Save the Clock Tower - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

***The Barrow-Wight*** · 04-12-2013, 06:31 AM

There are about 100 or so regular visitors to the Downs, and for their sake and the sake of the long history of the forum, I just can't let the barrow slip away without a fight.

I am going to try to figure this issue out.

I will be purchasing and installing an upgrade to the forum software, which should solve the problems. We've upgraded before with success, so we should be able to do so again.

Here are the factors involved in the upgrade:

- It costs $209. I'm paying for it, but if anyone cares to chip in, please PM me and we'll figure something out. Donations will be greatly appreciated, but they are completely voluntary.
- I've got two other projects taking a lot of my time this weekend, so it may take me several days to actually get things working correctly again.
- My web maintenance skills have deteriorated so much, I may not be able to figure our how to install the upgrade (unlikely)
- The upgrade might not fix the problem, or might make it worse (very unlikely)

Please reply to let me know if it's worth the time, money, and effort.

It is to me. The Barrow-Downs has been around in one form or another since 1998, and I enjoy it every day, even if my participation nowadays is kicking a handful of spammer accounts a day.

Let me know what you think by replying here, and PM me if you are interested in helping financially.

Thanks!
BW

Inziladun · 04-12-2013, 07:14 AM

This place has really become so much a part of my daily routine, its absence would make me feel like Frodo after the Ring's destruction.

Quote:

'It is gone forever,' he said, 'and now all is dark and empty.'

After all, where else can I bad-mouth Peter Jackson, harp on Túrin, and gleefully kill hapless villagers in the Night in wolf-form?

Legate of Amon Lanc · 04-12-2013, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inziladun

After all, where else can I bad-mouth Peter Jackson, harp on Túrin, and gleefully kill hapless villagers in the Night in wolf-form?

Just so, just so

And it already gave me so much, so there is no need to prove its worth to me.

Bêthberry · 04-12-2013, 02:01 PM

Great quote, Inzil!

The Downs has been too much a part of my life these last ten years for me to want to see it disappear this way. It has led me on to Oxonmoots, to the Tolkien Society and Return of the Ring, and perhaps more significantly to various moots with other Downers across three continents and several oceans. It has inspired one book--Music in Middle-earth--and there's quite possibly another forthcoming.

There's still enough wraiths floating around to make it habitable.

Count me in and see the PM.

Kath · 04-12-2013, 02:38 PM

I would be incredibly sad to see this site go. It has been and still is the source of a huge online group of friends and I don't think our connection would be the same without it.

Morsul the Dark · 04-12-2013, 04:18 PM

Hear Hear

We will not go quietly into the night!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gFN1t7Goyk

Kitanna · 04-12-2013, 05:59 PM

I'm not on here half as much as I would or half as much as it deserves, but goodness gracious this place is important to me. I will be celebrating 10 years on here in December. That is longer than I've cared for anything the internet has put out there. A PM is forthcoming

Galadriel55 · 04-12-2013, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inziladun

After all, where else can I bad-mouth Peter Jackson, harp on Túrin, and gleefully kill hapless villagers in the Night in wolf-form?

And where else could I disagree so enjoyably on the issues of COH?

But, of course, the other two points are very applicable.

Off to send a PM.

Rumil · 04-12-2013, 09:30 PM

In a hole in t'internet there lived a Barrow-wight. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends of worms, an oozy smell, flamers and trolls, nor yet a dry, bare sandy Leggie-fangurl-infested hole with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat: it was the Barrow-Downs hole, and that means comfort.

Aganzir · 04-13-2013, 05:09 AM

The Downs is kind of a home to me. No matter where I've lived or stayed, and how cozy or unpleasant it's been, the Downs has been an extra room (or wing, actually) that I could enter.

Mithalwen · 04-13-2013, 05:14 AM

I love this place so much but I am totally broke at the moment until the house sells... but if it can weather this storm I will make sure I will have something put aside for the next one....

***Mister Underhill*** · 04-13-2013, 02:41 PM

We have weathered some rocky transitions before. I'll help as much as possible with the upgrade/reconfig, but like you, my fu has atrophied considerably.

Or maybe it will be like riding a bike (unlikely).

Nerwen · 04-13-2013, 09:36 PM

I can probably help out.

piosenniel · 04-13-2013, 10:59 PM

~ BW ~

If you put in the time and effort, it's worth the money to me.

PM sent your way...

