I have no problem at all with people who put in the effort, read the book, and then come ask me questions about it. Actually it's flattering because it makes me the acknowledged Tolkien expert in our circle, and who could say no to that? But I agree with all those who have said that the most annoying thing is the people who have refused to read the book for whatever reason and then either ask stupid questions or pass uninformed judgment. I can even deal with somebody who says Tolkien is a bad writer (although that comes very close to crossing the fine line between opinion and heresy for me) as long as they've read the book and are making an informed remark. If you aren't informed about what you're talking about, it's likely best to keep your mouth shut.
As for the Legolas-loving fangirls, well, I deal with them. Sometimes I'll even play along with them for the fun of it (and the sheer pleasure of talking LotR with people who actually care). I don't have a problem with them as a general rule; even I have to admit that, as far as the movies are concerned, he was pretty attractive. But (as an ardent fan of the books) I also feel like my admiration for his good looks and showy orc-killing prowess is tempered by the knowledge that he doesn't really do anything hugely significant for the story that couldn't have been done by some other random elf. Fangirls, at least as far as I've seen, seem less than interested in being educated on the relative merits of other characters in comparison to Legolas, and that's fine with me. Live and let live; I have other friends with whom I can discuss other characters seriously.
Quote:
"What do you think? Who's important to the fellowship?"
"Legolas, for sure. He's such a cool elf"
(Well, I never saw a "cool" elf and I'm sure none of them will ever think about the really important persons... just because they don't look like teeny-idols)
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It's sad, but so true. I think maybe that's one disadvantage of the movies - there are people who miss the point completely because they're too caught up in their Orlando Bloom obsessions. Not that I have anything against Orlando Bloom, but a little balance is a good thing.