Public Research: Field of Activity - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

HerenIstarion · 02-03-2006, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HerenIstarion

Role-play as indicated in the poll includes the forms of role-playing as seen here on the Downs (which in itself may be listed under ‘write prose/poetry options) and actual outfield fancy-dress Role-playing (may be listed under ‘recreation’) and computer RPG playing, so you may choose that option or divide your vote into three options, up to you, or all of them together, of course.

So, the answer is both (and all other types of)

Aiwendil · 02-03-2006, 10:31 AM

I had a great deal of trouble deciding which boxes to check in this poll. While I do engage in many of the activities listed, it's hard for me to say whether I do so, or began to do so, "under the influence of Tolkien". In the end, I decided to construe "under the influence of Tolkien" fairly loosely, and voted for writing prose, poetry, and music, role-playing, and creating artificial languages. Of these, the only one that I clearly started to do specifically because of Tolkien is role-playing; when I was about seven or eight, my quest for more stuff in the vein of TH and LotR led me to Dungeons and Dragons. Writing prose and poetry and creating artificial languages are things that I might have started doing because of Tolkien, but (as I first read the books so long ago) it's hard to recall. Writing music is something that I definitely did not start to do because of Tolkien, but I have made a few attempts to write Middle-earth related music.

I certainly also play computer games, but I don't think that this has anything to do with Tolkien at all.

Nerindel · 02-03-2006, 11:31 AM

Nice Poll HerenIstarion

Well for me it's gotta be Rpg and Prose, which here on the BD is practically one in the same, with so many good writers and interesting plots.

But BD aside my own writing is influenced by a great many things as was Tolkiens I believe, Culture, History, language....ect. I also write a little Poetry but did not include it in this poll as much of it comes from real life experiences and is in noway influenced by tolkiens world.

I also have to admit that for a time after I first read LOTR I had the mad hankering for taking up Archery

thought to the relief of my siblings I never did. lol

Lalwendë · 02-03-2006, 01:22 PM

I'd never have wanted to make a cloak and get a sword if it wasn't for Tolkien.

I wouldn't have tried RPGs either.

Although his work did give me an impetus for writing, in terms of being inspired to pick up my pen, the work I have produced is not influenced by Tolkien. I have a preference for good narrative structure, and I often make use of elements of folklore (even if it is a contemporary piece - or perhaps, especially in a contemporary piece!) but I would say that other writers have had a far bigger influence, particularly concerning poetry. That is no reflection on what I think about Tolkien's work, just that I am keenly aware that his 'voice' is so strong, to attempt to write like he did would end up with the writing being swamped, and it would be impossible to create as detailed a world as he did.

Playing computer games often has more to do with my stress levels and the therapeutic results of giving something a virtual bashing than it does with Tolkien.

Child of the 7th Age · 02-03-2006, 01:23 PM

I am curious what others consider "other". I checked off that box because I sometimes do cooking and recipes that loosely fall into the Middle-earth variety, especially in relation to the Shire. (I have several "Middle-earth" cookbooks.)

Amanaduial the archer · 02-03-2006, 03:29 PM

Ah, good to see Role-playing is still in the lead. Keep up the good work

Hilde Bracegirdle · 02-03-2006, 04:18 PM

I've marked RP and artificial languages, as directly linked to Tolkien, (though I have been known to weave, draw, paint and write quite a bit with non-Tolkien themes.)

HerenIstarion · 02-03-2006, 04:30 PM

Martial arts does not exactly mean karate-kung-fu etc type martial arts (or not at all, to be honest), but rather fencing/archery etc.

Esgallhugwen · 02-08-2006, 12:26 PM

I've always drawn and had a fascination for swords. I think getting into Role Playing is something wholly different though. Both here on the Downs and DND with some good friends, (we try to all meet up on friday at the DM's house)

.

But certainly the fantasy genre in general, Tolkien in particular, I've vastly enjoyed. And because of DND I've begun to read The Order of the Stick, very funny*

*There are some mature themes, so be careful.

