Old Threads - Great Topics!

[Ancalagon]

I have been sifting through a number of the sections doing some cleaning and it came to me while reading through some of the threads how truly wonderful many of the questions are.

I was also wondering; how many members actually look back through the multiple pages in each section of the forum reading some of the older threads posted therein?

So, I was hoping members might add to this section their list of 'Top 10 threads' throughout the forum, ranging back from the beginning!!

Not only would you be able to share your favourites with everyone else, but it would also encourage you to seek into the depths of the forums past. It would be good to ressurect many of these threads as the questions are continually asked by new members. Eventually, I would envisage we could come up with a forum 'Ultimate Top 10'

There are a number of ways to do this; at the bottom of each section is a drop down menu where you can list the threads in order; either by date, posts, thread starter etc. Alternatively, at the top of the page is a title stating 'thread starter' which puts all threads in alphabetical order by member.

Anyhoo, it's just a thought, but one that warrants a search of the forums history:D

[Anamatar IV]

2 things:

1-like a place where we list our top 10 threads? Or what?

2-I feel all jealous because apparently there have been some amazing threads before I even knew about this forum! and if I finally discover them there are too many pages to catch up! :( :rolleyes:

[Thorin]

Hmmm....I guess I'm going to have to search out my "Alternate Screenplays" and inspire others to make some when TTT comes out! (Egotistical me! :D )

Some of the purist vs FAD debates with Foe-Hammer, ReadWryt, myself, Greymantle, Greenwood and markrob should be a hoot as well.

Where is ReadWryt anyway? I haven't heard nor seen him forever! :confused:

[DGoeij]

Originally posted by Thorin
Where is ReadWryt anyway? I haven't heard nor seen him forever! :confused:

Funny, I asked myself that question just about ten minutes ago.

Sometimes, when I should be doing someting usefull, I tend to surf through the deeper dungeons of TTF and wonder/amaze (what should be the correct word here?) myself about debates and information exchanges that go on around here. The Great Smials is a good one to do that.:)

[Walter]

Actually that was what made me think of a system where the interesting contributions don't just disappear after a while. There were so many interesting threads around here which I saw slowly going down the list, shifting to 2nd and then 3rd page and then being forgotten after a while. And a few times, when a certain question was asked, I remembered that there was once a thread about that topic already. But in many cases not even the search engine would let me discover it again. That was what finally made me trying a different approach with the TolkienWiki.

I've been asking myself already a couple of times why RW has disappeared, not that I'm missing him all that much ;), but I'm wondering...

[Thorin]

Well, I thought I'd get my Alternate Screenplay for the Council of Elrond. I know some might consider this egotistical, but I was unimpressed with the way PJ did the council of Elrond (maybe with the extended version, it might be a bit better) so I went and made my own. In looking on it, I would probabably add or take out a few things. I tried to make it compatible with a movie format and be truer to the book at the same time....So for all you "newbie's" out there, check it out and give me your opinion!

www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?threadid=1504

[Ancalagon]

He is about still, though doing some building work........fitting a new toilet or something:D
For your trouble, you will have to make do with me as his apprentice Uber Mod! At least until he finishes on the loo;)

[Thorin]

Here's a moldy oldy of a good hashing out of the whole Arwen fiasco...Purists and FADs alike!


www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?threadid=4223

[Walter]

Originally posted by Ancalagon
He is about still, though doing some building work........fitting a new toilet or something:D
For your trouble, you will have to make do with me as his apprentice Uber Mod! At least until he finishes on the loo;) Well, let's hope he doesn't get stuck, then...


...with all that work, even... :)

Oh, btw. Anc, when will you put that "Over-Moderator" in your title? ;)

[Valinorean]

Oh PLEASE PLEASE could we include the "Lord of the pants" thread!!!! I must have looked like a big doofus laughing out loud all alone in my office, but that was bleeping hysterical!!!

It might not have showcased any unsurpassed knowledge of JRRT, but the creativity was outstanding!!

