Are we Dying?

[Narya]

Is it just me or is this forum getting too quiet?

I hope it's just me. :(

I'd hate to wake up one morning and realize that my precious lifecycle needs to change!!!

[Lantarion]

This small regression was perectly forseeable; it is understandable that as a large number of members probably joined the forum in the wake of the films, a lot of them will also leave with the hype.
Also, it is an inevitable fact that as time goes by (the forum has been in active existance for four or five years), topics will become gradually more scarce. Basically all of the couple hundred basic questions have been asked long ago, and for a long time now TTF ahs been running mainly on the steam of more complex and near-philosophical questions and topics concerning Arda. But the fact is, this is not everybody's cup of tea. The forum is still open to basic and un-complicated questions, of course! but a lot of people will either be looking to the new, more profound threads or will be turning away, as is their own preference and choice.

Personally I prefer this pace, steady, quiet but still very much alive. :) It reminds me greatly of the early days of my participation here. *sniff* Ohhh the nostalgia. :D
Anyway, nothing to get alarmed about, it's a natural process that has many positive sides to it too. :)

[Narya]

Speaking of which, I would like to make a suggestion just to keep member participation alive somehow. Like if someone new posts a question or topic that has been discussed before maybe we can participate in it still without sounding sarcastic. I've read a couple of posts wherein newbies ask basic questions and then someone replies saying, oh that has been discussed already elsewhere, it kills their momentum, alienates them from us thus they go somewhere else.

The forum being quiet may be nostalgic, but it's also lonely. I'd rather it was louder than this...:(

[Arvedui]

We are probably not dying, but perhaps breathing a little heavier than usual...

I agree with you so unbelievably completely on your point on how to treat members that ask questions that have been asked before. I used to do so myself, so I guess that I am in the right position to agree.

[Inderjit S]

I don't really know. There are only so many questions which you can ask really, and as it has been pointed out, a lot of these have been used up. Plus re-answering questions can be and is, irksome. You begin to wonder whether you really should bother writing the same thing over again...

We have had quite a few new topics, though....and given the fact that there a lot of good posters around, as well as newbies, this helps balance it out. I would much rather there be three of four good discussions in a week then 20 dead end or recurring ones. Of course a dead end discussion is useful in itself, it allows for some questions to be answered, but as long as we have people like Nom, Gothmog, Snaga, Ardamir, Arvedui, Lantartion, Eriol, jallan, aragil, Walter, Lhun, Manveru, Eledhwen and others here, even if they are not posting regulary (and not forgetting the evil oompa-loompa hater, ithrynluin) then TTF will be very much alive.

It would be nice, of course, if people like Tar-Elenion, Maedhros, Ancalagon, Turgon, Maerbben and Aiwendil posted here again or a little more.

[Ciryaher]

The easiest way for new people to be encouraged to post their questions is for "veterans" to stay quiet and let newer members discuss the questions that others have answered before. If the "veterans" keep answering questions before newer members can, then we get the same old answers from the same old farts.

Mum's the word, vets ;) Go discuss whether or not Nienna was manic-depressive, not "Did Balrogs Have Wings?" :p

[Inderjit S]

Such discussions are of course far less esoteric then making long-winded, fastidious posts on which Finwëans existed when and who Celebrimbor's father was in June 1965. ;)

Anyone who has read LoTR and the Sil, and a lot of people on this board, esp. the newbies, have read both, can join in with the Nienna and Balrog discussions. ;)

[Manveru]

is that loud enough?!! (hope none of the mods' squad will think of that as... hmm... you know what ;))

loud isn't better... in any way... i don't like this "creeping silence" around the halls, though my preferences go along (rather) with those of Lanty's :)

as for "vets" messing around... that's a good point, Ciryaher. i myself am not always sure whether to post or not when someone "more knowledgeable" posts before me... or even starts a thread (like those very often abandoned posts by Nom--what a waste)

the brave own the world as they say... or sth like this...

-------
btw, this forum won't die out so easily... *hoping these words to be true*

:D

[Gil-Galad]

This small regression was perectly forseeable; it is understandable that as a large number of members probably joined the forum in the wake of the films, a lot of them will also leave with the hype.
Also, it is an inevitable fact that as time goes by (the forum has been in active existance for four or five years), topics will become gradually more scarce. Basically all of the couple hundred basic questions have been asked long ago, and for a long time now TTF ahs been running mainly on the steam of more complex and near-philosophical questions and topics concerning Arda. But the fact is, this is not everybody's cup of tea. The forum is still open to basic and un-complicated questions, of course! but a lot of people will either be looking to the new, more profound threads or will be turning away, as is their own preference and choice.

