How did the other BDers change you?

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

I hope this isn't a duplicate thread. I tried looking and couldn't find another one like this so perhaps it can stay and flourish.

I don't think there's any doubt that the Barrowdowns as a whole has affected us in a way, whether great or small. However, what of the individual Downers? In what ways have the people you have met on this website affected your day-to-day life?

A notable change for me has come about because of Diamond18 and her uncanny humour. Once upon a time, in the old 101 things they'd never say thread she posted as follows; Frodo: "Well ruffle my hair and call me Bingo!" It has since become one of my favourite phrases and I use it all the time when I step back into the 'real world' (does that surprise you at all Diamond? ).

Just take the title of this thread as further evidence. I would normally have typed Downers instead of BDers but Fordim's thread in Mirth convinced me that the latter version was more striking.

So please share your ideas if your fellow BDers have altered your life in a good (or even bad) way.

[Evisse the Blue]

Well, a lot of smart people here taught me more about expressing ideas and paragraph formation than my teachers...and I'm not really kidding.

And I guess the saying 'you don't know what you got till it's gone' fits here perfectly. For instance, I realized these days that Heren Istarion's absence made the Quotable Quotes forum a much less lively place... *holds up large banner 'We miss you, HI!*

OT: Hey, it's so cool someone remembers that 101 things a LOTR character would never say thread! It's one of my favourite threads of all time, I used to read it over and over again and laugh hysterically at some entries. Maybe it's time someone bumps it back to life...

[Diamond18]

Well ruffle my hair and call me Bingo, that just makes my day, Eomer!

Well lots of BDers have had an affect on me, which is only to be expected considering the amount of time I have spent here since September 2002. I often find myself thinking about posts or topics when away from the computer, and there is no doubt the smart, witty, eloquent, thought provoking posts I have encountered here have helped to shape my perceptions of more than just Tolkien and Middle-earth.

To try and come up with some specifics.....

littlemanpoet changed my life exponentially when he invited me to join the FaerieWordweavers writing group (Shameless Plug) and though much of the stuff I have learned and many of the people I have met there are not technically Barrow Downs related, I would never have gone there without first being here. Some crossover members like Nar and Kalessin deserve mention too (though I don't think they have actually posted here in a very long time).

Esty, Squatter and other REBers have done more than just amuse me and laugh at my jokes in turn. There are so many things I encounter in 'real life' that make me think of REB, or certain posters; for instance I will never think of the word 'manly' in the same way again. I seem to compare all comedy to REB, these days.

And to tell the truth, any time someone gives me a Reputation comment, or replies to one of my posts, etc., even in the smallest ways, it lifts my spirits and gives me confidence. And that does affect the way I am in the 'real world'.

[Elennar Starfire]

Well, let's see...

Vala (who sadly seems to have left us long ago ) is personally responsible for my joining of the Barrowdowns, as I joined specifically for the purpose of posting on her thread, Dreams of what must come and what must be! (it's linked to in my siggy) Though I most likely would have joined eventually, it was Vala who provided a reason to join sooner.

Luthien Tinuviel and Morgul Queen and all the other Golden Ring Marathon planners got me to branch out and join another forum...and Luthy and Morgy have become some of my best friends (and Mental Triplets).

Eomer of the Rohirrim gave me a reason to show my cheeky side in What do BDers Look Like? and I have since become much more cheeky and, well...Lush-ish.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Changed? Me? Never. Actually, that simple statement just turned me into a liar... *trails off into muttering about assumptions and people who don't know me*. Well, I've been changed in vague ways (writing style, tone and such), and in more specific ones. The simple fact of my being a member of a worldwide forum has been highly educational, and very eye-opening.

My vocabulary has grown immensely, and the spelling of a lot of words in my writing are the "European" versions.

Eomer of the Rohirrim and Nirvana II have improved my analysis and deductive skills, by being so sneaky about their appearances.

I know I've been changed more, but my mind has gone amazingly blank... Great thread, Eomer.

Fea

[Saraphim]

Before *quickly does math* eight and a half months ago, I would not have spoken up for all the gold in Middle-Earth.

Now, because of you fine people, I find myself posting on threads that I would have avoided like the plague before. I know I don't always have the funniest or most philosophically wise things to say, but I say them.

So, you see, it's your fault I talk so much now. My real-time friends are out for your blood. I'm much more annoying in person.

In particular, one BD'er stands out.

Eomer of the Rohirrim, your posts and threads (this one included), are always entertaining, and often inspire my input as well. Our battle on the Somethin' Somethin' thread has kept me guessing every time I log on.