As far as resurrecting the days of the NPW's ( I was a proud memeber of that clan), shouldn't we let that go the way of naugahyde recliners and leisure suits? It is an embarrassing reminder of the past, since we did not all behave like gentlemen and ladies. :rolleyes:

[Elbereth]

Anc, great topic by the way!

I often visit old thread to reminisce (sp?) and also to see if any of them are worth bringing back to life.

Some of my faves are:

The Silver Dragon (the original) - now located in the Great Smials http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=544

The Wedding of Elbereth and Valar: Prancing pony - for obvious reasons ;) [/URL]

The RPG Oscar After Party - rpg section- : Those were some good times! http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3631 (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4201) & [url]http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3856

Hempdread's Hot Summer Music Festival -Great Smials- : Lots of fun there! http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4838

and Wizdom's army - rpg section - : That was my first rpg...and I didn't even know that it was going to be an rpg when I joined!!! :D http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3184

I'll list more later....enjoy!

[Talierin]

Can't forget the Evil Voodoo Peanuts thread either!

[Ancalagon]

Hmmm, I am noticing a trend here! A distinct lack of Tolkien-related threads:(

Walter, I think I would prefer to stick with Moderator........unless someone could come up with a suitable replacement for 'super' in the title?

[Elbereth]

OK ok...tolkien related threads...

Well one of the first threads that I visited was : http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2569 (http://http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2569)

[Beorn]

Originally posted by Ancalagon
Hmmm, I am noticing a trend here! A distinct lack of Tolkien-related threads:(

I was thinking the 'The Way is Shut guy' thread, and the thread about the paths of the dead (and the hearts not quailing....I think it may have been pruned)...

Walter, I think I would prefer to stick with Moderator........unless someone could come up with a suitable replacement for 'super' in the title?

Well, which is better, him calling himself Over-moderator or The Guild of Ost-in-Edhil. I mean...his current one is sorta like saying, 'I am the state' ;)

[Ancalagon]

Well, which is better, him calling himself Over-moderator or The Guild of Ost-in-Edhil. I mean...his current one is sorta like saying, 'I am the state'

I suppose it all depends how insecure and paranoid the viewer is;)

As longs as nobody wants to 'smash the state' I can live with the plug!

[Parrot]

I will always a soft spot for the "Aragorn's Choice" thread, not only because it prompted my own first, faltering, steps on the forum, or that it has many good posts from many different members, but maybe mostly because it has Harad at his some of his best and worst. Good Times!

[Ancalagon]

I was hoping for the benefit of all members old and new that anyone posting their Top10 (or even Top5) might give links..............meaning rather than refer lovingly to your favourite threads, you would post the actual link.

I know that means seaching back through the foru......Oooh Oooh, that's exactly what I was was hoping we could all do:D

[Maedhros]

I have to agree with Parrot. Definitely Did Aragorn make the right choice? (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3085) was the best thread I have seen in the LOTR section.

[Parrot]

Yeah, I meant to do that....Did Aragorn make the Right Choice? (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3085)

[Ancalagon]

Alrighty, here's my Top 10 taken from various sections;

1. From The Hobbit; The Hobbit as a Religious Parable (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=160)
2. From The Lord of The Rings; Finding God in The Lord of the Rings (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1250)
3. From The Lord of the Rings; Uruks vs. Uruk-Hai (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2146)
4. From The Lord of the Rings; Did Aragorn Make the Right Choice? (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3085)
5. From The Lord of the Rings; Death March - I just don't buy this one! (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1498)
6. From The Lord of the Rings; The Power of the Ring (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1050)
7. From The Lord of the Rings; Is LOTR Racist? (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5637)
8. From The Silmarillion; Melkor - Evil by Will or Evil by Nature? (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1051)
9. From The Silmarillion; The Paths of Feanor (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3972)
10. From The Silmarillion; Who Are the Real Firstborn; Elves, Balrogs or Dwarves? (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=905)
11. From The History of Middle-Earth; Of Ingwe and the Vanyar (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2613)
12. From The History of Middle-Earth; The Belief of Men (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5381)
13. From The Hall of Fire; Can the Ring Think? (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=939)
14. From Bag End; Lord of the Pants (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3627)
15. From The Fellowship 'Film' Section; What Changes in the Movie Tick you off the Most? (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=429)
16. In Archives; Armies of Middle-Earth (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4431)