Personally I prefer this pace, steady, quiet but still very much alive. :) It reminds me greatly of the early days of my participation here. *sniff* Ohhh the nostalgia. :D
Anyway, nothing to get alarmed about, it's a natural process that has many positive sides to it too. :)


The right words at the right place.

I agree with you Lanty :),that was perfectly forseeable.And honestly I prefer it like that.There was time when I was sick of non-Tolkien things-here at TTF and now when the movies are done(Thank God that PJ will not touch anything by Tolkien anymore) I am glad the off-topics are not so much.

[Ireth Telrúnya]

Hopefully this forum is not dying out.
(By the way, thank you for e-mailing me today for my b-day!)

I haven't been here much lately, but that's just me. I usually get really interested in something and then after a while when I find something else even more interesting, that other thing kind of falls into the background category.
I still haven't read the Silmarillion. I will read it, when I feel like I want to plunge into its world again.
Maybe I had an overdose of Tolkien this Spring...

[Narya]

Well, to each his own, I want this forum loud. And Cir has hit the point in the eye, those who know the answer already don't need to engage in another discussion of the same matter, in fact leave it to the newbies this is their way of getting themselves acquainted with the board and feeling at-home with the others. It makes them feel comfortable.

[Turin]

In my oppinion TTF is not dying, this is merely the end of an age(the dominion of the dark lord Jackson is over :D ). Cir has the right idea, the oldies stand by(and maybe participate) while the new members discuss things with other new members.

[33Peregrin]

I came here right with the movies, because they made me like Tolkien. It's really weird though, adjusting to this quietness. I used to feel really behind if I even missed one or two days. Now I can come here everyday in my free period, and sometimes it gets kind of depressing when you don't get any respnse to anything. I don't really want it to get too loud, because I don't want te feel behind at all, but I wish it would liven up a little.

[Saucy]

perhaps has we all move forwards, onwards and upwards treading water, in the great circle of life, we are beginng to doscover lives outside of TFF, but dont worry sooner or later those discovering those lives will soon discover that life without TFF is rather overated and ill purposed and they will return to us, wagging there blessed little tails and singing about the doings of tolkiens characters that they have grown to love, then we will join hands and dance in circles around the tall oak tree wich grows within our hearts and we will laugh, and talk and cry about how happy we are and how we missed each other. then we will all climb on our ridicoulous saddle bearing flamingoes and ride of finto the sunset, happy to of found our true love, our obsession and addiction all in the same place.

oh!!!! it will be miraculous
*tears of happiness*

[Manveru]

*clapping loud*

nice try, powersauce... wonder if that vision is about to happen... would be fun :D

[Gandalf The Grey]

About a month ago, I joined a different Tolkien forum, and have been spending far more of my time there and at MERPG than here at TTF.

Reasons? Well, compare how I've been treated in each forum:

At TTF, when I asked for help regarding what the process was for acquiring an avatar, having earned one through a sufficient number of posts, I ended up having to ask a non-TTFer to please make me one, since at the time I did not have Photoshop. I'm very grateful to a certain graphics guy at my workplace for helping me in this regard. As for participating in threads, it's been my experience that in many cases newcomers to places like the Book threads are passed over in silence, in favor of veteran regulars responding to each others' posts. The movie threads tend to be taken up with two factions debating such things as the meaning of the word "hubris" carried to a point well beyond trivial absurdity to the edge of personal attacks. Therefore, my interest level towards participating in such threads has dropped to nil. Giving credit where it's due, my riddles and poetry have been well received here.

At the new Tolkien forum, I was immediately provided with a choice of "beginner's" avatars to choose from. Then, before having made my 50th post, I was pleasantly surprised when one of the mods, on her own initiative and without my even asking, PM'ed me the gift of a personalized "Gandalf the Grey" avatar specially crafted just for me!

At MERPG, I was granted the honor of teaching a Word Skills class in a special thread there, and count among my students a goblin, an Elf, a lady of Rohan, and an Easterling. This RPG has proven a wonderfully satisfying and rewarding venture! I started a contest, and am currently very pleased to be judging four high-quality submissions that are all highly deserving of praise, though only one will win the pure gold quill, gold ink bottle, gold-flecked black ink, and gold-threaded parchment! :)

IMHO, it's all about friendliness in action.