You complimented me the other day on that thread by saying that "your imagination is only equaled by your mirth". Well, neither one of those qualities would have surfaced if not for the amazing imagination and mirth of you, and everyone else on the forums. I can only hope to be equal with many of you here.

So, in the conclusion of a very boring and uncharactaristically serious post, I say thanks.

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

Shucks! You guys are too nice for your own good.

Most of you brought up the subject of language/writing techniques. I must say I agree. Some Downers, in particular The Squatter of Amon Rudh, just amaze me with the eloquence of their posts. As a result I have endeavoured to improve the quality of my own writing, and I must give credit and due thanks here.

[Morsul the Dark]

SaucePanMan-Cryptic Clues those late nights searching for a answer I would never get

Gil-Galad- Little pokes challenging me to try harder especially when she told me I try too hard

Bombadil the original stalked He wqas pretty good with Triviaa

there are more but those are most porominent

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I won't say that Lush changed me, because that isn't exactly accurate. It's more that the ideas I already had got strengthened by her. For example: she once said that she goes to the library in mini skirts to break stereotypes. Between her and a close friend of mine, it's occured to me that I can dress however I want, and still be who I am. Just because I'm looking like a "lil hottie" in makeup, a skirt, and all, doesn't mean I'm not a complete nerd who likes watching hockey games and lighting off explosives. I'm me, regardless, and just because I gave myself a pedicure while I was grounded the other day, doesn't mean that I can't (or won't) beat the tar out of people who mess with me. Or, more often, just out-think them.

Fea

[Elennar Starfire]

Fea gave me greater confidence in my ability to trick people into thinking I'm British...

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Elennar taught me just how easy it is to lie about your identity online.

[The Perky Ent]

Thanks for making this thread Eomer, now the truth can be revealed! ...just kidding. However, my writing has grown tremendously since I've been on the downs (which isn't saying much since I'm not that good of a writer to begin with), which is why if I ever win a Pulitzer Prize (which I won't. This is just fun speculation), the first thing I will thank is the Downs. Now, for the people who helped.

Arvedui III, Arvedui introduced me to the downs. Got me started, and always offered advice. For this, I am very thankful. Although Arvedui is no longer present on the downs (for now), the lessons well always remain.

Finwë, I remember when I was just a little pile of bones, wandering the Barrow-Downs in search of meaning. Back then, I was a newbie if ever there was one. I remember one moment in particular, Finwe went on a posting spree (which I do often now). I read every post, and I agreed. Finwë was my role model. If only I showed it better, instead of posting "I'm with Finwe on that one!" after every single post she made. That got me a talking to from the Wight, but what can I say? I was a Pile of bones. But, Finwe kept smiling and helped. Although also not on the downs, Finwe and I still talk. It's nice to know.

Piosenniel, Pio, from my first post in the Green Dragon (which needed drastic editing ) to where I am now, owning an RPG, Piosenniel never frowned (although it did come pretty close some times). Another thing I'm greatful for from Pio is getting me into the habbit of the standard rules of RPGing, which saves lots of time now. Pio is always a great help whenever I call upon it. Truly a great helper and friend.

Bombadil, Gil-Galad, Pyroclastic (who has left the building...uh...I mean downs), Symestreem, Firefoot, you guys (and or gals) are the people who really make me laugh. There are others, but I can always count on these people to welcome me back to whatever forum I'm posting in (which, as it happens to be, is almost always the Quiz Room and Middle Earth Mirth). Good, decent people who deserve a pat on the back!


I really owe those people a lot. Well, It's nice to get that off my chest. I'll have to do this again with some other people I haven't mentioned. Oh well, til then!


- Perky

[Meela]

A group of people (sorry, having trouble with individual names at the moment) made me appreciate my own humour. Some of my posts in Mirth seem to have gone down well, and it makes me happy to see that there's something I can contribute to here.

Also thanks to the Mirth board: since I've been here, I've felt welcome for the first time in my life.

[Gil-Galad]

for me it was really Beren that helped me get to know all the other people in the downs and alot of other people i can't quite remember right now, probaly in Perky's list...but it was mainly Beren, oh yeah and Saucy, hes a good friend as well

[HerenIstarion]

holds up large banner 'We miss you, HI!*

Well, Evisse, I'm flattered, indeed

As for the topic:

BDers/Downers (whatever suits you best) with Rimbaud and Squatter in the lead, made me spellcheck my postings in particular, and improved my mastery of English in general . I tend to believe that my Master Yodda - like misplacing of word order is less obvious now (as well as there are less spelling blunders) thanks to this two.

