Uses & misuses.... - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

alatar · 03-29-2005, 11:03 AM

Starting any text with a quote (real or imagined) yields a different air to the text that follows. Writers do it all of the time - some, to set the reader's brain working along a particular line; others to show sophistication. "Those Tolkien movies were heady, so he must be a smart guy, and if this site is using his work, it must be some brainy stuff...plus wasn't he British too?"

Stealing/borrowng a quotation from another source and using the same does not automatically show 'endorsement,' though surely some would like to make you think that the quotee has endorsed the work. "Look at that...that JRRT must have loved SUVs, or why else would he be involved with that ad?"

The ad with the Faramir quote did not make me think that Tolkien was pro gun, just that the site's creators wanted to start with a 'hook' that might get me to read more. And though there are many ways to say the same thing, some people (hmmm...like JRRT perhaps?) just say it better.

"I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend."

or...

"War sucks, but ya gotta protect yourself."

Which would get your attention? You won't be reading my trilogy any time soon.

03-29-2005, 11:03 AM	#16
alatar Doubting Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Heaven's basement Posts: 2,466	Starting any text with a quote (real or imagined) yields a different air to the text that follows. Writers do it all of the time - some, to set the reader's brain working along a particular line; others to show sophistication. "Those Tolkien movies were heady, so he must be a smart guy, and if this site is using his work, it must be some brainy stuff...plus wasn't he British too?" Stealing/borrowng a quotation from another source and using the same does not automatically show 'endorsement,' though surely some would like to make you think that the quotee has endorsed the work. "Look at that...that JRRT must have loved SUVs, or why else would he be involved with that ad?" The ad with the Faramir quote did not make me think that Tolkien was pro gun, just that the site's creators wanted to start with a 'hook' that might get me to read more. And though there are many ways to say the same thing, some people (hmmm...like JRRT perhaps?) just say it better. "I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend." or... "War sucks, but ya gotta protect yourself." Which would get your attention? You won't be reading my trilogy any time soon.