Slow - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

MatthewM · 07-18-2006, 09:38 PM

I gotta say, this forum is going really slow lately...does it go through periods of activity and no activity? I love the boards, don't get me wrong, but you have to admit they are quite slow right now...

Valier · 07-18-2006, 09:50 PM

Lots of game planning is afoot....Ever think about joining one? check out the Werewolf threads or a new up coming game called The Great Golden Hoard.

Glirdan · 07-18-2006, 10:30 PM

Maybe it's not the forums but your internet provider. And I really don't think that this is a thread that will be open long so don't be surprised if it gets the axe by one of the Moderators.

Naria · 07-18-2006, 11:40 PM

Sheesh Glirdy, no need to sound so harsh....however true it may be.

.

I understand what Mat is trying to say. I myself have been wondering what is going on(or hasn't been going on). Everything is alot slower than normal....I would account it for the lovely weather that we have been having and people taking their vacations. I am sure that the forum will pick up in the coming weeks.

LOL....nice plug Val

Formendacil · 07-19-2006, 12:30 AM

Actually... I was right there with Glirdy when I first saw this thread... thought it had something to do with physical (erm... yeah...) speed. Possibly because I was waiting inordinately long for the next subforum to load while I waited.

But a lack of activity?

Well... maybe...

Speaking as a getting-more-involved RPGer, I feel like things are really moving, but I can see what you mean. But I wouldn't worry. Forums go through fast periods and slow, and strangely (or naturally) the time when people seem to have the least amount of time to spend here is... the holidays.

Only a few numbskull, no Life- diehards like us still stick around.

Besides... what is talking about it going to do? You can't FORCE people to post. Though you CAN blackmail them...

Kath · 07-19-2006, 07:47 AM

Yes it is holiday time, and many people are out enjoying this lovely weather! Plus there is no werewolf game on at the moment, so people don't have such an obligation to post. If you're in a game you tend to be on the Downs more often and perusing other threads while you wait for people to post so you post more yourself.

But yes as Form said, in the RPG world things are certainly speedy. Perhaps you could join one Mat?

alatar · 07-19-2006, 08:03 AM

You know, watching the Peter Jackson's trilogy on DVD in an air-conditioned room with a cool drink could be a great summertime activity. You then would be able to post in the SbS.

Note that the activity at the Downs is surely seasonal, though I have no real numbers or graphs to back that up. One way to increase activity is to post.

Now, I know that that sounds obvious, but sometimes what you need to do is add to the discussion, and that something that you've written catches another's eye, and then s/he responds, then someone else jumps in...

Like what's going on in this thread.

MatthewM · 07-19-2006, 09:17 AM

Alatar, this is true, but I have been posting many topics lately that I thought were worth noting or discussing to little replies...(one has 0 replies!) but I'm sure like most have said it's a seasonal thing. I'm not into RPGing, so I'll be around looking for some activity!

Estelyn Telcontar · 07-19-2006, 11:01 AM

Matthew, summer time has two possibilities as far as posting is concerned: some members have more time during break/vacation and post more frequently; others are away travelling or trying to beat the heat somewhere cool. The latter is the case for many Europeans right now - it's unusually hot here!

Mithalwen · 07-19-2006, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MatthewM

I gotta say, this forum is going really slow lately...does it go through periods of activity and no activity? I love the boards, don't get me wrong, but you have to admit they are quite slow right now...

I think it is partly the summer - I am not on holiday but the garden provides a lot of work at this time of the year and an attractive option for a Brit enjoying a precious hot summer ... if I had Wi-fi and could sit in the garden with a laptop adn a chilled drink that would be perfect. I have every intention of giving books some attention and have some thread ideas of my own but at the moment RPG, ME idol and the quiz room all have prior call on my time as well a backlog of interesting PM correspondence. It happened last year too I think so bear with us and it will come good I am sure

MatthewM · 07-19-2006, 04:48 PM

Sounds good.

Hey, just out of curiousity, are most of you located in the UK? I've seen that mentioned in a lot of posts. I went to England in May this year and I loved it...such a beautiful country that I want to see more of. One day! While I was there (for only a short week) I caught the Tolkien Exhibit with the work of Ted Nasmith in Moreton-in-Marsh. Truly amazing. Anyway, just wondering about that.