Besides, thanks to Rimbaud again, I try to avoid cliches like 'my two cents worth', 'IMHO' etc

[Elennar Starfire]

Originally Posted by Feanor of the Peredhil

Elennar taught me just how easy it is to lie about your identity online.

I didn't mean to...I said I'd learned all that out of a book...but you must have forgotten...I just let you keep thinking that, it was too amusing!

Sorry...

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Sorry...

Oh jeez, no problem. Another thing I learned: sarcasm doesn't always show through online. It was just a bit of a reality check. You may mean well, but someone else may not. See? I could actually tell you right now that my avatar isn't myself, its my 16-year-old loveslave or something REALLY weird like that, and you'd never know. Thankfully, it is actually me. But see what I mean? But the biggest thing I've learned is to respect other people's opinions, whether or not I agree, and to know when a post-deletion is called for (accidentally offending someone, or other such things.)

Fea

[Elennar Starfire]

Here's a tip: Show sarcasm or other un-seriousness with a smilie; this one works well-

[dancing spawn of ungoliant]

Wonderful thread!
I have felt I'm wecome here ever since Sapphire_Flame gave me the most deadly greetings (that being a good thing since we're at 'Downs) after my very first post. And that, of course, has 1) made me spent much more time in Internet than before 2) made me more familiar with computers 3) got me studying English harder. And I might add that I'm rather fast using a dictionary nowadays

Also, Piosenniel was patient enough to answer my PM about roleplaying and encouraged me to post in the Green Dragon. I got my first touch on roleplaying there. I think, though, I abandoned my RP character at the inn... I'm really sorry!

All you guys in "the books" forum have taught me to analyse the books and the characters more.
And all those people in "the Mirth"...well, you have twisted my sense of humour
Thanks!

[Oddwen]

Thank you to Airehiriel for changing me. If you hadn't started the "Make Your Own Crazy Scenes With Pics!" thread, I would not have been so involved in this wonderful site. I doubt that I would have remained active at all.
As a result, I can call myself a Barrow-Downer. I am also involved in many other wonderful online projects. The confidence reaped from that one thread alone has propelled me onward.
Thank you.

[Lhunardawen]

Originally Posted by Diamond18

And to tell the truth, any time someone gives me a Reputation comment, or replies to one of my posts, etc., even in the smallest ways, it lifts my spirits and gives me confidence. And that does affect the way I am in the 'real world'.

Same here, Diamond. So I hold those people who have given me rep comments in gratitude. You know who you are.

Maeggaladiel was the first BDer I have ever PMed, and that was for the Nearsighted Elves Society. Without her, I'm sure that my PM box is still empty. Oh, and so is my Downs social life. She made me look forward to visiting the Downs every now and then, so that I could see if there are any new members or something.

I'm also thankful for all the "encounters" I had with HerenIstarion, because during those times I've felt that I'm not so alone in the Downs. And he made me realize that I am turning into a stalker little by little.

They would be too many to mention, but all those Downers whom I have discussed things with (especially in the Books) helped me develop critical thinking and analysis. You know, those things they don't teach in school.

For these reasons (and more) I have spent countless moments dreaming that I am in front of the computer and staring at a black-and-green background, looking forward to the next time I can be online--even actually sneaking into the Downs during Computer Science class! Thanks a lot, guys.

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

I must thank SamwiseGamgee for introducing me to the Downs. Who knows what my life would be like without it? Probably spending a lot of time lying in the gutter shouting threats at passers-by, whilst holding a large bottle of Scotch and clutching a copy of yesterday's Sun tabloid.

*shudders*

[Elennar Starfire]

I have a lot to thank Eressie Ailin for, I've realized. If she hadn't PMed me about my Les Miserables siggie and started a great discussion of musicals in general, I wouldn't have been checking out the musicals section of my library's CDs, and wouldn't have found Riverdance, and wouldn't have taken Irish dance classes, and wouldn't even know there is such a thing as an Uilleann pipe, much less want so badly to learn to play one, and probably wouldn't be learning to speak Welsh either.

[Lhunardawen]

Oh, I have forgotten to thank the various Mirthies, extending to those around during the good old Mayhem days. They have given me something to laugh about with my demented brother Nil Felagund every now and then, especially when we feel terribly bored, with Tolkien ignorants around us.

[Lush]

Oh Fea, am flattered, though am also hoping that your family doesn't come after me with sticks (or lawyers).

My conversations with Squatter really helped my writing along. I became a little bit less self-absorbed, and a little more subtle. At least I think so.