Hookbill the Goomba · 04-14-2013, 03:06 AM

This community has given me so much I really should give something back. I'll contribute what I can. PM arriving your way any time soon.

satansaloser2005 · 04-14-2013, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inziladun

This place has really become so much a part of my daily routine, its absence would make me feel like Frodo after the Ring's destruction.

After all, where else can I bad-mouth Peter Jackson, harp on Túrin, and gleefully kill hapless villagers in the Night in wolf-form?

Well said, my furry friend!

Even for those of us who mainly hang out in Mirth, it would still be quite a blow to see our lovely site gone. This place has been so good to me, and I've "met" so many wonderful people through it, that I'd be a horrible person not to help in any way I can. A PM is headed your way, my dear sir.

TheGreatElvenWarrior · 04-14-2013, 11:26 AM

The Barrow-Downs has been a safe and fun place for the past five years for me. I don't have a lot of money, but I will help out any way I can to save the Downs. I have met so many wonderful people here who are now my friends, indeed, some of them are very good friends. If the Downs were to be lost, part of me would also be lost. Off to PM.

wilwarin538 · 04-14-2013, 12:20 PM

Even though this is my first post in a while, and I don't come on here very often anymore, knowing that it's here whenever I want to show up or to look back on old threads, is comforting to me. This site means a lot to me, and I definitely don't want it to go away! (also PMing right now)

***The Barrow-Wight*** · 04-14-2013, 04:43 PM

We have had a great response to my please for assistance. Thank you, everyone.

Master Thenamir has a potential fix that will require him to go deep into the subcellar of the barrow to kick some pipes and bricks. If he finds what's loose and sets it right, we may be able to un-depracate ourselves. If not, I'll be contacting everyone who is PMing me and let you know how you can help.

The Squatter of Amon Rûdh · 04-22-2013, 02:14 PM

I'm rarely here these days and have no idea what this deprecation nonsense is, but I'm willing to help out if I can. Give me a shout if you need a spare pair of hands (I have them in three sizes and all major species).

***The Barrow-Wight*** · 05-05-2013, 11:10 AM

I've bought the upgrade software but can't figure out how to install it safely. But I thought I'd at least let you know i am really working on it.

Inziladun · 05-05-2013, 01:15 PM

Outstanding. I'll send techie-type harmonic vibes your way.

Please let us know how to help with the cost!

Galadriel55 · 05-05-2013, 01:37 PM

Ditto. Just tell me where to mail the money.

Boo Radley · 05-07-2013, 07:39 PM

So where did everybody go? This place was quite lively a yer ago.

Mithalwen · 05-07-2013, 09:56 PM

You tell us... I haven't been anywhere...quieter yes due too various rl issues and not wanting to be the one who knocks the Pan Man orf his perch..but here...

Inziladun · 05-08-2013, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boo Radley

So where did everybody go? This place was quite lively a yer ago.

In addition to what Mith said, I think there's a general "wait and see" stance from a lot of folks in anticipation of the forum upgrade.

Bêthberry · 05-08-2013, 09:18 AM

I check in every day but RL eats up much of my free time to post. I do have some ideas for threads that, once spring gardening season concludes, might bloom here.

Please let me know, BW, how I can contribute to the software.

*gently nudges, nay, even elbows, The Squatter of Amon Rûdh*

Inziladun · 05-22-2013, 02:38 PM

Aurë entuluva!

Back up and running, I see. And not deprecated! Well done, BW!

Nogrod · 05-22-2013, 03:09 PM

Kudos!

And thank you!

Kath · 05-22-2013, 04:47 PM

Well done tech wizards! And thank you.

Formendacil · 05-22-2013, 04:57 PM

Hoom, hom! We Huorns (and Hurons--I went to misspell them at first) add our gratitude to the active Ents for rescuing our forest.

***The Barrow-Wight*** · 05-22-2013, 05:31 PM

After a month of staring into the abyss, I finally handed the tools to Thenamir, who promptly fixed the barrow in about 15 minutes. We are all in his debt, and all praise should be directed his way.

Rumil · 05-22-2013, 06:29 PM

I saw the whiteness and deprecation and thought

'Oh no! Is this it? Is it all suddenly gone?'

Then checked back later and Thenamir's fixed everything

For he's a jolly good fellow,
and so say all of us

Inziladun · 05-22-2013, 06:43 PM

Three cheers to Thenamir!

Galadriel55 · 05-22-2013, 07:38 PM

Long live Thenamir! Praise him with great praise!

Hurrah for the Barrow Downs!

Legate of Amon Lanc · 05-23-2013, 05:10 AM

Long li- er, death to the 'Downs and all who had their hands in saving it!

