is Mithadan. I really apreceate that. My grades in english have improved every since they PMed me.

I like: The interaction between people all over the world. They don't care if you are dutch, english, USA, Danish, black, white green or yellow. They judge you on your inside. If only the world would be like this. smilies/frown.gif

I like: The way the downers treat the newcomers. This is the best place to start if you are new in the world of Tolkien. They are accepted and blend in very easely. The Mod's have a great deal in this.

I like: What the downs means for people. Maikadilwen met Cuthalion here and are going to get married and Faye Took and I met here and are madly in love. Never knew a website could be a matchmaker smilies/smile.gif

That's all for now smilies/smile.gif

Suilad,

Anuion

[ June 18, 2003: Message edited by: Helkahothion ]

[burrahobbit]

Helkahothion, you forgot to mention obloquy and I. We are getting married in May. You couldn't possibly fathom my excitement, thanks BW!

[piosenniel]

Congrats Burra! I am knitting booties . . .heard it was a shotgun wedding. smilies/wink.gif

[burrahobbit]

Why are you making light of our love? This is very serious for us.

[piosenniel]

I am aghast that you would think I make light of something so rare . . . so fine.

Nay, the love you two bear for each other is as a shining jewel. Each facet reflects the warmth and depth of your undying affection and shines out a thousandfold. We bask in it, and are undone by the glory of it.

Our poor dead minds are made all the richer by the consideration of it.

(Now when's the party? And please, I like my Guinness room temp and plenty of it smilies/wink.gif)

[Gorwingel]

I like: The interaction between people all over the world. They don't care if you are Dutch, English, USA, Danish, black, white green or yellow.

I have to agree with that. It is so cool saying that I just communicated with someone from Asia. Or I just sent an E-Mail to someone in Australia. Or a person in London just responded to my post. This place in one way makes the world seem much more closer and smaller, you see how even though many of us live in different countries, we all still have much in common.

[Everdawn]

Yeah, i dont think the mods get enough thanks for all they do... Which when you think about it is quite a lot...
espesh. Pio, i mean she had to edit my first posts in the shire in my early days, so imagine what she has to do for a lot of newcomers!...

Thanks guys! smilies/wink.gif

[Helkahothion]

Terrebly sorry Burra, I did not know. Good luck! And have a nice life smilies/wink.gif

It is so cool that you see people that are like you. In my enviroment, people don't care about lotr. They think I am crasy to get interested in a "book". But then they go on about star wars. I mean, talking about hyppocrite right? People here understand each other. They share a big thing in common.

Suilad,

Anuion

[Everdawn]

Everdawn does not see the attraction in Star wars and couldnt agree more...

[Olorin]

I love so many things about the Downs that I can't mention all of them here. However, these are the things that I love the most (in no particular order):

[list=1] In-depth discussions on Balrog wings and Legolas’ hair in the Books forum Making new friends all over the world The effort everyone puts into their spelling and grammar Dreaming about the day you get your personal title[/list=a]

Number 1 because it always intrigues me the new dimensions that people add to the book with the in-depth discussions. Tons of times, I find out new things about the books of which I never would have thought.

Number 2 because I always love to hear about different parts of the world and I just think it's really cool to know people from all around the globe.

Number 3 because I take it as a sign of respect that people take the time to spell right (even though I'm sure I have an occasional error in spelling).

Lastly, I love number 4 because... I don't know... I figure it will be a way to express myself. smilies/biggrin.gif

[Elennar Starfire]

I love:

-Sharing feelings and ideas without fear of being laughed at (unless I'm trying to be funny),

-The warm, fuzzy feeling of being quoted, or told that my idea was good,

-Improving my typing skills by posting,

-Feeling like I have friends all over the world who I have never met,

-So much more that I can't put into words.

[Niluial]

There are many, many, many things I love about Barrow-Downs and to list all of them would take infinity to write and read it! I love Barrow-Downs in so many ways. It relaxes me, I love the fact that when you are on here you do not learn one thing a day but many things a day. People here have the freedom to debate and voice their own opinions. When you go on Barrow-Downs you leave the world behind you and you have enjoyment and you deal with magnificently humorous, sophisticated and prudent people from all walks of life. We tend to put our differences behind us and most of the time we leave religions, the battle of the sexes etc out of our posts and it gives us a break from daily debates and instead we enter the world of Tolkien discussions! That is what I love about Barrow-Downs forum. You see I am already going on… I could list more but I fear it will take hours to read!

