The One Ring Forums: Tolkien Topics: Main: Not much engagement on posts lately

The One Ring Forums: Tolkien Topics: Main:
Not much engagement on posts lately

Eruonen
Valinor

Oct 28 2021, 6:06pm

Views: 2061

Not much engagement on posts lately

I have noticed posts by others and also my own posts that have a lot of views but sometimes not a single comment. Are people loathe to engage or express an opinion? There are some posts that are just informational so a response is not expected. There are others that pose a question or an observation. Do people feel unwelcome?
Or, I can just chalk it up to my inability to start a conversation.

Oh well, out of my control. Maybe there has been a general decrease in activity all around as the tv series is still a long way off.

Otaku-sempai
Immortal

Oct 28 2021, 11:48pm

Views: 1934

As for myself...

...I often find myself loathe to comment unless I think I have a meaningful contribution to the subject at hand. Even then, I might feel that I have to give it more thought or research before I share an opinion.

#FidelityToTolkien
#ChallengeExpectations

Eruonen
Valinor

Oct 28 2021, 11:53pm

Views: 1934

Otaku you are certainly active - I just think in general things are a bit slow compared to the past

squire
Half-elven

Oct 29 2021, 12:36am

Views: 1938

I suspect the viewership numbers are down as social media takes over

The TORn message boards, I get the feeling, simply don't have the participation that they used to. That affects, I would guess, the motivation for the remaining viewers to post comments on the boards, if they feel that very few will read them and almost no one will comment on them. I know I feel that way at times, even as I try to stay current and read the threads and answer them.

I think this is because this entire format - the online bulletin board - is receding into the past. Social media, like Facebook, have taken over and an entire younger generation of online fans feels far more comfortable posting there than here. For instance, TORn's Facebook page is very much more active than these boards are, I have found in the past few years. There - imagine this! - you can put up a photo by just hitting a link rather than inserting html code and a web address into your comment. Kids these days, spoiled rotten, somehow choose the former option rather than the latter when they want to share with fellow Tolkien fans the latest image of Ulmo or Luthien that they've just found online.

I still try to keep up with all my Tolkien fan connections, but I find these boards come in second to FB (the only social media I follow) in terms of volume, and thus of participation. I wish it was not so, as I have a deep loyalty to these forums, but I think it's just a sign of the times. Please don't take it all personally!

squire online:
RR Discussions: The Valaquenta, A Shortcut to Mushrooms, and Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit
Lights! Action! Discuss on the Movie board!: 'A Journey in the Dark'. and 'Designing The Two Towers'.
Archive: All the TORn Reading Room Book Discussions (including the 1st BotR Discussion!) and Footerama: "Tolkien would have LOVED it!"
Dr. Squire introduces the J.R.R. Tolkien Encyclopedia: A Reader's Diary

= Forum has no new posts. Forum needs no new posts.

Eruonen
Valinor

Oct 29 2021, 12:52am

Views: 1931

I did not even know there was a Facebook page

....which in itself is a dinosaur for the younger crowd.

The bulletin board format may be old but it serves its purpose very well with the various threads to engage in.....social media just is not built for multiple topics etc.

Some of the posts will have 1200 views and no comments.....hard to understand.

(This post was edited by Eruonen on Oct 29 2021, 12:52am)

Cirashala
Valinor

Oct 29 2021, 1:55am

Views: 1928

In my case

it's a matter of TIME. I have time to lurk on occasion, but not as much time to post as I would like.

My husband was classified, as a mental health counselor/child therapist, as essential during Covid, and I homeschool, so our lives didn't really slow down during the early days of Covid, unlike many others. Plus, Idaho has been open since summer 2020, so there's that, too.

