Icons - a question - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Lalaith · 05-16-2003, 03:33 PM

Now, it's probably just me being dumb, but what do the various message icons actually mean? I've done a search and all I've found is The Barrow Wight saying he uses the Eye to show he's cross.
But what of the others? I can guess at some, but I'd like the official version, please...

***The Barrow-Wight*** · 05-16-2003, 04:14 PM

There is officially no official use for any of the icons.

Iarwain · 05-16-2003, 07:43 PM

I always use the boot (unless, on some rare occaison I forget to). By now, it's almost instictive. I click "Add Post" and then click the boot bubble, and then I type. It goes not only with my nickname, but also with my Avatar. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Iarwain

Diamond18 · 05-16-2003, 08:11 PM

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]

Gorwingel · 05-16-2003, 08:55 PM

I usually use the silmaril when ever I am talking about something elvish. Sometimes I actually try to coordinate my avatar with my message Icon (like right now since I have Elizabeth I over there I try to use a red one) I know that kind of sounds stupid though (too much time on my hands)

Lalaith · 05-17-2003, 02:21 AM

*bows*
Thank you all for that. Diamond, your definitions make excellent sense. I have just been sticking to default sword as I wasn't sure what the icons were all about...

GaladrieloftheOlden · 05-17-2003, 02:45 AM

Some people just chose one and always use it... that works, too. I use the pipe out of habit, though it doesn't say much about me, as I prefer elves to hobbits any day. But most people either change it all the time or just use the sword. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

~Menelien

[ May 18, 2003: Message edited by: GaladrieloftheOlden ]

Manardariel · 05-17-2003, 03:39 AM

In RPGs I like to use corresponding Icons... like I used the Jewel for girly- Pearl Took, or the shield/sword for elven guard Andunériel etc.

Oh and Gorwingel, I ADORE your avatar!

Lyra Greenleaf · 05-17-2003, 04:14 AM

Like Iarwain and Diamond, using the Silmaril is completely a habit for me. I just don't think about it anymore. I do like to look at the icons people have used, and I think mostly people are like that, they use it to show something about them rather than their post.

Estelyn Telcontar · 06-05-2003, 12:57 AM

Add me to the list of those who use the Silmaril as a trademark icon - there's a cross-linguistic association for me. One Silmaril is a star, after all, and "stella/stellar" sounds rather similar to Estel, doesn't it?!

Alkanoonion · 06-05-2003, 02:26 AM

This is me all over "Beer mug — topic having to do with alcohal, or the poster is in a friendly, content mood (or just likes to drink)"

I like to drink

but I use the beer icon as Diamond18 said to show that I am in a friendly, content mood

Yavanna228 · 06-05-2003, 07:46 AM

I normally use the Tolkien signature because I like the way it looks. Every once in awhile I'll use something different, but the signature one just fascinates me. I'll have to come up with some way to do that with my name [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]
Peace

VanimaEdhel · 06-05-2003, 01:57 PM

I usually use the Silmaril because when I first came, I thought, "Oooooh! Pretty!", even though it was before I read "The Silmarillion". I've been using it from now on. I just think that it's kind of feminine in it's prettiness, and I'm completely girly in real life, so it fits my personality.

Trippo The Hippo · 06-13-2003, 10:02 PM

I used to use the ring but everyone likes to use that, and I like to be orignal. (Look at my nick.) So I went with the beer mug since very fiew people use it and I just like it. If I was in LotR I would be a hobbit so I guess that fits with the beer.

