Thoughts on Tolkien boards on the net ... - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

***Mithadan*** · 09-28-2000, 08:33 AM

<font face="Verdana"><table><TR><TD><FONT SIZE="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Wight
Posts: 106</TD><TD></TD></TR></TABLE>
Re: Thoughts on Tolkien boards on the net ...

I've noticed the trend also. I started posting on Tolkien Boards about 2 years ago when there were perhaps two or three decent options available. Now, there are dozens of boards (MM says there are about 200).

I settled in here because I like the tone, the format and the people who post at the Downs. I still lurk at several boards but rarely post unless there's a topic of great interest. The reason that I've abandoned some other boards is: that they were too combative and intolerent of other's views; that they were too unfocused, light or "unserious"; or too clannish. The Downs fits my personality and has the right mix of seriousness and fun, older and young posters, and types of boards. People choose (or create) their boards to fit their own personalities. Some get bored, others just want to chat or trade puns (you could set up a Tolkien Pun board for the fun of it). There's not much you can do if someone is more comfortable with another format.

What you could do is select several people who started out posting frequently then disappeared or who post infrequently but steadily and e-mail them. Invite them back, tell them whats new, solicit suggestions, ask why they stopped posting and how to make things better. I can think of four or five people from the first category if you want help.

At bottom, people will do what they want. The Downs can't be everything for everybody and is successful as things are (I think). Spur of the moment boards will wind down and fold and some people will come back. Ask around like I suggested above, but be patient. Maybe try to get linked on some of the better sites or get reviewed somehow. Don't worry, the Downs Rules! <img src=roll.gif ALT=":rollin">

--Mithadan--
"The Silmarils with living light
were kindled clear, and waxing bright
shone like stars that in the North
above the reek of earth leap forth." </p>

09-28-2000, 08:33 AM	#2
*Mithadan* Spirit of Mist Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Tol Eressea Posts: 3,393	<font face="Verdana"><table><TR><TD><FONT SIZE="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Wight Posts: 106</TD><TD></TD></TR></TABLE> Re: Thoughts on Tolkien boards on the net ... I've noticed the trend also. I started posting on Tolkien Boards about 2 years ago when there were perhaps two or three decent options available. Now, there are dozens of boards (MM says there are about 200). I settled in here because I like the tone, the format and the people who post at the Downs. I still lurk at several boards but rarely post unless there's a topic of great interest. The reason that I've abandoned some other boards is: that they were too combative and intolerent of other's views; that they were too unfocused, light or "unserious"; or too clannish. The Downs fits my personality and has the right mix of seriousness and fun, older and young posters, and types of boards. People choose (or create) their boards to fit their own personalities. Some get bored, others just want to chat or trade puns (you could set up a Tolkien Pun board for the fun of it). There's not much you can do if someone is more comfortable with another format. What you could do is select several people who started out posting frequently then disappeared or who post infrequently but steadily and e-mail them. Invite them back, tell them whats new, solicit suggestions, ask why they stopped posting and how to make things better. I can think of four or five people from the first category if you want help. At bottom, people will do what they want. The Downs can't be everything for everybody and is successful as things are (I think). Spur of the moment boards will wind down and fold and some people will come back. Ask around like I suggested above, but be patient. Maybe try to get linked on some of the better sites or get reviewed somehow. Don't worry, the Downs Rules! <img src=roll.gif ALT=":rollin"> --Mithadan-- "The Silmarils with living light were kindled clear, and waxing bright shone like stars that in the North above the reek of earth leap forth." </p> __________________ Beleriand, Beleriand, the borders of the Elven-land.