[Meela]

I find that I dont learn more or less than in school, nor do I in fact 'learn' anything about Tolkien, as it is merely an interest and not something I wish to gain a BD degree in or anything.

I cannot comapre it to school because there is no such thing as Tolkien in school (nor do i actually go to school... waaay behind me, thank god.).
I do not really care how much i learn about Tolkien. It may be more than a hobby or interest, but thats all it is. It is not a subject with homework, exams, or coursework. I dont want to feel that I have to learn either. Im beginning to feel Im under a lot of pressure from this place to compete with the people who do wish to grant themselves a degree in Tolkien.