[Tarien Ithil]

to list all of them would take infinity to write and read it!

Exactly!

[Lush]

Ignore my sappy post on the first page. I think it's time everyone know the truth, and the truth is that I come here to pick up the easy men.

Like burra.

[lindil]

I mostly just love my own posts

Obloquy cut through all of my false-humility with that one.

Actually I ahve gotten a kick at reading something I wrote nearly 3 years ago! and being suprised that I knew waht I said, having forgotten it in the intervening years.

I have learned so much here [well OK 'been exposed to ' would be more accurate, I don't know how much I have made my own]:

Better grammar and spelling! a certain graciousness in conversation how to follow arcane and painfully convulted threads and come out the other side. seeing your old posts years later getting to do Translations from the Elvish! Being exposed to the depths and Wonders of HoM-E - I had only read 1 and 2 when they came out, and browsed abit on the others. seeing the newfound joy and wonder for those just encountering the LotR [ or Silm or UT] for the first time. Seeing some of the great thinkers and posters year after year, and being part of the 'elders' - I prob shouldn't mention it, but it is a nice warm buzz. Oh, and realizing I know practically nothing about the vast subject of Sindarin and Quenya, and probably never will! and seeing how self-reflective the Downs has become! smilies/wink.gif

I mean it was so amazing to wander in here when it was only a month old or something and just dive in with some great minds. After having Middle-Earth 'all to myself' for 20 + years it was a long cool refreshing draught - that my wife still does not understand!

The Downs is a marvel, and even though I am away sometimes for a month or 2 and even when I am around I can't to get to 1/3 of the topics I wish I could, knowing that it is living and breathing and generating discussion and wonder is an unexpected comfort in this strange and often cruel world. Seriously. smilies/cool.gif IT is a veritable Cyber-Imladris.

lindil

[ July 25, 2003: Message edited by: lindil ]

[Durelin]

Everdawn does not see the attraction in Star wars and couldnt agree more...

That hurt me...in here... *points at heart*

*sniff*

Dreaming about the day you get your personal title

Ah, yes...I know...when/how do you get one, anyway?

Better grammar and spelling!

Definitely! Some message boards are full of people who...well, lets just say, should be ready to canonize Bill Gates, though they should use his wonderful gifts more often! I won't name any names, though, out of simple courtesy. *cough*ringbearer*cough*

Ahem, yes, I am big on courtesy. smilies/wink.gif And you get that here too.

[Yavanna228]

Ah, yes...I know...when/how do you get one, anyway?
Read the Titles for the Future (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=2&t=002096) thread, and I'm sure you'll get the info you need.
Another thing I really like is the fact that people share their opinions and aren't afraid to stick to their guns, like the discussion in the Inherent Evil thread. That's really valuable at times. Sometimes too much compromise in an argument makes it unexciting and uninformitive, and it gives less incentive to really search out the truth. smilies/smile.gif
Peace

[Genevieve]

I just really like being able to communicate with other lotr fanatics smilies/biggrin.gif . I don't feel so alone anymore. And its really fun to post and read others posts ect. Some of them are really funny. The people on this site are wonderful: so exciting, lively, and hilarious. The Barrow-Downs is so much fun!! smilies/smile.gif

[vanwalossien]

I don't really know how to put this, but the Barrow-Downs kinda gives you a feeling of belonging, and you feel like you know people here even though you hardly ever dare to intrude in the in-depth discussions with all your newbieness...
Oh, and I love all the Tolkien geniuses here who makes you feel like a newbie no matter how badly you try not be one... And the way they're all friendly to poor little newbies. This is the only forum where a member has bothered to PM a welcome message to me, just to say welcome to the Downs. Samwise is one of the nicest people I've never really met... smilies/smile.gif

[Iarwain]

I love the open opportunity for discussion, and the variety of different views that people have.

Iarwain

[Kaiserin]

I know I'm new here, but I love the 'Downs already!

