Do we realize how crazy we are? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Boromir88 · 09-02-2005, 06:24 PM

The way as I've always seen things is I just don't care what people think of me and I've always been this way. Even through highschool, my mom would be like...."Get this shirt, it's what all the kids wear." And I'd simply just say I'm getting something I'm comfortable in, doesn't matter what it is (no I did not get a skirt!

)

Anyway, I simply act the way I want to act, and if someone doesn't like it that's fine by me.

I DO appreciate all those who are sort of in the same boat with me (and the one's who have appreciated what I've had to write) and I respect those who do not agree with me, as long as they have a reasonable explanation and support it.

Well, I'm done with my deep thoughtful self-analysis post for the day.

Estelyn Telcontar · 09-03-2005, 04:06 AM

Our dedication to Tolkien's works and the amount of time we spend on this site as part of a virtual community may seem crazy to others who don't share our interest. (And let me tell those of you who feel misunderstood by their parents that it can also work the other way around!

) However, have you ever realized how much we're learning while we're having fun here?

How many books have you read to keep up with discussions, that you might not otherwise have read? (I know I've delved into the Sil, UT, HoME, to say nothing of the biography, Letters, Fonstad's atlas, and various literary evaluations because of recommendations given on threads here - and because I wanted to know what everyone was talking about!)

How often have you checked the dictionary to find out what a word means that was used in one of Tolkien's books, a discussion here - or even in the personal title of another member?!

How much effort have you put into correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, and expression when writing posts? Aside from the fact that we have rather strict rules about appropriate posting here, if you've written any contributions that you wanted taken seriously, you've probably done your best to make them readable - and understandable. (Besides, any mistakes you make are liable to get caught and posted on the Typo or Homophone threads!)

How about argumentation skills? Have you looked up quotes to counter one of davem's arguments, or thought of reasons in order to give Saucepan a run for his money? You wouldn't have gotten far without backing up what you say - preferably, trying to prove it.

And deductive skills, if you've attempted to solve one of Squatter's Cryptic Clues...

If English is not your native language, have you noticed that posting and reading here has improved your knowledge and grasp of its usage? Those who have been around long enough to compare older and newer posts by long-standing members do notice! (I can see a marked improvement in my active English vocabulary, which is for the most part unused in my real daily life.)

How about creative writing skills? If you've taken part in an RPG regularly or even posted on one of the inns or party threads sporadically, you've used and likely improved yours. (I know I have - I never wrote fiction, except for school assignments many, many moons ago, and here I am, writing both serious and parody RPGs, to say nothing of a fan fiction.)

I'm the first to admit that the Downs has an addictive effect and that not all time I spend here is invested in the improvement of my skills and character - but the side effects are generally beneficial, aren't they?!

Besides that, laughing is healthy, so even the fun we have here is good for us!

Glirdan · 09-03-2005, 12:14 PM

Your entirely right Esty. Because of this site, we are not only have fun and talking about something we all like and have in common, but we are also being educated. We are learning more about Tolkien's world when we rad other of his works but we are also learning new words to enhance (man I haven't used that word in a written scentence for awhile) our vocabulary. I've had to use the dictionary (or my parents) to find a word I don't know. I wonder. Was it B-W's intention for us to learn as well as have fun? Only he can answer, I guess.

Holbytlass · 09-03-2005, 04:33 PM

All hail The Barrow-wight the 'pied-piper' who brought us to this fine place of learning, sharing, growing and laughing.
I realize how crazy I am because of the very few people in my life who have seen the movies and even fewer who have read the book (LOTR only) give me weird looks when I try to delve deep with them. So I very much appreciate here.
And Mr. Holbytlass (love the idea and stole it from Alatar, but isn't mine an oxymoron?) realizes how crazy I am because he witnesses the hours logged on to 'Barrow-Downs' and that's all there is in computer history

.
Oh, and don't get him started on the werewolf game!