[Maedhros]

I have to tell you Anc that Of Ingwe and the Vanyar (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2613) , has a special value to me. Those were the good old days.:)
I thought that that thread was in the Hall of Fire. Now that I see it again, I see that it was in the beginning a discussion of the King of the Noldor thread, then it went completely off topic.

[DGoeij]

I can fully agree with the list posted by Anc, so I wonder why these weren't stored in the Smials?

Oh, and maybe Mod-hai would appeal to you?

[Elbereth]

"Finding God in the Lord of the Rings"...is one of my favorite threads!!!!

I would have posted it...but I forgot its name and couldn't find the link...Thanks Anc for posting that!!!

PS...I will post links to my faves this weekend.

[Beorn]

Oooh! I loved Can the ring think? (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=939)

Side note: If it could, that would make it a concious being, so would we need to refer to it as a proper noun, i.e. The Ring?

[HLGStrider]

I loved that Aragorn's choice one... as I do not know how to post links I will spare you all... Though I did like my Faramir and Immediate King Recognition one.. That was hardly a classic but I had some fun with Ulari...

Anyway, Now Harad is John the Baptistpersonal attack... The voice crying out in the wilderness.. perpare the path for the lord of the rings... With Aragorn in tow...

That is a personal attack???

I was reading through the Aragorn's choice thread and I found this... and I'm thinking... geez... sensitive... Brother...

[Ancalagon]

I would like to ask all members to start using this thread to post links to those threads they feel ought to be retained in The Great Smials. I have already begun to move a number of those threads that could be considered 'classic' into Smials, though I would like the contribution of the membership also.

Get to work all and find those valuable gems dotted throughout the forum;)

[Talierin]

Evil Voodoo Peanuts is my top choice! Funniest thread we ever had! http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1908

[Weathergirl2006]

i want to respond to old topics..Do you think it will make people kinda annoyed?

[Ancalagon]

WG2006, you can respond to any old thread you see that you like. The only ones that you cannot respond to are those in The Great Smials.
I would dearly love to see many of these old threads resurrected and discussed as many are interesting and valuable.

[aragil]

U vs U-h (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2146) made Anc's list (I still got it bookmarked)? Aww shucks! I can't believe it would make anybody else's list, but it goes without out saying that that is my #1. In close second is:
Best Orc Pentathlete (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2604) (FYI the gold is still up for grabs, if you haven't already voted, then head on over now!)

Posting my favorite Harad-related threads (hey, with a sig like mine I have to, and think what you will about his behavior, the guy did know how to start an interesting thread):

1) Galadriel's Exaggeration (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2910) for it's ring lore

2) Aragorn's Weapon (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2794), even though it suggests that Tolkien was not at all times perfect

3) Saruman's Military Intelligence (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2302)- even RW had something good to say about this one

4) The Ring Thru the Gap (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2362) mainly because I love VoK's concluding post

5) So why did Gandalf take the Fellowship thru Moria??? (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2058) Not only does Mdm Pony come up with the perfect conclusion for this last 'why not the gap' thread, but if you look very closely, you can still find Harad the Grey posts. Shh, don't tell the mods

6) Durin's Bane or Whistling Past the Graveyard (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3099) with lots of hilarity, a little exasperation, and almost no poisonal attacks

7) Did Aragorn make the right choice? (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3085) which of course deserves the place of honor. Actually this one is bittersweet, some great debating, but with the fall of Harad into shadow at the end this thread just proves the old addage that 'He who laughs last laughs harshest'. Sniff.

Of course, I'll have to return at some point in the future and add my non-Harad related favorites- yes there are some.