Here's what's on my plate atm:

1. We're building our house (yes, sadly, still- more explanation below),

2. I'm running a soap and candle farmer's market business (we still have almost every Saturday booked through Dec 11th- by we, I mean my business partner and I. She's doing most of the events, though both of our product is on the table, as she's been doing it for 25 years, and she knows we need to work on the house), AND

3. Due to Covid blowing up our budget on our house build, and leaving us about $8500 short of the amount we need to finish it, I've also picked up a few house cleaning jobs, too. I can't wear a mask physically- I overheat and pass out (I can't use steam saunas, either- never could get my face hot), so, with corporations starting to push them again, a "regular" job isn't going to work for me.

Between the Covid price gouging (OSB- that board under your siding- went from $8/sheet to (I kid you not) $70/sheet, and all construction materials prices went sky-high like that Shocked

We had enough to finish our house...until that happened Pirate

), and the cost of everything else going up (but wages not budging), my husband's income doesn't leave hardly anything left over for construction materials now.

He may have a master's degree in mental health, but he's working at a community mental health agency that is 95% funded by Washington Medicaid, and anyone who has experience with that knows that Medicaid only reimburses $0.40 for every $1 on medical services. He could make more, theoretically, in private practice, but he's not licensed in Idaho yet where we live, and Washington healthcare is all corporate-run now. Plus, if a private practice client doesn't show up, he doesn't get paid for that hour, and that's very risky when he's our main source of income!

So I'm doing the farmer's market/vendor events, and housecleaning, in an attempt to try and help pay for construction materials. Since we're owner-builders, but aren't professional contractors, we cannot get a construction loan to finish the job, and we can't afford another loan payment, either. We also can't refi our property, despite having almost $100,000 in equity, because banks won't refinance a land loan (we don't owe anything on the house, just the land), and it won't be a real mortgage til the house is done, and we have a Certificate of Occupancy from the county, so those funds are literally tied up in the land, and unavailable to us for construction.

It's been very, very frustrating, to say the least. I even started a Go Fund Me, hoping that someone out there would see our plight and offer to help, but that hasn't gone anywhere, either. I imagine living in an rv trailer for 2.5 years with two kids in a place with harsh winters to build our home on our land that, in the end, will be far more affordable (since we only owe on the land) than anything else in the area isn't something that really tugs at the heartstrings Unsure

I'm trying to keep in mind the big picture that started this in the first place- that, in the end, we'll only pay a quarter of my husband's salary on our mortgage, as opposed to everyone else, who are paying over $2,000 per month for even tiny apartments (yeah, the housing here right now is out of control. Hopefully that'll change after this year's local elections, and we kick out very corrupt city and county officials who are the direct cause of the housing mess).

But, in the meantime, we're really weary of living in the trailer, 3 minute showers (a 7 gallon water heater doesn't go far), a tiny kitchen, the girls want an actual room again, rather than just bunks, frozen hoses and drain lines (really hoping that doesn't happen again this winter- had to use the neighbor's portapotty on their site for two days in single digit temps, and shower at my in-law's house 25 miles away), and the audacity of the field mice in unceremoniously seeking free food and warm lodgings every winter (we are composing a plan worthy of the Normandy invasion for this winter with the little jerks).

Sorry for the rant...it's been a frustrating season with Covid's effects on finances, and the house build, and the delays the price-gouging has caused Unsure

Anyway, that's why I haven't been posting quite as often. I've been pretty busy in real life. I've also noticed that there haven't been many posts overall, as you pointed out, so there's less to comment ON. I've asked some questions, but they don't get many answers, either.

My guess is that people are just busy, to be honest. That's probably the biggest reason why the boards have slowed down.

My writing and novels:

My Hobbit Fanfiction

My historical novel print and kindle version

My historical novels ebook version compatible with all ereaders

You can also find my novel at most major book retailers online (and for those outside the US who prefer a print book, you can find the print version at Book Depository). Search "Amazing Grace Amanda Longpre'" to find it.

Happy reading everyone!

Eruonen
Valinor

Oct 29 2021, 3:13am

Views: 1919

Ok, I will give you a pass this time!

We are building currently and will move from the Chicago area to Tennessee in January. Getting rid of so much stuff that is collected over a lifetime. Cathartic experience - once it is gone it is not missed in most cases.