~~ Gandalf the Grey

[Ambartur]

Well, when I came here after joining MERPG, I found that many of the topics that I could have been interested in discussing were said to have already been discussed by those who have been here longer than I have. This in itself made me lose interest in asking any questions. Also, the fact that much here is discussed almost totally, with virtually all views expressed, by others before I can post said views myself makes it seem worthless. I mean, a lot of times, the people here argue their points so well that they leave out any chance of adding anything on. It becomes less of a discussion and more of a research topic or just something to study to me. It's rather pointless.

I prefer to just post in the Guild of Outcasts (Someone there said I was an interesting person! *sniffle* I'm so touched...) and Stuff and Bother, sometimes looking in the Related Topics area (mostly for the Riddles in the Dark). If there are no real Tolkien-related topics that I can actually participate in, then I won't bother looking...And what's the point of saying your views if someone has already posted them. That's what stops me, at least.

Don't get me wrong, I think y'all have an excellent place here, it just seems that the "veterans" are the only ones who say anything because they say everything before anyone else can.

[Manveru]

hear this... hear this... "vets" :p :D

PS. maybe (sometimes) it is worth meddling into affairs of "the vets", Ambartur... i don't consider myself a veteran, still, if i have anything to add, i just add -- like now (freedom of speech :p)

---------
BTW, Gandalf, i just can't believe nobody wanted to help you with that avatar-thingy (could've asked me, for example -- i do it with pleasure, anytime) and... i really like your poems and riddles (haven't read much of your posts of other type, sorry ;))

BTW2: where did Lhun's post disappear, eh? wraith-in-trouble again?

[Lhunithiliel]

BTW2: where did Lhun's post disappear, eh? wraith-in-trouble again?
No, Angel! :D
I deleted it myself for I saw no reaction, which means that the people it was addressed to just don't care at all about what is being said here. They just prefer to sit there and whine and blame others ....

BTW GTG, if you allow me, perhaps you haven't seen the special invitation addressed to you personally, to administer the Creative Endeavours space (The Glittering Caves) in the new Guild of Tolkienology (in process of re-structuring), together with Manveru and Eledwhen. I hope creating new activities in this field could provide you with some satisfaction.
Manv, keep in touch with your fellow Admin-s, man! :D

[Gandalf The Grey]

Manveru:

I've truly enjoyed the times our paths have crossed here at TTF, and have always liked reading your contributions both in the way of poems and riddle-guessing. * bows with utmost goodwill * Unfortunately, at the time I was publicly requesting an avatar and getting no actual assistance, you and I were not in contact enough for me to realize that you would have been willing to help me.

Lhunithiliel:

You have my thanks for bringing to my attention the offer of the administrator position for the Glittering Caves. * bows cordial gratitude *

All / To Whom It May Concern:

That said, no, I haven't seen the special invitation. In fact, today when I tried looking for it in a couple of threads out of curiosity's sake, I could not find it. But more important than trying to figure out just where the special invitation is hiding out, my question is, if whoever issued the special invitation was actually serious, why did I never receive a PM about it? Although I haven't been coming regularly to TTF, my e-mail would have alerted me if someone had sent a PM, at which point I would have logged on and responded in a timely manner.

Though true to my nature as Gandalf the Grey, I am far more interested in friendship than in power. I would more strongly wish to find myself in the company of the least Hobbit folks who wear no feathers, than to find myself proclaimed an administrator by great folks among the great.

An administrator position where friendly fellowship is absent seems to me very like the destructive hollowness at the center of the shining gold Ruling Ring. Under such circumstances I can do naught but refuse.

Sincerely and with good wishes towards all,

~~ Gandalf the Grey

[Lhunithiliel]

Lhunithiliel:

You have my thanks for bringing to my attention the offer of the administrator position for the Glittering Caves. * bows cordial gratitude *
No need, indeed!

... I can do naught but refuse.
:rolleyes:

Well, Manv, I'm afraid you're all on your own.

[Halasían]

Are we Dying? No, Call it a thinning out as many that were drawn to Tolkienforums in the first place found it in a search for info on the movies. Now that the movies are done, nmany will move on to where their favorite actor is, and only the diehard Tolkien fanatics will remain... kind of like it was before the hoopla of the movies came along.In my oppinion TTF is not dying, this is merely the end of an age (the dominion of the dark lord Jackson is over :D ). Right on!