Maikadilwen · 06-13-2003, 10:31 PM

Well, I always use the Eye icon, even in PM's (unless I'm in a hurry and forget).
People in here shouldn't even ask why because most of you already know me to be a loyal worshipper of Sauron. [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

MLD-Grounds-Keeper-Willie · 06-14-2003, 03:11 AM

I always use the beer mug icon. The sword icon represents a simple forgetfullness of myself. Sometimes, if I forget, I'll even edit the post just to get the beer icon. I choose it because, yes, I drink, very regularly, and for no other reason. It's just by habit too. I started doing it, and now, I see a post with a beer mug icon as one that I have written. Ocasionally, there will be a post that has the icon, but isn't by me. I have noticed that Trippo also uses that icon, I have saw his and thought it was mine. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] [img]smilies/tongue.gif[/img] [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

arianrod · 06-14-2003, 05:44 PM

Rohan is my favorite Middle Earth country, so I use its shield in my posts. Every once in awhile if I have a question I'll use the question mark, if I agree strongly with what someone else has said I'll use the thumbs up, and if I think something's really funny I use the laughing face. Other than that, it's always the shield.

elven maiden Earwen · 07-28-2003, 06:03 PM

I usally use the Silmaril

Sword — I was lazy or the post has to do with fighting

Smiley — I use this when I post in Middle Earth Mirth

Silmaril — I almost always use it. I also use it when I'm talking about elves

Hand of Saruman — I never use it.

Beer mug — I posted in the Green Dragon or I use it when I talk about Hobbit sometime. Or of course when my post is talking about drinking

Green hand — I don't use this one ethir.

Red arrow — I use this when its about Gondor or in RPG's if my charecter uses a bow-and-aroow in that post. Or of couse Legolas

Yellow boots — I don't use this unless I'm talking about Good Ol' Tom.

Shield — I use this when I'm talking about ROhan or my post has to do with Rohan. I also use this when I post in the White Horse in Rohan.

Question — I use this alot when I post in the Quiz Room. Or for topics lie New Game or What (or who) am I talking about (I don't even know half the time!). Or when I ask a question

Ring — When I talk about rings(rarely use)

Tolkien signature — I rarely use it. I only use it if I get bored of the Silmaril

Eye of Sauron — When I'm talking aobut Mordor or evil things.

Pipe — When I'm talking about hobbits, or I'm in a Hobbit RPG

[img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] Forever~Earwen [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

Genevieve · 07-29-2003, 10:14 PM

I usually use the Tolkien signature, because I think it looks really cool and mysterious. Otherwise I use the Simaril because its pretty, and the sword when I forget. I also like the shield though, and I like Rohan so...yah. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Elennar Starfire · 07-30-2003, 08:13 PM

I like to use the silmaril, because it matches my name and avatar.

peonydeepdelver · 07-31-2003, 08:07 AM

I usually use the shield since I love horseback riding, but I used to use the pipe a long time ago because hobbits have always been my favorite race.

Finwe · 07-31-2003, 10:18 AM

I use the sword just because it's a part of my personality.

Eressië Ailin · 08-06-2003, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Question — uh, a question.

So that's what it is... a question mark... I've always thought of it as an arrangement of pretty blue lights (blue fireflies!) that just so happens to look remarkably like a question mark, but is really just a squiggly line.

Seriously though, I'm very proud to say that I've used the blue squiggly line in every single one of my posts. At first I was mesmerised by the blue lights ("Oooo... pretty lights...") and I clicked. Then, it was just out of habit. The blue squiggly line (I refuse to call it a question mark! [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]) is my trademark icon, and it matches my Avatar too!

Quote:

Sometimes, if I forget, I'll even edit the post just to get the beer icon.

Lol, I do that too. But with my precious blue squiggly line of course. [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

EDIT: Now that's just sad. A post this long all about a blue squiggly line. [img]smilies/rolleyes.gif[/img]

[ August 06, 2003: Message edited by: Eressië Ailin ]

Silmarien · 08-06-2003, 10:09 PM

I guess I use the Silmaril frequently especially when I can't decide what else to use. And you must admit it fits best with my name. But I do sometimes use some other's if they seem to fit with my post.