Cirashala
Valinor

Oct 29 2021, 3:28am

Views: 1919

Very true

We're downsizing into a smaller home from our 1412 sf house in town, but upsizing in the land (1/4 acre to 5 acres). We did this because a) It's always been a dream of mine to have a hobby farm and raise our own milk, meat, and eggs, plus garden and fruit trees, and b) it has the room that we were able to get my grandma over here in a single-wide, close to family, so that she would have someone close in case of emergency, and so she could remain home and independent, instead of in a nursing home as she aged. This is literally a 25 year dream in the making. I'm very hobbity in this regard Smile

However, I designed the house in such a way that we can easily add on later (an extra door, and no windows, doors, or vents on that side. The door is solely so we don't have to damage the wall when we add on, as a doorway is already framed in, and it follows our roof line and width exactly), and plan for a future 26x20 addition with a basement (currently, couldn't afford a full basement, otherwise we would have done so. Right now, it's a crawlspace), so it will someday be a 4 bedroom, 3 bath house that's 2080 square foot in size, when it's a little more affordable to do so.

I wish you the utmost luck in your build! I hope your build didn't have nearly the headaches ours has!

SirDennisC
Half-elven

Oct 29 2021, 3:48am

Views: 1936

When TORn Facebook, now Meta

� which if you look around the boards used to be one of my favourite words, ugh � started is when things became quieter around here. Since I was an early unadopter (dropped my FB account in 2009) it was hard to see so many go there from here. In other words, squire is correct, and I say this unabashedly ;)

Admittedly, I drifted into lurker mode for a good stretch of time, but you�re right to infer that it straight up sucks when you make a thoughtful post or essay and nobody responds or comments. For my part, I am sorry. Still I am encouraged by view counts, assuming they aren�t owing to spiders�as if they would dare encroach on the spiritual home of Sting, et al!

Yet with all its quirks, this is still my preferred place, actually the only place, apart from email, to speak with my online friends. Hopefully messages boards, this message board in particular, will enjoy the same resurgence that radio has, at least among sensible folk.

Now to Cirashala, your situation does tug at the heart strings. Everything is ridiculously overpriced compared to income anymore. You and your family are remembered in our prayers.

Edit to add: I wonder if TORn might host a moot via Zoom? That would be interesting :)

(This post was edited by SirDennisC on Oct 29 2021, 4:03am)

grammaboodawg
Immortal

Oct 29 2021, 3:50pm

Views: 1884

Lot of influences already mentioned

It absolutely is nothing personal when our posts aren't responded to. I'm so glad you've said something and not feel like you're not valued :) For me, time is a huge factor... and that's just trying to visit only 2 Boards (Main/Off Topic).

After over 20 years and the Movies not drawing as many newbies, it's not surprising to me that our town is a little sleepy recently. And those who have been here for many Winters have established a rhythm of engagement, so to speak. At least that's how I find my activity. I've slowed down, but my loyalty and endearment for TORn and all of our population are nearest and dearest to my heart... and always will be even if I'm not as active. I rarely even get into my email anymore ;)

Plus, a very huge factor is that my brain isn't cooperating all the time ;) I cannot always sort out what I want to say or remember things clearly. I'm doing great!!!! But it's like running a marathon and barely leaving the driveway. Lots of effort with minimal results ;) So it's a bit of a concern about making mistakes or not putting together what I want to say or do as well as I know I should be or have in the past.

So don't give up on us :D The lights will always be on here at TORn... just not all them in every room all the time ;)

*hugs*

We have been there and back again.

Join the "Tolkien Fandom Oral History Project"

TIME Google Calendar

Eruonen
Valinor

Oct 29 2021, 4:01pm

Views: 1878

Thanks Gramma....

I put a poll out regarding Wheel of Time.....and one option was I have not read it.....45 views....remove 2 of mine and Otaku 1....42 people viewed the poll and did not select any of the options. Seems odd to me but I see that across many other posts too.