[Narya]

One thing is clear from this discussion I see, that many have observed basically the same thing - there is too much alienation going on of late. The vets only listen to the other vets, and the newbies are left on their own to wilt and die.

Ok maybe not that horrible a deal perhaps something a bit lighter.

Something that we should all learn to do as individual posters in this board - as Gandalf the Grey said, we should maintain a friendly environment and treat everyone as a potential vet and friend.

[Lhunithiliel]

One thing is clear from this discussion I see, that many have observed basically the same thing - there is too much alienation going on of late. The vets only listen to the other vets, and the newbies are left on their own to wilt and die.
I feel confused here ... :confused:

Once it is: "Vets, stay away and let the newbies act !" and ... then the above!!! :eek:
Besides, let me ask the "newbies" (I am using ".." because very few are true "newbies" here! ) one thing:

Say, if you really wanted to "stretch your legs/wings" without the "vets' " interference ... why then haven't you :

>> paid attention to any discussion thread? (Have you at all noticed those started lately by Nom or those revived from past times ... ? Have you even bothered to post a sentence there? :rolleyes: )

>> started at least one thread where we all could've seen the newbies in action and willingness to discuss Tolkien or/and Tolkien-related topic?

Even though I deleted my previous post, I'll repeat the main point from it.
I don't think it is fair to blame others for something not happening just because you are not willing to undertake this something yourself .

I know there are lots of people who by nature find that the easiest way to do sth. is to wait for others to start doing it and they just join in. If so, then, however, I don't see any reason for complaining! One either joins in and takes active part in the activities as they are, or does not take part.

But the situation to not take part and still complain ... :eek: This I can't understand!

[Narya]

Ok, for one thing, Lunnie, no one is blaming no one, please read my post carefully, I did say, Observations...

that many have observed basically the same thing
I am not saying, and nor are the others, that there are people to blame for the sudden lack of participants. This thread was not meant to place blame on ANYONE. I just posted because I felt lonely and sad because TTF before wasn't like this - well not when I joined, and I feel sad thinking that it will suddenly slow down and die a natural death - natural or unnatural I really don't want this board to end, it means so much to me, as I know it does with others as well.

The other people just made suggestions based on their observations. And yes when I was a newbie too, nobody would play with me, at least not nicely. It was because of a nice vet that I suddenly felt at home. I am referring to Snaga1. He was nice enough to tolerate my stupidity more than once and because of that I got to know more people, got to know my way around and now I feel very much at home.

Some newbies need to feel that way as well, I guess.

So calling all newbies!!! :D

[Manveru]

actually, the term newbie is kinda funny to me... i mean, either it means "newbies" in Tolkien knowledge or the same ones to a community (like TTF). there's a slight change between these two "terms" (for me at least): in the first case one can post much in the not-so-called-Tolkien-related threads, read other threads (more related to master T.) on the forum along with books by T. on their own and progress quick in posting their own opinion as opposed to the (so called) "vets". in the other case, one may be a really good Tolkien scholar, but s/he is only one step afar from participating in full at any fora. this step must be made -> just post. i must admit the "second case" was my case... tho i don't consider myself a scholar in T's works (haven't even read all). whole bunch of grains of sand had gone thru the hole in my "time-meassure-thingy" ;) before i decided to post my first post (which was in one of the guilds --> places consider to be "nightmares" for newbies :rolleyes: ) and what do we get now? don't ask... you read my posts (probably) from time to time, so can figure it out on your own. :D

and i don't think the atmosphere isn't friendly enough here at TTF... maybe there are persons with whom it is harder to "get along" (anyone seen such? i don't recall), but the whole thing as one is... ah, don't tell me it isn't friendly (got problems -> PM a Mods' squad :p)

newbies... don't think too much what some "vet" (or anyone else may think of your post or of you, taking your post into consideration), just do it... post! everyone can err... and everyone have the right to have her/his own opinion, which s/he can defend. the question is: does one have courage (or is willing enough) to do so? so, go on... participate!

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btw: Lunnie?! :eek: that sounds like Looney :D (beep beep, wraith *wild angelic laughter*)

[Narya]

so, go on... participate!


well said! That's the spirit mate! go on! exercise your freedom of speech! anyone is entitled to it (unless of course you go further than thou art and get into trouble with the Mods ;) )

But yes, the only way to keep this message board alive and afloat is to PARTICIPATE!!!

[Saucy]

i usually just read post and not comment because i fear of sounding dumb :)