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mark12_30 · 01-07-2004, 06:22 AM

Perhaps my use of the term "novice" is what has caused the headaches. Simply put: for the definition of this thread a "novice" (i.e. a potential, or perhaps Freshman, Tolkien Scholar) is somebody who is familiar with at least the Trilogy and the Hobbit (perhaps intimidated by the Silmarillion) and interested in but unfamiliar with the common critical works. To over-simplify further: Novice: somebody who's read between zero and five critical works.

Actually, I wondered whether naming this thread after The Monsters and the Critics would be too cryptic for the 'novices' I had in mind. But I also wanted to attract old-timers so we'd get a good selection of reviews. So there it is. Just remember to put the line in the review that indicates to sombebody looking for their first couple of critical works to read, "is this a good starting place or not."

I like Mr. Underhill's idea of branching to another thread for in-depth discussions; good point; that's normal BD etiquette anyway. So: let's write reviews, and please don't neglect that last bullet in the list.

EDIT: I have edited my first post to further define my use of the word "novice". The more I use it the more I like the word "Freshman" instead.

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 9:10 PM January 08, 2004: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

01-07-2004, 06:22 AM	#23
mark12_30 Stormdancer of Doom Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Elvish singing is not a thing to miss, in June under the stars Posts: 4,349	Perhaps my use of the term "novice" is what has caused the headaches. Simply put: for the definition of this thread a "novice" (i.e. a potential, or perhaps Freshman, Tolkien Scholar) is somebody who is familiar with at least the Trilogy and the Hobbit (perhaps intimidated by the Silmarillion) and interested in but unfamiliar with the common critical works. To over-simplify further: Novice: somebody who's read between zero and five critical works. Actually, I wondered whether naming this thread after The Monsters and the Critics would be too cryptic for the 'novices' I had in mind. But I also wanted to attract old-timers so we'd get a good selection of reviews. So there it is. Just remember to put the line in the review that indicates to sombebody looking for their first couple of critical works to read, "is this a good starting place or not." I like Mr. Underhill's idea of branching to another thread for in-depth discussions; good point; that's normal BD etiquette anyway. So: let's write reviews, and please don't neglect that last bullet in the list. EDIT: I have edited my first post to further define my use of the word "novice". The more I use it the more I like the word "Freshman" instead. <font size=1 color=339966>[ 9:10 PM January 08, 2004: Message edited by: mark12_30 ] __________________ ...down to the water to see the elves dance and sing upon the midsummer's eve.