Aside from the fact that the B-D is somewhere I can take a break, I really love reading people's opinions and ideas and the stuff that's not-so-common knowledge.
I love being somewhere where I can share common interests with others, without being ridiculed about being too obsessed or fanatical, or even juvenile.
I love the forum where people actually use their brains - and their manners. smilies/biggrin.gif
And, oh - I really appreciate how people here are generally nice and friendly (except probably for a few occasional nitpickers smilies/smile.gif ), and even interesting.

Yes, I enjoy being dead.

[ August 09, 2003: Message edited by: Kaiserin ]

[Ainaserkewen]

What I love about the downs...

-When I go into the books,
someone makes me research,

-When I go into N&N,
someone makes me care,

-When I go into movies,
someone makes me wonder,

-When I go into the Quiz room,
someone makes me think,

-When I go into Quotable Quotes,
someone makes me remember,

-When I go into Mirth,
someone makes me laugh

-When I go into any of the RPGs,
someone makes me read,

-When I go into announcements,
someone makes me informed,

-When I go into the obituaries,
well, I havn't been in there yet.

Congrats to everybody who helped make this the best Tolkien site on the web,
Cheers...

[Elennar Starfire]

Some thoughts:
I think the reason people are so much nicer here is partly that, you may read something that, if someone said it to your face, would provoke an irate response, but you can't reply immediately, (no matter how fast you can type it still takes more time to post than to respond verbally) and you have a little time to cool off, relax, and acknowledge other's rights to their opinions.

whoops, run-on sentence, but I know you won't make fun of me for it!

Also, my typing speed improved by about 10 wpm over the summer, due to all my posting.

[Rimbaud]

My love is a microcosmic model of perhaps the only major failing of the Downs.

I joined because of the discussion and the mutual interests; I remain more for the people, and they (generally) know who they are. So I'm probably the worst sort of member...

[burrahobbit]

I don't love anything ever. Except free lunch.

[Diamond18]

So I'm probably the worst sort of member...

Ah, but you're in good company. smilies/wink.gif As much as I love Tolkien (and the movies, so there) I can only stay interested enough in one subject for so long (at least in order to put research into it and post thoughtfully, deeply and articulately on it.) My enthusiasm for Tolkien related debate and inspection ebbs and flows. But I think that the only thing that really ever makes any place worth staying around at any time or any mood, is the people. And the parodies.

Though free lunch is good, too. But I'm not entirely sure how burra is getting that from here....

[ September 25, 2003: Message edited by: Diamond18 ]

[burrahobbit]

I'M NOT.

[The Barrow-Wight]

I know you all love my friendly reminders, so here's one:

Enough conversation, please. Back to topic.

[ September 26, 2003: Message edited by: The Barrow-Wight ]

[Jack]

RPing ROCKS!!!!

[Birdland]

Burra, there is no free lunch, so your love is doomed.

DOOOOOOMED!

I've never been able to figure out just what it is about the Barrow Downs. I love the works of the Good Professor, but then, I love the works of many other authors as well. Yet ya don't see me hanging out at the Charles Dickens or Jack London websites.

Perhaps there is something in the virtual water.

[burrahobbit]

The thing is that most Authors don't make up a coherent world that is not quite this world. Most fake worlds are obviously so. Even if you can susspend disbelief when you are reading, it doesn't ever have that certain quality of realness like Tolkien has done. I can believe that Turin existed at one point in my world just the same as I can believe that certain other mythological persons existed in one form or another.

[Ainaserkewen]

You know what I love about this site is the forum and the way it's arranged. Actually, I've yet to find another forum of similar style. Because of this, I find other forums hard to use(I think it's the white backgrounds) so this is the only I can look at longer than five minutes. Is this a good or bad thing I wonder. smilies/wink.gif

[Gorwingel]

Yes, the layout is great. This site reminds me of some of my other favorite websites in the past. And strangly enough most of them had black backgrounds (maybe it is because I have a hidden, darker personality? I don't know?). Additonally I love that this forum and site are very easy to navigate. And it is very easy to read the topics and responses (unlike certain other web forums smilies/wink.gif ) I love this place!