Galadriel55 · 05-23-2013, 05:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Legate of Amon Lanc

Long li- er, death to the 'Downs and all who had their hands in saving it!

Haha!

Can everyone now see each other's avvies? I can see most, but some are still gone... And the

smiley shows up as a box too.

Aganzir · 05-23-2013, 06:05 AM

I can see pretty much everything.

***Thenamir*** · 05-23-2013, 07:34 AM

It was my pleasure and privilege to work for such a worthy cause...how could anyone let such jolly good fellowship die such an untimely death? No, wait, we're all dead here already...ummm...to resurrect such a wonderful...no, 'resurrect' means to bring back to life...ah heck, it's working again, and now we can all rest in peace. Glad I could help!

Mithalwen · 05-23-2013, 10:43 AM

Best deathday present ever after a couple of anxious days otherwise offline watching grids on my Kindle.... nine years dead is not long enough

Heartfelt thanks to all concerned in restoring the barrow... now even contra-ing off my years dead against the years alive makes me a bit old for this but I'll act my shoesize not my age.

SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee ee.....

04-12-2013, 06:31 AM	#1
*The Barrow-Wight* Night In Wight Satin Join Date: May 2000 Posts: 4,043	Save the Clock Tower There are about 100 or so regular visitors to the Downs, and for their sake and the sake of the long history of the forum, I just can't let the barrow slip away without a fight. I am going to try to figure this issue out. I will be purchasing and installing an upgrade to the forum software, which should solve the problems. We've upgraded before with success, so we should be able to do so again. Here are the factors involved in the upgrade: - It costs $209. I'm paying for it, but if anyone cares to chip in, please PM me and we'll figure something out. Donations will be greatly appreciated, but they are completely voluntary. - I've got two other projects taking a lot of my time this weekend, so it may take me several days to actually get things working correctly again. - My web maintenance skills have deteriorated so much, I may not be able to figure our how to install the upgrade (unlikely) - The upgrade might not fix the problem, or might make it worse (very unlikely) Please reply to let me know if it's worth the time, money, and effort. It is to me. The Barrow-Downs has been around in one form or another since 1998, and I enjoy it every day, even if my participation nowadays is kicking a handful of spammer accounts a day. Let me know what you think by replying here, and PM me if you are interested in helping financially. Thanks! BW __________________ The Barrow-Wight

04-12-2013, 02:01 PM	#4
Bêthberry Cryptic Aura Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 5,996	Great quote, Inzil! The Downs has been too much a part of my life these last ten years for me to want to see it disappear this way. It has led me on to Oxonmoots, to the Tolkien Society and Return of the Ring, and perhaps more significantly to various moots with other Downers across three continents and several oceans. It has inspired one book--Music in Middle-earth--and there's quite possibly another forthcoming. There's still enough wraiths floating around to make it habitable. Count me in and see the PM. __________________ I’ll sing his roots off. I’ll sing a wind up and blow leaf and branch away.

04-12-2013, 02:38 PM	#5
Kath Everlasting Whiteness Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Perusing the laminated book of dreams Posts: 4,533	I would be incredibly sad to see this site go. It has been and still is the source of a huge online group of friends and I don't think our connection would be the same without it. __________________ “If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”

04-12-2013, 04:18 PM	#6
Morsul the Dark Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 3,448	Hear Hear We will not go quietly into the night! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gFN1t7Goyk __________________ Morsul the Resurrected

04-12-2013, 05:59 PM	#7
Kitanna Child of the West Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Watching President Fillmore ride a unicorn Posts: 2,132	I'm not on here half as much as I would or half as much as it deserves, but goodness gracious this place is important to me. I will be celebrating 10 years on here in December. That is longer than I've cared for anything the internet has put out there. A PM is forthcoming __________________ "Let us live so that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry." - Mark Twain

04-12-2013, 09:30 PM	#9
Rumil Sage & Onions Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Britain Posts: 894	Why we love the Downs In a hole in t'internet there lived a Barrow-wight. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends of worms, an oozy smell, flamers and trolls, nor yet a dry, bare sandy Leggie-fangurl-infested hole with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat: it was the Barrow-Downs hole, and that means comfort. __________________ Rumil of Coedhirion

04-13-2013, 05:09 AM	#10
Aganzir Woman of Secret Shadow Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: in hollow halls beneath the fells Posts: 4,511	The Downs is kind of a home to me. No matter where I've lived or stayed, and how cozy or unpleasant it's been, the Downs has been an extra room (or wing, actually) that I could enter. __________________ He bit me, and I was not gentle.