ElenCala Isil · 08-06-2003, 10:19 PM

I either use the sword or the question mark. occasionally I'll use the shield as Rohan is definitely one of my favourite places in Middle-Earth. I have grown to love swords, so that explains the sword, and the question mark... well, I can't really explain that, I just like the way it looks, I suppose [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

05-16-2003, 03:33 PM	#1
Lalaith Blithe Spirit Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 2,779	Icons - a question Now, it's probably just me being dumb, but what do the various message icons actually mean? I've done a search and all I've found is The Barrow Wight saying he uses the Eye to show he's cross. But what of the others? I can guess at some, but I'd like the official version, please... __________________ Out went the candle, and we were left darkling

05-16-2003, 04:14 PM	#2
*The Barrow-Wight* Night In Wight Satin Join Date: May 2000 Posts: 4,043	There is officially no official use for any of the icons. __________________ The Barrow-Wight

05-16-2003, 07:43 PM	#3
Iarwain Pugnaciously Primordial Paradox Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Birnham Wood Posts: 800	I always use the boot (unless, on some rare occaison I forget to). By now, it's almost instictive. I click "Add Post" and then click the boot bubble, and then I type. It goes not only with my nickname, but also with my Avatar. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] Iarwain __________________ "And what are oaths but words we say to God?"

05-16-2003, 08:11 PM	#4
Diamond18 Eidolon of a Took Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: my own private fantasy world Posts: 3,460	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] __________________ All shall be rather fond of me and suffer from mild depression.

05-16-2003, 08:55 PM	#5
Gorwingel Beholder of the Mists Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Somewhere in the Northwest... for now Posts: 1,419	I usually use the silmaril when ever I am talking about something elvish. Sometimes I actually try to coordinate my avatar with my message Icon (like right now since I have Elizabeth I over there I try to use a red one) I know that kind of sounds stupid though (too much time on my hands) __________________ Wanted - Wonderfully witty quote that consists of pure brilliance

05-17-2003, 02:21 AM	#6
Lalaith Blithe Spirit Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 2,779	bows Thank you all for that. Diamond, your definitions make excellent sense. I have just been sticking to default sword as I wasn't sure what the icons were all about... __________________ Out went the candle, and we were left darkling

05-17-2003, 02:45 AM	#7
GaladrieloftheOlden Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Massachusetts - digging up a bottomless hole, searching for something that's not there... Posts: 1,514	Some people just chose one and always use it... that works, too. I use the pipe out of habit, though it doesn't say much about me, as I prefer elves to hobbits any day. But most people either change it all the time or just use the sword. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] ~Menelien [ May 18, 2003: Message edited by: GaladrieloftheOlden ] __________________ "Glue... very powerful stuff."

05-17-2003, 03:39 AM	#8
Manardariel Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Rivendell Posts: 807	In RPGs I like to use corresponding Icons... like I used the Jewel for girly- Pearl Took, or the shield/sword for elven guard Andunériel etc. Oh and Gorwingel, I ADORE your avatar! __________________ Love is a perky elf dancing a merry little jig and then suddenly he turns on you with a miniature machine gun. Blog :-)\|FanFic Dream City

05-17-2003, 04:14 AM	#9
Lyra Greenleaf The Diaphanous Dryad Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: R toL: 531, past the wild path Posts: 1,152	Like Iarwain and Diamond, using the Silmaril is completely a habit for me. I just don't think about it anymore. I do like to look at the icons people have used, and I think mostly people are like that, they use it to show something about them rather than their post. __________________ “Sylphs of the forest,” I whispered. “Spirits of oak, beech and ash. Dryads of Rowan and hazel, hear us. You who have guided and guarded our every footstep, you who have sheltered our growth, we honour you." the Forbidden Link

06-05-2003, 12:57 AM	#10
Estelyn Telcontar Princess of Skwerlz Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: where the Sea is eastwards (WtR: 6060 miles) Posts: 7,500	Add me to the list of those who use the Silmaril as a trademark icon - there's a cross-linguistic association for me. One Silmaril is a star, after all, and "stella/stellar" sounds rather similar to Estel, doesn't it?! __________________ 'Mercy!' cried Gandalf. 'If the giving of information is to be the cure of your inquisitiveness, I shall spend all the rest of my days in answering you. What more do you want to know?' 'The whole history of Middle-earth...'