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Why do I love the Downs? Here's one good reason(and one is enough for me; two is a landslide)

Most of the people in my freaking vicinity have never heard of LotR or any of Tolkien's works. Those who have are not obsessed enough. Where can I babble on and on about Tolkien? *thinks for a while* Here!

There, that's my reason. I'm person who becomes deeply obsessed, about international politics, and the World Wars, and *on and on*. Now can anyone build a forum site for these things above-mentioned?

Oh, and the layout's good, too.

Later days! smilies/cool.gif
->banakil on mumakil

P.S. Love the people on the "You know you're obsessed..." thread! smilies/biggrin.gif smilies/biggrin.gif smilies/biggrin.gif

[Enorëiel]

Most of the people in my freaking vicinity have never heard of LotR or any of Tolkien's works. Those who have are not obsessed enough. Where can I babble on and on about Tolkien? *thinks for a while* Here!

Exactly! Couldn't have said it better myself! My hometown lacks of Lord of the Rings "freaky" people.

I also love Barrow Downs cause it gives me a chance to learn new things about Lord of the Rings and Tolkien that I never would have learned otherwise.

[Imladris]

I love the Downs because they don't let anything lusty/dirty into the forums. It's nice being able to surf the movie forum without being bombarded with threads devoted to how hot so and so is...So thank you, mods!

[wishn4sumfishn]

I love everything about this site..
it's just awesome, I guess you could say.
But if I had to pick one thing I LIKE about it , it would have to be the chat room, because..well
A)You don't have to worry about being made fun of.
B)All your questions can be answered.
And C)The people are just so fun and nice to talk to even the op's... although they can be a little harsh

[Yavanna228]

I love the Downs because they don't let anything lusty/dirty into the forums. It's nice being able to surf the movie forum without being bombarded with threads devoted to how hot so and so is...So thank you, mods!
*applauds* Amen!

Peace

[StarJewel]

The thing I love most about the Barrowdowns is that I can be among LotR fanatics that are just as obsessed as me. Everywhere else, whenever I try to discuss anything Tolkein, people think I am crazy.

[vanwalossien]

Another thing I love about this forum is the way my vocabulary grows every single time I read something in the books forum (I don't think I've ever posted there, but I read a lot of it smilies/smile.gif) I think I soon know more English words than Norwegian. And as someone else said, I love the layout of the BD. I like all sites with dark backgrounds better and better just because I'm so used to it it seems wrong with a white background.

[Aethelwine]

Deleted my entire old message, 'cause I started to hate it more and more as time went by...

BTW, I agree with you completely, vanwalossien! I love to read in the books, learning new things, or laugh when I already know something that they don't, apparently. Not that that happens much... smilies/rolleyes.gif

In short, I like to learn in the Books, chill in Mirth, but my brain to work in the Quiz room and with the Quotes, helping newbies at Novices and Newcomers, and freak out about some spoilers in Movies. Also, I like to belong somewhere ( just like vanwalossien again smilies/wink.gif), oh and ofcourse reading about my fellow corpses at the 'Barrow-downs' forum!

Cheers!

Aethelwine.

[Lush]

I love the Downs because they don't let anything lusty/dirty into the forums.

Here's hoping that your love should not wane, even after having to experience a few of the more implicitly wicked members.

Oh those scoundrels.

*shakes a finger*

[Gothbogg the Ripper]

I love creating a thread and seeing what other people can add to it, as a fan it's great to see other like minded people. :D

[Encaitare]

Wow.. so many. I love:

- the kindness of the moderators and just about everyone here -- if you do something out of line you'll get a little slap on the wrist, but you won't be made to feel stupid.

- the fact that I'm getting to know some people here pretty well, and they're getting to know me; it's a nice community feeling.

- the chapter-by-chapter forum, currently my favorite. I don't post there very much because my thoughts aren't quite deep enough :p but the posts there are always interesting and thought-provoking.

- the Reputations system. It's always nice to click User CP and see a new little green box.

- the Quiz/Quotes forums, because they make me look up obscure bits of the Appendices or the index to the Sil while I hunt for the correct answers.