Archestratie
Lorien

Oct 29 2021, 6:36pm

Views: 1869

There Isn't much To Talk About At the Moment

Amazon's show hasn't started. The War of the Rohirrim is a long way away. No new book is coming out soon that I know of. I think the boards will get more active as new content gets released.

My Low-Magic Fantasy Novel on eBook/hardback: The Huntsman and the She-Wolf

The Huntsman and the She-Wolf on audio Book.

Ataahua
Forum Admin / Moderator

Oct 29 2021, 7:28pm

Views: 1867

Yep, similar to how it was a few years after ROTK came out but before the Hobbit news was announced.

I doubt we'll ever return to the crazy days of the LOTR movies as there are many more digital platforms to indulge in fandom now than there were 20 years ago. But the boards will get busier again as the Amazon TV show nears and we have actual information to discuss.

Celebrimbor: "Pretty rings..."
Dwarves: "Pretty rings..."
Men: "Pretty rings..."
Sauron: "Mine's better."

"Ah, how ironic, the addictive qualities of Sauron�s master weapon led to its own destruction. Which just goes to show, kids - if you want two small and noble souls to succeed on a mission of dire importance... send an evil-minded beggar with them too." - Gandalf's Diaries, final par, by Ufthak.

Fantasy novel - The Arcanist's Tattoo

My LOTR fan-fiction

Cirashala
Valinor

Oct 30 2021, 1:53am

Views: 1858

Thank you <3

It's been tough...but we're doing the best we can for what we have.

FrogmortonJustice65
Lorien

Oct 31 2021, 6:09pm

Views: 1801

I also think Reddit...

...is slowly gobbling up forums like these and taking over the role that forums such as this used to serve. Which is sad, because the quality of discourse on this website is much higher than Reddit.

ElanorTX
Tol Eressea

Oct 31 2021, 10:36pm

Views: 1786

although it is handy for small offbeat topics

such as following the news from Nunavut in Canada (this vegetarian has now learned why eating bear paws is unsafe)

"I shall not wholly fail if anything can still grow fair in days to come."

Felagund
Rohan

Nov 1 2021, 3:23pm

Views: 1761

a community, still!

It's a very fair observation and one which crosses my mind, from time to time. As set out by others here, there are lots of reasons, including lots of other important things going on in people's lives, and the possibility that this type of platform is becoming something of an artefact.

I want to be clear though that it's an artefact I still treasure! And thinking about Reddit, sure, that's a beast of a platform but my hope is that there's room for Reddit and the more niche outlets for things Middle-earth like ours. Also, even when there aren't many comments, I massively appreciate the 'views' I get on whatever it is I'm scribbling about. We have an awesome community here, regardless of whether it runs into the thousands or hundreds at any given moment in time. And an important sign of that is this thread - it's confirmed, yet again, for me that there are people who care deeply about what happens here :)

Welcome to the Mordorfone network, where we put the 'hai' back into Uruk

Alveric
Lorien

Nov 1 2021, 5:36pm

Views: 1760

for me,

this is really the only place where I join in fandom. I was obliged to get a facebook account for work reasons but I've resolutely refused to do anything with it. For various reasons, including: it's ugly.
I have gone to some of the Tolkien events at Dragoncon. I've joined the Tolkien Society. But allow me to quote my current draft of the preface to my (never-ending, perhaps literally) book project, where I thank various people. "As much as I might think I know about the works of Tolkien, I have repeatedly been humbled by the fannish scholars and scholarly fans who post to the forums of the One Ring.net. Especially those going by the names [I list some names]. When we hear so much about internet trolls, online abuse and so on, it's worth acknowledging an online space of good humor, erudition, and generosity."

Ataahua
Forum Admin / Moderator

Nov 1 2021, 7:55pm

Views: 1753

Very much this.

In Reply To

When we hear so much about internet trolls, online abuse and so on, it's worth acknowledging an online space of good humor, erudition, and generosity."