06-05-2003, 02:26 AM	#11
Alkanoonion Spirit in Eriador Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Adelaide Posts: 392	This is me all over "Beer mug — topic having to do with alcohal, or the poster is in a friendly, content mood (or just likes to drink)" I like to drink but I use the beer icon as Diamond18 said to show that I am in a friendly, content mood __________________ In prosperity our friends know us; in adversity we know our friends.

06-05-2003, 07:46 AM	#12
Yavanna228 Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: May 2003 Location: on the wings of the morning Posts: 394	I normally use the Tolkien signature because I like the way it looks. Every once in awhile I'll use something different, but the signature one just fascinates me. I'll have to come up with some way to do that with my name [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] Peace __________________ 'Dulaman na Binne Bui, Dulaman Gaelach/ Dulaman na farraige, 's e b'fhearr a bhi in Eirinn!'

06-05-2003, 01:57 PM	#13
VanimaEdhel Etheral Enchantress Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Wellesley College! Posts: 1,461	I usually use the Silmaril because when I first came, I thought, "Oooooh! Pretty!", even though it was before I read "The Silmarillion". I've been using it from now on. I just think that it's kind of feminine in it's prettiness, and I'm completely girly in real life, so it fits my personality. __________________ "I think we dream so we don't have to be apart so long. If we're in each others dreams, we can be together all the time." - Hobbes of Calvin and Hobbes

06-13-2003, 10:02 PM	#14
Trippo The Hippo Wight Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: somewhere with hippos that say jolly o and wear spectacles Posts: 195	I used to use the ring but everyone likes to use that, and I like to be orignal. (Look at my nick.) So I went with the beer mug since very fiew people use it and I just like it. If I was in LotR I would be a hobbit so I guess that fits with the beer. __________________ Shouldn't he be the disco steward?

06-13-2003, 10:31 PM	#15
Maikadilwen Summoner of Lost Souls Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: At home, with my Strongbow Posts: 521	Well, I always use the Eye icon, even in PM's (unless I'm in a hurry and forget). People in here shouldn't even ask why because most of you already know me to be a loyal worshipper of Sauron. [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] __________________ -"Death borders upon our birth, and our cradle stands in the grave. Our birth is nothing but our death begun."

06-14-2003, 03:11 AM	#16
MLD-Grounds-Keeper-Willie Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: San Francisco Posts: 573	I always use the beer mug icon. The sword icon represents a simple forgetfullness of myself. Sometimes, if I forget, I'll even edit the post just to get the beer icon. I choose it because, yes, I drink, very regularly, and for no other reason. It's just by habit too. I started doing it, and now, I see a post with a beer mug icon as one that I have written. Ocasionally, there will be a post that has the icon, but isn't by me. I have noticed that Trippo also uses that icon, I have saw his and thought it was mine. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] [img]smilies/tongue.gif[/img] [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] __________________ Do Not Touch -Willie

06-14-2003, 05:44 PM	#17
arianrod Wight Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Wandering Hobbiton, smiling at the hobbits & trying to sell them vacuum cleaners Posts: 215	Rohan is my favorite Middle Earth country, so I use its shield in my posts. Every once in awhile if I have a question I'll use the question mark, if I agree strongly with what someone else has said I'll use the thumbs up, and if I think something's really funny I use the laughing face. Other than that, it's always the shield. __________________ Eenie, meanie, Samwise Gamgee, Staring after pretty Rosie, If she calls, watch him blush, then turn and leave in a rush. You want to join the Citadel... You know you do... Do the Wave for Boromir the Disco King!