Hilde Bracegirdle · 09-03-2005, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Estelyn Telcontar

Our dedication to Tolkien's works and the amount of time we spend on this site as part of a virtual community may seem crazy to others who don't share our interest. (And let me tell those of you who feel misunderstood by their parents that it can also work the other way around!

)

I can vouch for that! My daughter when introducing me, often tacked on a 'she's addicted to Tolkien' to the end on her speech. But the whispering among the members of my immediate family have lulled. And it has helped that my daughter now a 'cool' friend who also shares her Mom's interest.

Mr. Bracegirdle has even stopped inquiring if I'll ever make an income from all the writing. He had been joking of course, but I hadn't realized how rusty my brain had become. It is strange how being 'dead' can bring one back to life again!

Orominuialwen · 09-03-2005, 10:36 PM

Being a member here is definitely one of the most educational and valuable experiences I've ever had, in many different ways.

I can definitely say that my vocabulary has improved since joining here from people's PTs alone. If it weren't for the 'Downs, I would probably have never known words such a diaphanous, desultory, eidolon, and maundering. I've certainly learned more about literature than I ever did doing things like analizing the symbolism in Lord of the Flies in English class last year. My typing skills have improved drastically (although they're still bad enough that I have to edit nearly every post, but it used to be worse.) My writing has imroved as well.

There are other, less academic things I've learned. If I wasn't a member here, I'd probably only know a handful of people who lived more than thirty miles away, much less on the far side of the world. I understand other cultures a bit better now, thanks to knowing people from them. I've even learned to play the penny whistle better, thanks to something I read on mark 12_30's website.

All in all, if I weren't obsessed with LotR, I would never have met all you wonderful people, and I would never have the experience of finding an inbox full of lovely happy birthday PMs that make me feel better after a rather bad day. I love you all!

09-02-2005, 06:24 PM	#1
Boromir88 Laconic Loreman Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: USA Posts: 7,521	The way as I've always seen things is I just don't care what people think of me and I've always been this way. Even through highschool, my mom would be like...."Get this shirt, it's what all the kids wear." And I'd simply just say I'm getting something I'm comfortable in, doesn't matter what it is (no I did not get a skirt! ) Anyway, I simply act the way I want to act, and if someone doesn't like it that's fine by me. I DO appreciate all those who are sort of in the same boat with me (and the one's who have appreciated what I've had to write) and I respect those who do not agree with me, as long as they have a reasonable explanation and support it. Well, I'm done with my deep thoughtful self-analysis post for the day. __________________ Fenris Penguin

09-03-2005, 04:06 AM	#2
Estelyn Telcontar Princess of Skwerlz Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: where the Sea is eastwards (WtR: 6060 miles) Posts: 7,500	Do we realize how educational this is? Our dedication to Tolkien's works and the amount of time we spend on this site as part of a virtual community may seem crazy to others who don't share our interest. (And let me tell those of you who feel misunderstood by their parents that it can also work the other way around! ) However, have you ever realized how much we're learning while we're having fun here? How many books have you read to keep up with discussions, that you might not otherwise have read? (I know I've delved into the Sil, UT, HoME, to say nothing of the biography, Letters, Fonstad's atlas, and various literary evaluations because of recommendations given on threads here - and because I wanted to know what everyone was talking about!) How often have you checked the dictionary to find out what a word means that was used in one of Tolkien's books, a discussion here - or even in the personal title of another member?! How much effort have you put into correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, and expression when writing posts? Aside from the fact that we have rather strict rules about appropriate posting here, if you've written any contributions that you wanted taken seriously, you've probably done your best to make them readable - and understandable. (Besides, any mistakes you make are liable to get caught and posted on the Typo or Homophone threads!) How about argumentation skills? Have you looked up quotes to counter one of davem's arguments, or thought of reasons in order to give Saucepan a run for his money? You wouldn't have gotten far without backing up what you say - preferably, trying to prove it. And deductive skills, if you've attempted to solve one of Squatter's Cryptic Clues... If English is not your native language, have you noticed that posting and reading here has improved your knowledge and grasp of its usage? Those who have been around long enough to compare older and newer posts by long-standing members do notice! (I can see a marked improvement in my active English vocabulary, which is for the most part unused in my real daily life.) How about creative writing skills? If you've taken part in an RPG regularly or even posted on one of the inns or party threads sporadically, you've used and likely improved yours. (I know I have - I never wrote fiction, except for school assignments many, many moons ago, and here I am, writing both serious and parody RPGs, to say nothing of a fan fiction.) I'm the first to admit that the Downs has an addictive effect and that not all time I spend here is invested in the improvement of my skills and character - but the side effects are generally beneficial, aren't they?! Besides that, laughing is healthy, so even the fun we have here is good for us! __________________ 'Mercy!' cried Gandalf. 'If the giving of information is to be the cure of your inquisitiveness, I shall spend all the rest of my days in answering you. What more do you want to know?' 'The whole history of Middle-earth...' Last edited by Estelyn Telcontar; 09-03-2005 at 04:13 AM.