04-13-2013, 05:14 AM	#11
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,458	I love this place so much but I am totally broke at the moment until the house sells... but if it can weather this storm I will make sure I will have something put aside for the next one.... __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace

04-13-2013, 02:41 PM	#12
*Mister Underhill* Dread Horseman Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Behind you! Posts: 2,743	We have weathered some rocky transitions before. I'll help as much as possible with the upgrade/reconfig, but like you, my fu has atrophied considerably. Or maybe it will be like riding a bike (unlikely).

04-13-2013, 09:36 PM	#13
Nerwen Wisest of the Noldor Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: ˙˙˙ssɐןƃ ƃuıʞooן ǝɥʇ ɥƃnoɹɥʇ Posts: 6,694	I can probably help out. __________________ "Even Nerwen wasn't evil in the beginning." –Elmo.

04-13-2013, 10:59 PM	#14
piosenniel Desultory Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pickin' flowers with Bill the Cat..... Posts: 7,779	~ BW ~ If you put in the time and effort, it's worth the money to me. PM sent your way... __________________ Eldest, that’s what I am . . . I knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.

04-14-2013, 03:06 AM	#15
Hookbill the Goomba Alive without breath Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: On A Cold Wind To Valhalla Posts: 5,912	This community has given me so much I really should give something back. I'll contribute what I can. PM arriving your way any time soon. __________________ I think that if you want facts, then The Downer Newspaper is probably the place to go. I know! I read it once. THE PHANTOM AND ALIEN: The Legend of the Golden Bus Ticket...

04-14-2013, 11:26 AM	#17
TheGreatElvenWarrior Mighty Quill Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Walking off to look for America Posts: 2,230	The Barrow-Downs has been a safe and fun place for the past five years for me. I don't have a lot of money, but I will help out any way I can to save the Downs. I have met so many wonderful people here who are now my friends, indeed, some of them are very good friends. If the Downs were to be lost, part of me would also be lost. Off to PM. __________________ The Party Doesn't Start Until You're Dead.

04-14-2013, 12:20 PM	#18
wilwarin538 Fluttering Enchantment Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 2,508	Even though this is my first post in a while, and I don't come on here very often anymore, knowing that it's here whenever I want to show up or to look back on old threads, is comforting to me. This site means a lot to me, and I definitely don't want it to go away! (also PMing right now) __________________ Comme une étoile amarante Comme un papillon de nuit C'est la lumière qui m'attire La flamme qui m'éblouit Fenris Muffin

04-14-2013, 04:43 PM	#19
*The Barrow-Wight* Night In Wight Satin Join Date: May 2000 Posts: 4,043	Downers Deliver! We have had a great response to my please for assistance. Thank you, everyone. Master Thenamir has a potential fix that will require him to go deep into the subcellar of the barrow to kick some pipes and bricks. If he finds what's loose and sets it right, we may be able to un-depracate ourselves. If not, I'll be contacting everyone who is PMing me and let you know how you can help. __________________ The Barrow-Wight

04-22-2013, 02:14 PM	#20
The Squatter of Amon Rûdh Spectre of Decay Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Bar-en-Danwedh Posts: 2,178	I'm rarely here these days and have no idea what this deprecation nonsense is, but I'm willing to help out if I can. Give me a shout if you need a spare pair of hands (I have them in three sizes and all major species). __________________ Man kenuva métim' andúne?

05-05-2013, 11:10 AM	#21
*The Barrow-Wight* Night In Wight Satin Join Date: May 2000 Posts: 4,043	I've bought the upgrade software but can't figure out how to install it safely. But I thought I'd at least let you know i am really working on it. __________________ The Barrow-Wight

05-05-2013, 01:15 PM	#22
Inziladun Gruesome Spectre Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Heaven's doorstep Posts: 8,037	Outstanding. I'll send techie-type harmonic vibes your way. Please let us know how to help with the cost! __________________ Music alone proves the existence of God.

05-05-2013, 01:37 PM	#23
Galadriel55 Blossom of Dwimordene Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: The realm of forgotten words Posts: 10,401	Ditto. Just tell me where to mail the money. __________________ You passed from under darkened dome, you enter now the secret land. - Take me to Finrod's fabled home!... ~ Finrod: The Rock Opera

05-07-2013, 07:39 PM	#24
Boo Radley Wight Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ohio. Believe it or not. Posts: 145	So where did everybody go? This place was quite lively a yer ago. __________________ Don't believe everything you read on the interwebs. That's how World War 1 got started!