Kath · 07-19-2006, 05:31 PM

According to Aman's list I think that most people are from the USA actually.

But thank you for complimenting our little country

Lhunardawen · 07-20-2006, 02:54 AM

It's summer for most of you but for us here in this little archipelago we're already a month into the school year. Not that it matters.

It really depends on the subforum. Mirth and the RPGs are particularly active now, from my perspective.

Durelin · 07-20-2006, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Only a few numbskull, no Life- diehards like us still stick around.

No Life-diehards = RPers.

Numbskulls = Werewolfers.

Lalwendë · 07-20-2006, 12:52 PM

For me, there hasn't seemed to be that much to post on lately. Maybe someone needs to start an argument. Or maybe I'm just not noticing the possibilities for ranting and raving.

Anyway, I'm horribly busy at work and don't get the time to post like I used to, and this is coupled with coming home and it being boiling hot so not really always wanting to sit on the computer (or rather crouch over it on a coffee table, thus getting a bad back), coupled with the need to spend time attending to my garden, and a humungous pile of reading matter to be got through, and just being plain fatigued all the time right now with the heat and the brain frying work I'm doing all day that is far too complex for someone with no short term memory and a very poor concentration span! Plus my head is full of mad stories right now...

You get the picture.

But as soon as I find that really juicy ruckus I'll be wading right in.

davem · 07-20-2006, 01:04 PM

Definitely slow. Perhaps what we need is another CbC thread - or even a 'Canonicity'

That said, I'm not sure I'm up for a Silmarillion CbC at the moment.

Personally, I'm blank at the moment as far as thread ideas go. Of course, we've all read too much, haven't we? We can now answer any question about Tolkien's work & intentions straight off - someone will quote from the Letters, or HoM-e.

Don't you sometimes wish we could go back to when we just had LotR & TH & we could speculate on all kinds of possibilities & offer our own theories?

Of course, I recently started a thread on that ...

Rune Son of Bjarne · 07-20-2006, 01:19 PM

I noticed the slowness as well.

I figured people were busy else where, or like me: Having some Ideas for threads, but to lazy to do anything about it.

Folwren · 07-20-2006, 02:10 PM

I've been busy on the RPG forums, so it's not been slow for me.

I have not noticed the other threads, I'm afraid. I've been posting in a few other random places today, though.

-- Folwren

P.S. DO Balrogs have wings?

Roa_Aoife · 07-20-2006, 02:14 PM

Listen to Valier- she speaks with wisdom.

There is the somewhat rare occassion where everyone really just has something else to atend to. Or people may be running out of things to say. For example, I've considered getting into some of the Books discussion recently, but by the time I see one that interests me, my opinion's been stated six times over. So then I really just have say, "What would be the point?" and move on.

Estelyn Telcontar · 07-20-2006, 02:17 PM

I actually have a couple of nice discussion topics just waiting to get written up, but not the time to do so properly. Sometimes real life priorities take precedence. I hope to start at least one thread next week...

I hope those of you who are complaining will join the discussion!!

Mithalwen · 07-20-2006, 03:11 PM

Oh well maybe I will get my not inconsiderable butt into gear and launch my topics.... but I really must catch up on the backlog - I have been flat out on the downs and still am behind (apologies to all those who are waiting ) .... and so much of my non-work RL has been been neglected .....

But do consider a RPG if you are bored. I didn't think it was my thing when I joined and I have learnt so much - not only creative writing skills but in researching aspects of ME history.

Folwren · 07-20-2006, 08:46 PM

Check out drigel's new thread - 'Spun Candy any one?'

07-18-2006, 09:38 PM	#1
MatthewM Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: New York Posts: 628	Slow I gotta say, this forum is going really slow lately...does it go through periods of activity and no activity? I love the boards, don't get me wrong, but you have to admit they are quite slow right now... __________________ "Loud and clear it sounds in the valleys of the hills...and then let all the foes of Gondor flee!" -Boromir, The Fellowship of the Ring

07-18-2006, 10:30 PM	#3
Glirdan Energetic Essence Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Where Lark Nor Eagle Ever Flew Posts: 3,285	Maybe it's not the forums but your internet provider. And I really don't think that this is a thread that will be open long so don't be surprised if it gets the axe by one of the Moderators. __________________ *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

07-18-2006, 11:40 PM	#4
Naria Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 500	Sheesh Glirdy, no need to sound so harsh....however true it may be. . I understand what Mat is trying to say. I myself have been wondering what is going on(or hasn't been going on). Everything is alot slower than normal....I would account it for the lovely weather that we have been having and people taking their vacations. I am sure that the forum will pick up in the coming weeks. LOL....nice plug Val __________________ MONEY Anyone who says it doesn't buy happiness.....is probably broke.

