[Knight of Gondor]

Would you have it any other way? I think a perfect balance has been struck. Fans have been introduced to Tolkien's works through a magnificent and artful film trilogy. Yes, there were problems, discrepancies and changes, some more severe than others. But PJ knew he had to cater to more than purists if he was to create magic at the box office, and I think he did well overall.

Look at the results. The films reign among the very great now, and have enticed many more to read Tolkien's works. I doubt this very forum would be at its current state if the film had not come into being.

And yet, there are those of us who can still maintain a Tolkien purity of sorts. It is we who were interested in the books before the film, it is we who delve into the intricacies of the genealogies of the Eldar, it is we who, as Jason Fox of the comic "Foxtrot" once remarked, "drew detailed maps of Osgiliath on our notebooks during math class."

If I may say so without sounding arrogant or elitist, this base of fans who derive their knowledge of the films primarily from the films, don't have the richer, deeper background in Middle-Earth to appreciate the history, lore and legend.

I don't know about you, but it kind of makes me feel like I have an edge over the rest of these fans -- and yet I'm glad that Jackson has attracted their attentions so that LotR can have a more diverse range of devotees.