TORN is where I can relax online - a space that's free of the slings and arrows we have to deal with elsewhere. And the board members are as weird as I am. Cool

Asger
Rivendell

Nov 2 2021, 5:01pm

Views: 1687

Whaddaya mean �as weird as I�?

I�m sure I�m a lot weirder! Crazy

I�m actually a Troll, not an internet-troll but a genuine living beneath a rock-troll. The only normal thing about me is the spaceship in my frontyard.

Well, the board never lets me upload pics, s� you just have to take my word for it. I too really enjoy the forum and love the relaxed tone, even if I don�t post so much.

"Don't take life seriously, it ain't nohow permanent!" Pogo
www.willy-centret.dk

(This post was edited by Asger on Nov 2 2021, 5:07pm)

Attachments:

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Asger
Rivendell

Nov 2 2021, 5:10pm

Views: 1671

Yayy!

It got attached, I�m the troll to the right besides the flying saucer, called SM4, which is 4.5 meter in diameter Smile

"Don't take life seriously, it ain't nohow permanent!" Pogo
www.willy-centret.dk

Ataahua
Forum Admin / Moderator

Nov 2 2021, 7:15pm

Views: 1665

OMG an actual flying saucer!

Did you build that? How long did it take?

Asger
Rivendell

Nov 2 2021, 8:40pm

Views: 1661

Well, I started in these days in 2010...

...and it's not finished yet. You can follow the construction on our website:

http://www.wenneberg.dk/Comics/Willy/undersider/Willycentret/akadamiet/AsgersSM4projekt.html

The spaceship is from the classic Danish comicstrip 'Willy p� eventyr' from 1956-77 which my friends and I have republished, There's a long story to tell about that strip, which won't fit in here, except there's a few bits of the action that's inspired by LotR, more about that at another time.

My friend Jan Wenneberg is currently building a 7 meter model of an Eagle from 'Space 1999'

"Don't take life seriously, it ain't nohow permanent!" Pogo
www.willy-centret.dk

Ataahua
Forum Admin / Moderator

Nov 2 2021, 11:41pm

Views: 1649

See? This is the stuff I love.

I get to hang out with people whose fandom fuels their creativity. Just brilliant. Smile

(BTW I remember watching Space 1999 when I was a kidlet - great show.)

grammaboodawg
Immortal

Nov 3 2021, 12:27pm

Views: 1606

Hear, Hear! mods up

*flying tackle hug* :D

We have been there and back again.

Join the "Tolkien Fandom Oral History Project"

TIME Google Calendar

noWizardme
Half-elven

Nov 3 2021, 7:09pm

Views: 1584

It's a ubiquitous problem with anything volunteer-run

I agree with what people have already said about the effects of film and TV release cycles and the changing technological landscape. Quite aside from that I think these cycles just happen naturally, because we're dependent on volunteers.

I've been involved in a number of volunteer things during my life so far, in several different kinds of activity. They all rely on a few people who are able and willing to do most of the work. So projects are usually just a few resignations, retirements or lowered engagements away from quiescence, near collapse or actual collapse. It's unrealistic to expect the old faithfuls to last forever -- people become less available or willing because of changes of all kinds. And while it is tempting as an active member to be frustrated about people who 'just' lurk and consume others' work without returning anything, I also see that when I do that I'm being unrealistic and unfair. Not everyone has the right combination of time, self-confidence, enthusiasm etc. to poke their head up above even the tiniest parapet, no matter how much I or anyone else describes it for them or offers to fetch a box.

Now of course I used to to help run the 'read-through' programme on the Reading Room board (and at one time was the sole organizer). So I had the task of asking folks to contribute to the projects, and I know why fewer and fewer people would agree to help. Principally it was (1) lack of time or (2) nervousness about not knowing enough / the kinds of reactions they might get. Personally I don't think it's a co-incidence that this became more of an issue from 2016 onwards (with the rise of more toxic and contemptuous online discourse). Sadly, I think we suffered even though our boards are so carefully moderated. I think people became extra-wary or just plain exhausted by what was going on elsewhere.