Bethberry and Rimbaud introduced me to really good music.

Estelyn gave me indispensible relationship advice and introduced me to the coolest summer drink ever.

I could go on and on...

[edit]Yeah, at a crucial point in life Squatter reminded me that not all men are pigs.

And HerenIstarion helped.[/edit]

[Rimbaud]

The coolest summer drink ever is clearly Pimms. So I hope that fine English beverage is precisely what the Princess suggested. Music is my radar.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Wrong, Rim - but only the really cool people get that served to them by me! (Want some relationship advice instead? )

[Rimbaud]

Just so long as the relationship in question is between me and the coolest summer drink ever, your Highness.

On topic, grudgingly: Esty once nearly told me the coolest summer drink ever. Small world.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Oh Fea, am flattered, though am also hoping that your family doesn't come after me with sticks (or lawyers).

No worries, Lush, they won't come after you. They think the sudden transformation was boyfriend-induced. I'll admit they're partly right, but... eh... whatever. Why not be feminine once in awhile?

Estelyn gave me indispensible relationship advice and introduced me to the coolest summer drink ever.

I don't suppose that might be something that I (a youngster) could drink [legally]? Still looking for the perfect drink this summer, and its almost over...

Fea

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

Meh. We didn't have a summer in Scotland. Just as well we have Irn-Bru, the only drink of the summer (or, indeed, any other time of the year).

Or tea, of course. These conversations in the Barrowdowns forum do seem to centre around tea don't they? I only have to come onto the Downs to realise how important and essential tea is to life itself. Thanks!

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Meh. We didn't have a summer in Scotland.

We usually have summer in NY, but this year it decided to be cold, rainy, and miserable instead. The nice weather will start when I'm back in classes.

These conversations in the Barrowdowns forum do seem to centre around tea don't they? I only have to come onto the Downs to realise how important and essential tea is to life itself. Thanks!

The conversations center around tea because tea is crucial to my sanity, and presumably other people's. A friend of my da's has turned me into a tea snob. I'll still drink Lipton... if there's nothing else... but PG Tips is SOOO much better. Lighter, smoother, such a delicate blend... And chai. I got an entire floor of a college dorm addicted to chai latte, starting with my eldest brother.

Fea

[InklingElf]

Rimbaud:Always brings out the best in topics he posts in -- making me susceptible to thinking before I type. And that you don't have to have a witty signature to win people's attention.

Elennar:Is so friendly that she always seems to give me a boost of self-confidence

Perky:Taught me you can never spend too much time on the Downs--that and Hobbes lives!And mind-boggling scrambled-words CAN be solved...given time.

Morsul:That you don't have to be evil to have a 'Morsul the Dark' username and that you can be friendly at the same time

Eomer of the Rohirrim:Side-Show-Bob is still better than Krusty--and that I can never keep up with his posting( )

lindil:Your signature forever echoes within the crevices of my brain

[Elennar Starfire]

... And chai. I got an entire floor of a college dorm addicted to chai latte, starting with my eldest brother.

Oh, chai is good...but I'm mostly a peppermint tea sort of person, that and red clover...despite that it tastes like the smell of rabbits...

Elennar:Is so friendly that she always seems to give me a boost of self-confidence

Aw, thanks! I feel so loved...

[Morsul the Dark]

esga for stalking me
Inkling for say i changed him...im nicknaming you Inky is that ok inky?

though I will admit with a stalker that says i make her laugh theres that pressure not to disappoint

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

Inkling, I was thinking the same thing about you.

Plus, isn't it clever how rimbaud's signature is so brilliant in itself? I appreciate!

[Saraphim]

More people I've neglected...

Aman and Imladris were the owners of the RPG Last Hope for Moria, my first RPG ever. It was there that I delved into my writing skills and I thank you two for that, as well as mark12_30 for helping me with an interesting plot twist and Perky for being just being interesting.

[InklingElf]

Originally Posted by Morsul the Dark

Inkling for say i changed him...im nicknaming you Inky is that ok inky?

Alas dear darkling I am a she! Maybe I should change my avatar...And call me what you wish It's a bit difficult to find a nick for you "Morsey", "Darky"?...I'll come up with something.

[Elennar Starfire]

Every time someone says something nice about me it brightens my day immensely. There are far too many to list, but ye know who ye are! Thanks!

And of course we must all thank the wonderful Barrow-Wight for making it all possible!

[Gil-Galad]

Woah i feel like i was almost no help or friendlynessthing to anybody!

[Morsul the Dark]

Gil-Galad is funny that changed by making me laugh