View Poll Results: Under Tolkien’s influence, I’ve started to:
Write prose	23	50.00%
Write poetry	15	32.61%
Write music	5	10.87%
Role-Play	32	69.57%
Play computer games	7	15.22%
Draw/Paint	14	30.43%
Study martial arts	1	2.17%
Create artificial languages	8	17.39%
Recreate historical costumes/arms etc	7	15.22%
Other	17	36.96%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 46. You may not vote on this poll

02-03-2006, 01:22 PM	#4
Lalwendë A Mere Boggart Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: under the bed Posts: 4,737	I'd never have wanted to make a cloak and get a sword if it wasn't for Tolkien. I wouldn't have tried RPGs either. Although his work did give me an impetus for writing, in terms of being inspired to pick up my pen, the work I have produced is not influenced by Tolkien. I have a preference for good narrative structure, and I often make use of elements of folklore (even if it is a contemporary piece - or perhaps, especially in a contemporary piece!) but I would say that other writers have had a far bigger influence, particularly concerning poetry. That is no reflection on what I think about Tolkien's work, just that I am keenly aware that his 'voice' is so strong, to attempt to write like he did would end up with the writing being swamped, and it would be impossible to create as detailed a world as he did. Playing computer games often has more to do with my stress levels and the therapeutic results of giving something a virtual bashing than it does with Tolkien. __________________ Gordon's alive!

02-03-2006, 01:23 PM	#5
Child of the 7th Age Spirit of the Lonely Star Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 5,133	I am curious what others consider "other". I checked off that box because I sometimes do cooking and recipes that loosely fall into the Middle-earth variety, especially in relation to the Shire. (I have several "Middle-earth" cookbooks.) __________________ Multitasking women are never too busy to vote.

02-03-2006, 03:29 PM	#6
Amanaduial the archer Shadow of Starlight Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: dancing among the ledgerlines... Posts: 2,347	Ah, good to see Role-playing is still in the lead. Keep up the good work __________________ I am what I was, a harmless little devil

02-03-2006, 04:18 PM	#7
Hilde Bracegirdle Relic of Wandering Days Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: You'll See Perpetual Change. Posts: 1,480	I've marked RP and artificial languages, as directly linked to Tolkien, (though I have been known to weave, draw, paint and write quite a bit with non-Tolkien themes.) Last edited by Hilde Bracegirdle; 02-06-2006 at 11:10 AM.

02-03-2006, 10:31 AM	#2
Aiwendil Late Istar Join Date: Mar 2001 Posts: 2,224	I had a great deal of trouble deciding which boxes to check in this poll. While I do engage in many of the activities listed, it's hard for me to say whether I do so, or began to do so, "under the influence of Tolkien". In the end, I decided to construe "under the influence of Tolkien" fairly loosely, and voted for writing prose, poetry, and music, role-playing, and creating artificial languages. Of these, the only one that I clearly started to do specifically because of Tolkien is role-playing; when I was about seven or eight, my quest for more stuff in the vein of TH and LotR led me to Dungeons and Dragons. Writing prose and poetry and creating artificial languages are things that I might have started doing because of Tolkien, but (as I first read the books so long ago) it's hard to recall. Writing music is something that I definitely did not start to do because of Tolkien, but I have made a few attempts to write Middle-earth related music. I certainly also play computer games, but I don't think that this has anything to do with Tolkien at all.

02-03-2006, 11:31 AM	#3
Nerindel Spirited Weaver of Fates Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: In an endless sea of dreams! Posts: 827	Nice Poll HerenIstarion Well for me it's gotta be Rpg and Prose, which here on the BD is practically one in the same, with so many good writers and interesting plots. But BD aside my own writing is influenced by a great many things as was Tolkiens I believe, Culture, History, language....ect. I also write a little Poetry but did not include it in this poll as much of it comes from real life experiences and is in noway influenced by tolkiens world. I also have to admit that for a time after I first read LOTR I had the mad hankering for taking up Archery thought to the relief of my siblings I never did. lol

02-03-2006, 04:30 PM	#8
HerenIstarion Deadnight Chanter Join Date: Sep 2000 Posts: 4,244	specification Martial arts does not exactly mean karate-kung-fu etc type martial arts (or not at all, to be honest), but rather fencing/archery etc. __________________ Egroeg Ihkhsal - Would you believe in the love at first sight? - Yes I'm certain that it happens all the time!

02-08-2006, 12:26 PM	#9
Esgallhugwen Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Where the Moon cries against the snow Posts: 526	I've always drawn and had a fascination for swords. I think getting into Role Playing is something wholly different though. Both here on the Downs and DND with some good friends, (we try to all meet up on friday at the DM's house) . But certainly the fantasy genre in general, Tolkien in particular, I've vastly enjoyed. And because of DND I've begun to read The Order of the Stick, very funny* There are some mature themes, so be careful. __________________ "...for the sin of the idolater is not that he worships stone, but that he worships one stone over others.* -8:9:4 The Witness of Fane"