I do practically the same thing Iarwain does, only for me it's always the Silmaril. Because it looks like a diamond, of course. [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]
For what it's worth, here's how I interpret some of the icons. Unofficially.
- Sword — the person was too lazy to change the icon, or the post/thread has something to do with weapons of Middle-earth.
- Smiley — person is in a happy or jocular mood.
- Silmaril — hey, it's just pretty.
- Hand of Saruman — a warning about something, or a topic having to do with Saruman.
- Beer mug — topic having to do with alcohal, or the poster is in a friendly, content mood (or just likes to drink).
- Green hand — poster is in strong agreement with somone or something. Also, good for those nomination threads.
- Red arrow — person needs help with something; the topic has something to do with Gondor, Legolas or archery.
- Yellow boots — having to do with Bombadil.
- Shield — having to do with Rohan or horses.
- Question — uh, a question.
- Ring — having to do with the Ring, or any Ringbearer. Also, very generic.
- Tolkien signature — having to do with the author himself, whether it be something about his life, or a topic that links the books with real life in any way.
- Eye of Sauron — a really funky mood, annoyance at another's stupidity, or something having to do with Sauron, Mordor, or evil in general.
- Pipe — having to do with Hobbits, Hobbit culture, pipeweed, or denoting an affable, leisurely mood.
Hey, I'm a librarian at heart. I've even given human personalities and interactive traits to numbers 1 thru 13. Don't ask. It would be off topic. [img]smilies/tongue.gif[/img]