Happy Birthday Barrow-Downs!
 

On May 1, 2000, the first version of the Barrow-Downs Forum was created. The website itself is a little bit older, but I think that all would agree that the Forum is what drives this place. So, for 14 years we have been discussing Tolkien and his books, and making friends that share our interests, on this site. The Barrow-Downs has become more sedate over the past few years. Yet many here still recall when there were dozens or even hundreds of new posts, and new members, every day. I have not posted much recently, but I still love this place and sincerely miss many of the members that have departed or retired.

So, to celebrate the last 14 years, I thought it would be appropriate to post a couple of links to prior birthday celebrations that were conducted here. These threads celebrate the enthusiasm and creativity of our members and stand as a memorial to those who no longer post on the Forum and are missed. The thread reside in Elvenhome in the RPG Forums and are closed to posting.

In 2002, we conducted a free form party to celebrate the second birthday of the Downs. The chaos that ensued was legendary and the party lasted for a very long time until it was morphed into and RPG that itself lasted over a year. The thread for the 2002 party is http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=5697.

In 2003 we held another birthday party. This one was carefully organized and themed. It was called the First (last and only) Downie Awards and consisted first of a red carpet so that our members could arrive and anounce themselves, and later the Awards show itself. So many people attemppted to post in the first hours of the party that the number of attempted posts exceeded the site's capacity and many early posts were in fact lost. We actually had to close the thread briefly so that the Forum did not crash. The red carpet section of the party is http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=5672 and the Awards Show is http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=5677.

So let's celebrate the 14th birthday of the Downs (with some dignity and restraint) and thank Barrow Wight for creating this place. And lets also celebrate our members, current and sadly departed.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BARROW-DOWNS!

Happy Birthday For The Barrow-down!a

Cheers indeed, and Happy Birthday to the Downs!

I didn't find the site and forum until later in the year 2000, and at that time the forum was part of EZ Board, if I recall correctly. Signing up with them gave me access to all EZ Board forums, of which Tolkien-related were not in short supply. I remember posting on a few others, but this place really captured my attention with its mature, thoughtful, and above all family-friendly atmosphere. I very much appreciate the opportunity to be part of this forum, as it has became an established part of my daily life. Thank you BW, Admins, and Mods for making all this possible, and providing a place where I can vent about PJ's atrocities, and discuss the works of my favorite author.

Wow! 14 years! Including my previous incarnation as ainur, lost in the switch to v-bulletin, I've been here more than 12 of them. Many happy returns for my favorite spot on the 'net. You all are most of the smartest people I know. Here's to many more years! Thanks so much to The Barrow Wright and all the admins and mods, as well as all the members, for making this the Go-To spot for smart Tolkien talk.

Happy birthday to the Downs where I have spent nearly ten years. Raising a teacup in honourvofvthe founders and posters present and past and mithed... particularly the RPG-ers.

Im verily hope the this site will last throughout the ages.

Happy birthday, Downs!
 

The Barrow Downs was the first forum I have ever joined or even looked at, at least long enough to actually read the posts, and until only a couple weeks ago it was the only forum that I have participated in. It is the only internet social media blah blah blah place which I frequent, and I frequent it quite frequently. Although my amount of posting has dropped significantly over the last year (from over 8 posts a day to 4.58 - and that number is still probably due to my former active participation), I still visit the Downs every day. Thank you, Downs, and happy birthday!

Happy birthday some more!
 

Although my computer drawing skills are no match for Hooky's, here's a little something to honour the day. ;)

http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/...ps32f94a0a.png

that's great galadriel55!

14 years!! Happy Birthday Barrow Downs. Hopefully more and more Tolkien fans join this board and share their love and enthusiasm for Professor and his work. Cheers!

Happy birthday to the best little forum around and many happy returns to all!