07-19-2006, 12:30 AM	#5
Formendacil Dead Serious Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Perched on Thangorodrim's towers. Posts: 3,328	Actually... I was right there with Glirdy when I first saw this thread... thought it had something to do with physical (erm... yeah...) speed. Possibly because I was waiting inordinately long for the next subforum to load while I waited. But a lack of activity? Well... maybe... Speaking as a getting-more-involved RPGer, I feel like things are really moving, but I can see what you mean. But I wouldn't worry. Forums go through fast periods and slow, and strangely (or naturally) the time when people seem to have the least amount of time to spend here is... the holidays. Only a few numbskull, no Life- diehards like us still stick around. Besides... what is talking about it going to do? You can't FORCE people to post. Though you CAN blackmail them... __________________ I prefer history, true or feigned.

07-19-2006, 07:47 AM	#6
Kath Everlasting Whiteness Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Perusing the laminated book of dreams Posts: 4,533	Yes it is holiday time, and many people are out enjoying this lovely weather! Plus there is no werewolf game on at the moment, so people don't have such an obligation to post. If you're in a game you tend to be on the Downs more often and perusing other threads while you wait for people to post so you post more yourself. But yes as Form said, in the RPG world things are certainly speedy. Perhaps you could join one Mat? __________________ “If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”

07-18-2006, 09:50 PM	#2
Valier Twisted Taleswapper Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: somewhere between sanity and insanity Posts: 1,706	Lots of game planning is afoot....Ever think about joining one? check out the Werewolf threads or a new up coming game called The Great Golden Hoard.

07-19-2006, 08:03 AM	#7
alatar Doubting Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Heaven's basement Posts: 2,466	You know, watching the Peter Jackson's trilogy on DVD in an air-conditioned room with a cool drink could be a great summertime activity. You then would be able to post in the SbS. Note that the activity at the Downs is surely seasonal, though I have no real numbers or graphs to back that up. One way to increase activity is to post. Now, I know that that sounds obvious, but sometimes what you need to do is add to the discussion, and that something that you've written catches another's eye, and then s/he responds, then someone else jumps in... Like what's going on in this thread. __________________ There is naught that you can do, other than to resist, with hope or without it.

07-19-2006, 09:17 AM	#8
MatthewM Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: New York Posts: 628	Alatar, this is true, but I have been posting many topics lately that I thought were worth noting or discussing to little replies...(one has 0 replies!) but I'm sure like most have said it's a seasonal thing. I'm not into RPGing, so I'll be around looking for some activity! __________________ "Loud and clear it sounds in the valleys of the hills...and then let all the foes of Gondor flee!" -Boromir, The Fellowship of the Ring

07-19-2006, 11:01 AM	#9
Estelyn Telcontar Princess of Skwerlz Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: where the Sea is eastwards (WtR: 6060 miles) Posts: 7,500	Matthew, summer time has two possibilities as far as posting is concerned: some members have more time during break/vacation and post more frequently; others are away travelling or trying to beat the heat somewhere cool. The latter is the case for many Europeans right now - it's unusually hot here! __________________ '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...'

07-19-2006, 04:48 PM	#11
MatthewM Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: New York Posts: 628	Sounds good. Hey, just out of curiousity, are most of you located in the UK? I've seen that mentioned in a lot of posts. I went to England in May this year and I loved it...such a beautiful country that I want to see more of. One day! While I was there (for only a short week) I caught the Tolkien Exhibit with the work of Ted Nasmith in Moreton-in-Marsh. Truly amazing. Anyway, just wondering about that. __________________ "Loud and clear it sounds in the valleys of the hills...and then let all the foes of Gondor flee!" -Boromir, The Fellowship of the Ring

07-19-2006, 05:31 PM	#12
Kath Everlasting Whiteness Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Perusing the laminated book of dreams Posts: 4,533	According to Aman's list I think that most people are from the USA actually. But thank you for complimenting our little country __________________ “If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”

07-20-2006, 02:54 AM	#13
Lhunardawen Hauntress of the Havens Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: IN it, but not OF it Posts: 2,538	It's summer for most of you but for us here in this little archipelago we're already a month into the school year. Not that it matters. It really depends on the subforum. Mirth and the RPGs are particularly active now, from my perspective.