09-03-2005, 12:14 PM	#3
Glirdan Energetic Essence Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Where Lark Nor Eagle Ever Flew Posts: 3,285	Your entirely right Esty. Because of this site, we are not only have fun and talking about something we all like and have in common, but we are also being educated. We are learning more about Tolkien's world when we rad other of his works but we are also learning new words to enhance (man I haven't used that word in a written scentence for awhile) our vocabulary. I've had to use the dictionary (or my parents) to find a word I don't know. I wonder. Was it B-W's intention for us to learn as well as have fun? Only he can answer, I guess. __________________ *I'm going to buy you a kitty, I'm going to let you fall in love with the kitty, and one cold, winter night, I'm going to steal into your house and punch you in the face!* Fenris Wolf

09-03-2005, 04:33 PM	#4
Holbytlass Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: May 2003 Location: The Party Tree Posts: 1,042	All hail The Barrow-wight the 'pied-piper' who brought us to this fine place of learning, sharing, growing and laughing. I realize how crazy I am because of the very few people in my life who have seen the movies and even fewer who have read the book (LOTR only) give me weird looks when I try to delve deep with them. So I very much appreciate here. And Mr. Holbytlass (love the idea and stole it from Alatar, but isn't mine an oxymoron?) realizes how crazy I am because he witnesses the hours logged on to 'Barrow-Downs' and that's all there is in computer history . Oh, and don't get him started on the werewolf game! __________________ Holby is an actual flesh-and-blood person, right? Not, say a sock-puppet of Nilp’s, by any chance? ~Nerwen, WWCIII

09-03-2005, 10:36 PM	#6
Orominuialwen Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: May 2003 Location: Umbar, but before the corsairs took over. (Ave Maria University, FL, USA) Posts: 632	Being a member here is definitely one of the most educational and valuable experiences I've ever had, in many different ways. I can definitely say that my vocabulary has improved since joining here from people's PTs alone. If it weren't for the 'Downs, I would probably have never known words such a diaphanous, desultory, eidolon, and maundering. I've certainly learned more about literature than I ever did doing things like analizing the symbolism in Lord of the Flies in English class last year. My typing skills have improved drastically (although they're still bad enough that I have to edit nearly every post, but it used to be worse.) My writing has imroved as well. There are other, less academic things I've learned. If I wasn't a member here, I'd probably only know a handful of people who lived more than thirty miles away, much less on the far side of the world. I understand other cultures a bit better now, thanks to knowing people from them. I've even learned to play the penny whistle better, thanks to something I read on mark 12_30's website. All in all, if I weren't obsessed with LotR, I would never have met all you wonderful people, and I would never have the experience of finding an inbox full of lovely happy birthday PMs that make me feel better after a rather bad day. I love you all! __________________ Gone for lentSeeyou at Easter! (And on Sundays too, maybe.) Last edited by Orominuialwen; 09-03-2005 at 10:43 PM. Reason: What else? Typos.