[Morthoron]

Originally Posted by Mansun

Did you not understand, Morthoron? I said that sarcasm was being used on Gandalf's part, although throwing the Ring into the Great Sea would have been one of the better options (and NOT the best option).

There is no saracasm evident in the particular quote. Please quote the passage directly and show me where there is sarcasm (as you say, I do not understand). Throwing the Ring in the sea was never an option for Gandalf or Elrond; therefore, it cannot be considered a better option, anymore than giving the Ring to Gollum was an option. The best option, as we all know, was to send Frodo atop an eagle and just plop the Ring in Mt. Doom, and thus Tolkien would write a ten page book.

Originally Posted by Mansun

Do you forget Farmer Maggot here? He had beaten Frodo before, in the wrong side of fury. Didn't Gandalf nearly burn Gollum alive in a flash of anger? In any case, commenting on posters directly is forbidden and can lead to a ban, Morthoron.

Let's see, last time I checked Farmer Maggot was a hobbit, and the analogy has nothing to do with Gandalf, a Maia, in any case. Plus, Frodo was very young at the time, stealing produce. The hobbits at the time of the Lord of the Ring were adults, and it would seem rather kinky if Gandalf were spanking an adult. Perhaps he should have spanked Gimli for being cheeky suggesting they go to Moria.

As far as bans, I have never been told in over a year of posting here that directly quoting another poster is a bannable offense, particularly since direct quotes seems to be the norm around here these days (and correct in a scholarly and literary sense, considering one should always properly cite a quote). But if that is the case, then ban yourself for doing it, please, or better yet, stick to the discussion, thank you.

Originally Posted by Mansun

I don't think telling other posters what to do is the correct approach. There is meant to be active discussion here, not a heated argument.

There is nothing wrong with a heated debate, particularly regarding controversial or unconventional statements (or in this case when a quote is used improperly from a chronological standpoint). It is only when the discussion digresses into namecalling that a debate proves problematic.

Originally Posted by Mansun

The point here was that Gandalf often said grumpy things in Rivendell to dampen the spirits of the Hobbits. An error on my part (see edit above).

How was it an error exactly? The hobbits did not understand the gravity of the situation, and Gandalf, who was to lead them, pointed out in no uncertain terms what they were up against. Many an army has been destroyed by taking their opponent lightly. If you'd like, I can site a few hundred instances.