07-20-2006, 12:52 PM	#15
Lalwendë A Mere Boggart Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: under the bed Posts: 4,737	For me, there hasn't seemed to be that much to post on lately. Maybe someone needs to start an argument. Or maybe I'm just not noticing the possibilities for ranting and raving. Anyway, I'm horribly busy at work and don't get the time to post like I used to, and this is coupled with coming home and it being boiling hot so not really always wanting to sit on the computer (or rather crouch over it on a coffee table, thus getting a bad back), coupled with the need to spend time attending to my garden, and a humungous pile of reading matter to be got through, and just being plain fatigued all the time right now with the heat and the brain frying work I'm doing all day that is far too complex for someone with no short term memory and a very poor concentration span! Plus my head is full of mad stories right now... You get the picture. But as soon as I find that really juicy ruckus I'll be wading right in. __________________ Gordon's alive!

07-20-2006, 01:04 PM	#16
davem Illustrious Ulair Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: In the home of lost causes, and forsaken beliefs, and unpopular names,and impossible loyalties Posts: 4,240	Definitely slow. Perhaps what we need is another CbC thread - or even a 'Canonicity' That said, I'm not sure I'm up for a Silmarillion CbC at the moment. Personally, I'm blank at the moment as far as thread ideas go. Of course, we've all read too much, haven't we? We can now answer any question about Tolkien's work & intentions straight off - someone will quote from the Letters, or HoM-e. Don't you sometimes wish we could go back to when we just had LotR & TH & we could speculate on all kinds of possibilities & offer our own theories? Of course, I recently started a thread on that ...

07-20-2006, 02:10 PM	#18
Folwren Messenger of Hope Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In a tiny, insignificant little town in one of the many States. Posts: 5,076	I've been busy on the RPG forums, so it's not been slow for me. I have not noticed the other threads, I'm afraid. I've been posting in a few other random places today, though. -- Folwren P.S. DO Balrogs have wings? __________________ A young man who wishes to remain a sound atheist cannot be too careful of his reading. - C.S. Lewis

07-20-2006, 02:14 PM	#19
Roa_Aoife Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Someday, I'll rule all of it. Posts: 1,696	Listen to Valier- she speaks with wisdom. There is the somewhat rare occassion where everyone really just has something else to atend to. Or people may be running out of things to say. For example, I've considered getting into some of the Books discussion recently, but by the time I see one that interests me, my opinion's been stated six times over. So then I really just have say, "What would be the point?" and move on. __________________ We can't all be Roas* when it comes to analysing...* -Lommy I didn't say you're evil, Roa, I said you're exasperating. -Nerwen

07-20-2006, 02:17 PM	#20
Estelyn Telcontar Princess of Skwerlz Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: where the Sea is eastwards (WtR: 6060 miles) Posts: 7,500	I actually have a couple of nice discussion topics just waiting to get written up, but not the time to do so properly. Sometimes real life priorities take precedence. I hope to start at least one thread next week... I hope those of you who are complaining will join the discussion!! __________________ '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...'

07-20-2006, 03:11 PM	#21
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,460	Oh well maybe I will get my not inconsiderable butt into gear and launch my topics.... but I really must catch up on the backlog - I have been flat out on the downs and still am behind (apologies to all those who are waiting ) .... and so much of my non-work RL has been been neglected ..... But do consider a RPG if you are bored. I didn't think it was my thing when I joined and I have learnt so much - not only creative writing skills but in researching aspects of ME history. __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace

07-20-2006, 08:46 PM	#22
Folwren Messenger of Hope Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In a tiny, insignificant little town in one of the many States. Posts: 5,076	Check out drigel's new thread - 'Spun Candy any one?' __________________ A young man who wishes to remain a sound atheist cannot be too careful of his reading. - C.S. Lewis