05-07-2013, 09:56 PM	#25
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,458	You tell us... I haven't been anywhere...quieter yes due too various rl issues and not wanting to be the one who knocks the Pan Man orf his perch..but here... __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace

05-08-2013, 09:18 AM	#27
Bêthberry Cryptic Aura Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 5,996	I check in every day but RL eats up much of my free time to post. I do have some ideas for threads that, once spring gardening season concludes, might bloom here. Please let me know, BW, how I can contribute to the software. gently nudges, nay, even elbows, The Squatter of Amon Rûdh** __________________ I’ll sing his roots off. I’ll sing a wind up and blow leaf and branch away.

05-22-2013, 02:38 PM	#28
Inziladun Gruesome Spectre Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Heaven's doorstep Posts: 8,037	Aurë entuluva! Back up and running, I see. And not deprecated! Well done, BW! __________________ Music alone proves the existence of God.

05-22-2013, 03:09 PM	#29
Nogrod Flame of the Ainulindalë Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Wearing rat's coat, crowskin, crossed staves in a field behaving as the wind behaves Posts: 9,308	Kudos! And thank you! __________________ Upon the hearth the fire is red Beneath the roof there is a bed; But not yet weary are our feet...

05-22-2013, 04:47 PM	#30
Kath Everlasting Whiteness Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Perusing the laminated book of dreams Posts: 4,533	Well done tech wizards! And thank you. __________________ “If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”

05-22-2013, 04:57 PM	#31
Formendacil Dead Serious Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Perched on Thangorodrim's towers. Posts: 3,326	Hoom, hom! We Huorns (and Hurons--I went to misspell them at first) add our gratitude to the active Ents for rescuing our forest. __________________ I prefer history, true or feigned.

05-22-2013, 05:31 PM	#32
*The Barrow-Wight* Night In Wight Satin Join Date: May 2000 Posts: 4,043	barrowdowns.com to be renamed thenamir.com After a month of staring into the abyss, I finally handed the tools to Thenamir, who promptly fixed the barrow in about 15 minutes. We are all in his debt, and all praise should be directed his way. __________________ The Barrow-Wight

05-22-2013, 06:29 PM	#33
Rumil Sage & Onions Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Britain Posts: 894	I saw the whiteness and deprecation and thought 'Oh no! Is this it? Is it all suddenly gone?' Then checked back later and Thenamir's fixed everything For he's a jolly good fellow, and so say all of us __________________ Rumil of Coedhirion

05-22-2013, 06:43 PM	#34
Inziladun Gruesome Spectre Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Heaven's doorstep Posts: 8,037	Three cheers to Thenamir! __________________ Music alone proves the existence of God.

05-22-2013, 07:38 PM	#35
Galadriel55 Blossom of Dwimordene Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: The realm of forgotten words Posts: 10,401	Long live Thenamir! Praise him with great praise! Hurrah for the Barrow Downs! __________________ You passed from under darkened dome, you enter now the secret land. - Take me to Finrod's fabled home!... ~ Finrod: The Rock Opera

05-23-2013, 05:10 AM	#36
Legate of Amon Lanc A Voice That Gainsayeth Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: In that far land beyond the Sea Posts: 7,431	Long li- er, death to the 'Downs and all who had their hands in saving it! __________________ "Should the story say 'he ate bread,' the dramatic producer can only show 'a piece of bread' according to his taste or fancy, but the hearer of the story will think of bread in general and picture it in some form of his own." -On Fairy-Stories

05-23-2013, 06:05 AM	#38
Aganzir Woman of Secret Shadow Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: in hollow halls beneath the fells Posts: 4,511	I can see pretty much everything. __________________ He bit me, and I was not gentle.

05-23-2013, 07:34 AM	#39
*Thenamir* Spectre of Capitalism Join Date: May 2001 Location: Battling evil bureaucrats at Zeta Aquilae Posts: 987	It was my pleasure and privilege to work for such a worthy cause...how could anyone let such jolly good fellowship die such an untimely death? No, wait, we're all dead here already...ummm...to resurrect such a wonderful...no, 'resurrect' means to bring back to life...ah heck, it's working again, and now we can all rest in peace. Glad I could help! __________________ The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane. ~~ Marcus Aurelius

05-23-2013, 10:43 AM	#40
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,458	Best deathday present ever after a couple of anxious days otherwise offline watching grids on my Kindle.... nine years dead is not long enough Heartfelt thanks to all concerned in restoring the barrow... now even contra-ing off my years dead against the years alive makes me a bit old for this but I'll act my shoesize not my age. SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee ee..... __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace