How did the other BDers change you?

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

I hope this isn't a duplicate thread. I tried looking and couldn't find another one like this so perhaps it can stay and flourish.

I don't think there's any doubt that the Barrowdowns as a whole has affected us in a way, whether great or small. However, what of the individual Downers? In what ways have the people you have met on this website affected your day-to-day life?

A notable change for me has come about because of Diamond18 and her uncanny humour. Once upon a time, in the old 101 things they'd never say thread she posted as follows; Frodo: "Well ruffle my hair and call me Bingo!" It has since become one of my favourite phrases and I use it all the time when I step back into the 'real world' (does that surprise you at all Diamond? ).

Just take the title of this thread as further evidence. I would normally have typed Downers instead of BDers but Fordim's thread in Mirth convinced me that the latter version was more striking.

So please share your ideas if your fellow BDers have altered your life in a good (or even bad) way.

[Evisse the Blue]

Well, a lot of smart people here taught me more about expressing ideas and paragraph formation than my teachers...and I'm not really kidding.

And I guess the saying 'you don't know what you got till it's gone' fits here perfectly. For instance, I realized these days that Heren Istarion's absence made the Quotable Quotes forum a much less lively place... *holds up large banner 'We miss you, HI!*

OT: Hey, it's so cool someone remembers that 101 things a LOTR character would never say thread! It's one of my favourite threads of all time, I used to read it over and over again and laugh hysterically at some entries. Maybe it's time someone bumps it back to life...

[Diamond18]

Well ruffle my hair and call me Bingo, that just makes my day, Eomer!

Well lots of BDers have had an affect on me, which is only to be expected considering the amount of time I have spent here since September 2002. I often find myself thinking about posts or topics when away from the computer, and there is no doubt the smart, witty, eloquent, thought provoking posts I have encountered here have helped to shape my perceptions of more than just Tolkien and Middle-earth.

To try and come up with some specifics.....

littlemanpoet changed my life exponentially when he invited me to join the FaerieWordweavers writing group (Shameless Plug) and though much of the stuff I have learned and many of the people I have met there are not technically Barrow Downs related, I would never have gone there without first being here. Some crossover members like Nar and Kalessin deserve mention too (though I don't think they have actually posted here in a very long time).

Esty, Squatter and other REBers have done more than just amuse me and laugh at my jokes in turn. There are so many things I encounter in 'real life' that make me think of REB, or certain posters; for instance I will never think of the word 'manly' in the same way again. I seem to compare all comedy to REB, these days.

And to tell the truth, any time someone gives me a Reputation comment, or replies to one of my posts, etc., even in the smallest ways, it lifts my spirits and gives me confidence. And that does affect the way I am in the 'real world'.

[Elennar Starfire]

Well, let's see...

Vala (who sadly seems to have left us long ago ) is personally responsible for my joining of the Barrowdowns, as I joined specifically for the purpose of posting on her thread, Dreams of what must come and what must be! (it's linked to in my siggy) Though I most likely would have joined eventually, it was Vala who provided a reason to join sooner.

Luthien Tinuviel and Morgul Queen and all the other Golden Ring Marathon planners got me to branch out and join another forum...and Luthy and Morgy have become some of my best friends (and Mental Triplets).

Eomer of the Rohirrim gave me a reason to show my cheeky side in What do BDers Look Like? and I have since become much more cheeky and, well...Lush-ish.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Changed? Me? Never. Actually, that simple statement just turned me into a liar... *trails off into muttering about assumptions and people who don't know me*. Well, I've been changed in vague ways (writing style, tone and such), and in more specific ones. The simple fact of my being a member of a worldwide forum has been highly educational, and very eye-opening.

My vocabulary has grown immensely, and the spelling of a lot of words in my writing are the "European" versions.

Eomer of the Rohirrim and Nirvana II have improved my analysis and deductive skills, by being so sneaky about their appearances.

I know I've been changed more, but my mind has gone amazingly blank... Great thread, Eomer.

Fea

[Saraphim]

Before *quickly does math* eight and a half months ago, I would not have spoken up for all the gold in Middle-Earth.

Now, because of you fine people, I find myself posting on threads that I would have avoided like the plague before. I know I don't always have the funniest or most philosophically wise things to say, but I say them.

So, you see, it's your fault I talk so much now. My real-time friends are out for your blood. I'm much more annoying in person.

In particular, one BD'er stands out.

Eomer of the Rohirrim, your posts and threads (this one included), are always entertaining, and often inspire my input as well. Our battle on the Somethin' Somethin' thread has kept me guessing every time I log on.

You complimented me the other day on that thread by saying that "your imagination is only equaled by your mirth". Well, neither one of those qualities would have surfaced if not for the amazing imagination and mirth of you, and everyone else on the forums. I can only hope to be equal with many of you here.

So, in the conclusion of a very boring and uncharactaristically serious post, I say thanks.