07-28-2003, 06:03 PM	#18
elven maiden Earwen Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: A world that never was and never will be Posts: 1,300	I usally use the Silmaril Sword — I was lazy or the post has to do with fighting Smiley — I use this when I post in Middle Earth Mirth Silmaril — I almost always use it. I also use it when I'm talking about elves Hand of Saruman — I never use it. Beer mug — I posted in the Green Dragon or I use it when I talk about Hobbit sometime. Or of course when my post is talking about drinking Green hand — I don't use this one ethir. Red arrow — I use this when its about Gondor or in RPG's if my charecter uses a bow-and-aroow in that post. Or of couse Legolas Yellow boots — I don't use this unless I'm talking about Good Ol' Tom. Shield — I use this when I'm talking about ROhan or my post has to do with Rohan. I also use this when I post in the White Horse in Rohan. Question — I use this alot when I post in the Quiz Room. Or for topics lie New Game or What (or who) am I talking about (I don't even know half the time!). Or when I ask a question Ring — When I talk about rings(rarely use) Tolkien signature — I rarely use it. I only use it if I get bored of the Silmaril Eye of Sauron — When I'm talking aobut Mordor or evil things. Pipe — When I'm talking about hobbits, or I'm in a Hobbit RPG [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] Forever~Earwen [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] __________________ We pillage and plunder, we rifle and loot, Drink up me hearties, Yo Ho. the looniest site in the world!!!

07-29-2003, 10:14 PM	#19
Genevieve Animated Skeleton Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Where am I? Huh? I'm lost! Posts: 50	I usually use the Tolkien signature, because I think it looks really cool and mysterious. Otherwise I use the Simaril because its pretty, and the sword when I forget. I also like the shield though, and I like Rohan so...yah. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] __________________ No thought was put into this I always knew it would come to this. Things have never been so swell I have never failed to feel Pain.

07-30-2003, 08:13 PM	#20
Elennar Starfire Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: May 2003 Location: Nowhere...now here Posts: 952	I like to use the silmaril, because it matches my name and avatar. __________________ Don't let me die!

07-31-2003, 08:07 AM	#21
peonydeepdelver Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Alas, I hail from Massachusetts Posts: 256	I usually use the shield since I love horseback riding, but I used to use the pipe a long time ago because hobbits have always been my favorite race. __________________ "Nazgul, Nazgul! You speak of what is deep beyond the reach of your muddy dreams, Ugluk! Nazgul! Ah! All that they make out! One day you'll wish that you had not said that. Ape! You ought to know that they're the apple of the Great Eye." ~Grishnakh

07-31-2003, 10:18 AM	#22
Finwe Deathless Sun Join Date: May 2003 Location: The Royal Suite in the Halls of Mandos Posts: 2,609	I use the sword just because it's a part of my personality. __________________ But Melkor also was there, and he came to the house of Fëanor, and there he slew Finwë King of the Noldor before his doors, and spilled the first blood in the Blessed Realm; for Finwë alone had not fled from the horror of the Dark.

08-06-2003, 10:09 PM	#24
Silmarien Wight Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Lost but Found Posts: 199	I guess I use the Silmaril frequently especially when I can't decide what else to use. And you must admit it fits best with my name. But I do sometimes use some other's if they seem to fit with my post. __________________ Though here at journeys end I lie in dakness buried deep, beyond all towers strong and high beyond all mountains steep, above all shadows rides the Sun and Stars forever dwell:I will not say the Day is done nor bid the Stars farewell!

08-06-2003, 10:19 PM	#25
ElenCala Isil Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Somewhere Else Posts: 439	I either use the sword or the question mark. occasionally I'll use the shield as Rohan is definitely one of my favourite places in Middle-Earth. I have grown to love swords, so that explains the sword, and the question mark... well, I can't really explain that, I just like the way it looks, I suppose [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] __________________ Prevent Merry-abuse today! Join the S.A.M. (That's the Save-A-Merry foundation) Rivendell brought to you by the long lost sister of the guy who be short.