[Maeglin]

hmmm well I can only think of a few right now, but here they are:

1. Ents or Elves: who is older?-I think you can see from the title it was the argument about whether Ents or Elves came first, I thought that it was very interesting and a lot of people made very good points.

2. Who is the Greatest Elf Ever?- this one is actually still being discussed, but I think its really good.

And I have to do some searching to find some more, but I know there were a few reallllllly good ones since I came here, but I'll search really far back and try to find some others that I think are interesting.;)

[Ancalagon]

*Bump*

[Ithrynluin]

The mirror of Galadriel (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5219) is the only one I can think of at the moment.

This thread must be stickied at once! Thanks for bringing it up Anc! :)

[Walter]

Originally posted by Ancalagon
*Bump* Hope you didn't hurt yourself, Anc... ;)

All threads I would consider worth to be named here are either already mentioned or have suffered a premature demise...

[Elfarmari]

I'm not going to attempt to rate threads, but here are some good ones I've found!

Are men "guests" on Arda? (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6723)
The belief of Men (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5381)
Idril's regret (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6914)
The Gift of Men (death) vs. Immortality in Ea, which is the greater gift? (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1122)
The Greater Capacity for hate? (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4524)
Feanor's death, convenient? (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6005)

[Gil-Galad]

Hey what about "Who is the greatest elf ever?".
It was a thread of great interest in The Silmarillion discussion,and I don't remember,but Iit was probably rated.........;)

[Halasían]

I love delving into the deeps of threads. I even won an award in 2001 on another Tolkien board for being the 'Curator of Lost Lore'. The funny thing was it was a contributing factor to my evewntual banning from said board as I would bring up topics that were acceptable when they were posted to, but weren't acceptable any longer. Its funny how thiongs change so much that by staying the same you become a TOS violation. :rolleyes: :D

I have dug around in the dusty deeps and read many a scroll here as well. Some good stuff!

[Gary Gamgee]

There have been so many great threads on here, most of which have been pointed out. Although I have to say I'm particularly fond of this old one.

http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?t=2253

;)

[Sengir Buendia]

The most intelligent thread (in fact, it was a single post) I've read here so far doesn't deal with any intricate subtlety on Tolkien's work, but it's an analysis on people's behavior. Snaga writes a long, double post, analysing why purists are defined that way, why they feel the necessity of defending Tolkien's work as a canon, almost (and sometimes literally) in a messianic way. What is most interesting is when people contradicted him, they were in fact serving as live examples of his theory! That must have driven many purists really MAD! I recommend at least the initial post to everyone.

http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?t=14598

[Tar-Ancalime]

Yes, I am back. I don't know how long it's been but anywho my input for a thread ( i think i've forgotten how to link so....) is Reasons to Protect Rivendells Peaches....Anyone remember that?

[Arvedui]

I want to recommend Letters from Middle-earth. (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?t=16131)

And also this thread by its very nature... ;)

[Thorondor_]

My all time favorite is The Ainulindale (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?t=6678)

[Ingwë]

Here are my favourite threads:

The Nazgûl: mortal or immortal (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?t=17873)
Who 'killed' the Witch King? (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?t=17594)
Which are the Two Towers? (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?t=3701)
Staffs. . .Symbols? Powerful relics? Which and why? (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?t=17821)
Do you cry while reading LOTR? (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?t=421)
What caused the Balrog to awake? (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?t=11516&highlight=caused+balrog+awake)

[Snaga]

4) The Ring Thru the Gap (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2362) mainly because I love VoK's concluding post It appears this thread is no more... :( I suppose there is no chance of bringing it back from the void?

[Ithrynluin]

I don't know what happened to that thread, as it is before my time as a moderator. Too bad about it being gone, it shouldn't have been removed.

On a more cheerful note, I think deleted threads sometimes leave tracks behind, and can even be resurrected. Since Mike (Beorn) is a whiz on the computer, I'll ask him if he can track the thread down, even though I don't think it's that likely as it's an ancient one.