Beginners

[Arebeth]

Do you think there should be something on TTF for people who'd like to know which strange language we are speaking here? I mean, the-movies-are-great-but the-books-are-too-long-and-complicated people? I'm afraid that reading our posts is not exactly the right path to make them feel that Tolkien is accessible.
I used to think the same four years ago...
Personally, I've been a member for just two days and I'm enjoying the place, but be sure I don't think anymore that I know pretty much everything about LOTR and the Sil. You are all far more qualified than I am... Anyway, I keep learning.

[Nóm]

Do you think there should be something on TTF for people who'd like to know which strange language we are speaking here? I mean, the-movies-are-great-but the-books-are-too-long-and-complicated people?

I think the membership is that thing. People around here are happy to answer questions that others have.

Sure some topics and posts will be beyond some members but they can always ask questions or avoid those threads until they are ready.

I've seen a lot of new readers join here who are now involved in some of the most in-depth discussions at the forum. I've also sen people who have been reading LotR for years but after joining TTF they get even more into the books. I think the best thing to do is just to be enouraging to new readers. Surely never give them grief about a misunderstanding they have or a question they ask whose answer seems obvious to the more experienced.

A lot of people ask questions about reading the Silmarillion or HoME books, and in those forums are some threads that answer the most common questions that come up.

I'm afraid that reading our posts is not exactly the right path to make them feel that Tolkien is accessible.

Have any ideas?

Does anyone else agree with this?

If there is something poeple can do to help that would be great but I can not imagine what that might be. No matter what the posts will be there for people to read, and I do not understand how this will put people off.

Speaking for myself only: I joined right after I read LotR and was never put off by TTF, and in fact I really got seriously into Tolkien only after reading The Silmarillion, and I can say that TTF encouraged me in this because it is the only place where I could discuss that book.

But if you have ideas lets hear them. I am all for encouraging people to read beyond LotR, and even beyond The Silmarillion in some cases. I feel anyone who does not is missing something great.

[Arebeth]

I think there's a guild about it now.