Dreaming about the day you get your personal title

I've got a whole list. :D

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

-the Reputations system. It's always nice to click User CP and see a new little green box. (Encaitare)

I love it, too. It's a nice feeling. Some of my reps come from those supposedly shallow (I thought to myself at time of publication) thoughts of mine that somehow found words - I'm horrible at expressing thoughts into words - and it makes me say "Wow. It's not so shallow, after all." Makes me want to hug to life the giver of the said green box.
__________________

My reason for loving the Downs remains quite the same.

(Most of the people in my freaking vicinity have never heard of LotR or any of Tolkien's works. Those who have are not obsessed enough. Where can I babble on and on about Tolkien? *thinks for a while* Here!)

I mean, obsessions must have their vents. They must be continuously shaped, scrutinised and kicked around. Otherwise it fades slowly and you're left wondering what might have been if . . . like the time I lost my talent for completing the Rubik's cube . . .

Geek.

[Elennar Starfire]

I love feeling popular. Here, I have so many friends! Combined with my "real" friends (meaning those I've actually met face to face) I probably have more friends than the "popular" people at my school. So I feel loved. *hugs everyone*

[Encaitare]

A little thing I enjoy is checking the Members List to watch davem and Fordim vying for highest reputation. Let's see... davem's got it right now. Goodness me, they're up to five boxes apiece??? :eek: :p

[Saraphim]

I love the color scheme. It is very Barrow-esque.

I also love how much there is to be learned here. I've found more knowledge here than I have in my Eglish Literature class, I can tell you that. And it's infinitly more fun to boot.

I enjoy watching the little newbies as they enter the forums. Then they grow to have more posts than I do, and they're no longer newbies. They are well-educated Downers with something witty and smart to say.

I love the Downs...(Insert evil smiley)

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

A little thing I enjoy is checking the Members List to watch davem and Fordim vying for highest reputation. Let's see... davem's got it right now. Goodness me, they're up to five boxes apiece??? :eek: :p

Check the List now, check it now, quick! Before davem posts again and once more moves past me.

I'm number one, I'm number one, I'm number one!

*Fordim pumps his fist in the air "wooting" rhythmically*

[Mithalwen]

I wonder why I get feeling that FH wasn't on too many sports teams in earlier life.... that competitive streak was not channelled enough methinks....

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

I wonder why I get feeling that FH wasn't on too many sports teams in earlier life.... that competitive streak was not channelled enough methinks....

Whaddya talking about? I was on plenty of sports teams.

(Chess, Risk and debating are sports. . .right?)

[Mithalwen]

Only if Halma and Bridge are also.... On this side of the Atlantic... well things are a bit lax, but unless you are a Paralympian - a sport is something you have to leave your chair to participate in.... :D

But then I was a founder member of my Uni's women's rugby team - it's not the winning - it's the taking apart...

[Encaitare]

Check the List now, check it now, quick! Before davem posts again and once more moves past me.

I'm number one, I'm number one, I'm number one!

*Fordim pumps his fist in the air "wooting" rhythmically*

So you are, and well done! :)

Uh, yeah, so .... back on topic... ;)

Let's see... what else do I love about the Downs? Oh yes, it provides a nice distraction from silly mundane things like English homework. Plus, I love it when you discover that other people are into the same dorky things as me, ie Pink Floyd, Monty Python, Hitchhikers Guide, and so forth. Makes me feel less alone in the world. :D

[Aylwen Dreamsong]

Plus, I love it when you discover that other people are into the same dorky things as me, ie Pink Floyd, Monty Python, Hitchhikers Guide, and so forth.

I'm almost offended that you'd think those things are dorky. ;)

Actually, I love that I'm not the weirdest one lurking here. Unless there's something I missed, I'm at least a little normal in this crowd...:D

-Aylwen

[Encaitare]

I'm almost offended that you'd think those things are dorky. ;)

I mean it in the best possible way. ;) Dorky is fun!

[Mithalwen]

Your offended? I am shattered ..... "In my day..." Hitchhikers was new, cool and in teh argot of the day trendy .....

but then may be that is another glory of the downs that there are younger people who regard your youthful obsessions as a cult rather than merely tragic!

[Encaitare]

I just thought of something else... I love the fact that it's got a black background... nice and easy on the eyes, especially late at night. :p