Thinking about my own career as a poster here, I also think one can reach what you might call the 'OK plateau'. When I first posted in the Reading Room in 2012 I had lots of questions, and people generously gave their time, energy and expertise to help me answer them. They also pointed me towards other resources, and ways of thinking that could help me answer my own questions. So nowadays I know most of what it occurs to me to want to know, and have a point of view about most things it occurs to me to have a point of view about. There's obviously a whole lot more to learn and think about (in principle), but I've become dependent on new people who are in the stage I was in back in 2012. People asking questions that would provoke me to think anew about things, and to bring the enthusiasm and wonder that people have when it is all new and exciting. Otherwise, I'm an old Ent, becoming tree-ish.

But the flip side of everything easily collapsing is that is of course it just takes a few new people to turn up to post interesting things, or organize new projects and we're off again. That will happen if it happens, I suppose.

When there is something new to discuss, the Reading Room forum (for example) is an old donkey but has quite a kick - consider the time recently where we discussed An Egregious Article Against the Tolkien Society's Constructive Attempts. Plenty of 'action', and a discussion that wouldn't have kept so civil on most social media platforms.

~~~~~~
My profile picture is "Kaninchen und Ente" ("Rabbit and Duck") from the 23 October 1892 issue of Fliegende Bl�tter (see https://en.wikipedia.org/...2%80%93duck_illusion )

(This post was edited by noWizardme on Nov 3 2021, 7:17pm)

noWizardme
Half-elven

Nov 4 2021, 1:30pm

Views: 1539

Now you've done it - I've invented a new game for the Reading Room

Come play 'Threes Thursday'

~~~~~~
My profile picture is "Kaninchen und Ente" ("Rabbit and Duck") from the 23 October 1892 issue of Fliegende Bl�tter (see https://en.wikipedia.org/...2%80%93duck_illusion )

SirDennisC
Half-elven

Nov 6 2021, 4:25pm

Views: 1496

It be like this:

ElanorTX
Tol Eressea

Nov 6 2021, 11:24pm

Views: 1449

Has anyone read Bowling Alone? Poor Alexis d'Tocqueville... //

"I shall not wholly fail if anything can still grow fair in days to come."

Glaurung63
Lorien

Nov 13 2021, 11:12pm

Views: 1316

I lurk more but still visit!

Hi all,
It seems Facebook and now Instagram are easier for posting pics, I�m a member of one fan group and it is mostly people posting LOTR art and memes. But I always come here to see what is happening because TORn has had its finger on the pulse of all things Tolkien from its beginning!

It�s the ideas and discussions I enjoy, and yes we are in a lull, and so I�ve read more than post over the last number of years. In the late 1990�s I found TORn and registered as Glaurung. Something happened years later and I had to reregister as Glaurung63. I found two other fan sites back then but TORn had it all and is still my go to site! I had a basement office at the Bronx Zoo when I worked for the Wildlife Conservation Society and people would sneak downstairs and we�d gather around my computer and scroll through everything here and debate casting choices! Remember when Sean Connery was rumored to play Gandalf?.

TORn and everyone here has literally helped me cope with many life changes and issues over the last twenty years! We don�t always reveal what else is going on in life or know that about others, but thank you all for still being here, a Beacon still lit, still connecting me to my love of all things Tolkien.

A quick short story- when I worked for WCS I was originally at the Central Park Zoo in NYC, and I was stationed in the park near the entrance and would get to see and meet lots of people, some famous. One night I watched Elijah Wood on I think Letterman. He was maybe 12 in the early 90�s. The next day at work I�m telling my friend that there�s this young actor who looks like a hobbit! And if a movie gets made he should be Bilbo or Frodo! No kidding, a half hour or so later Elijah walks into the zoo with people. I said omg that�s him!!!! To my friend who totally agreed he was a hobbit. Now, we didn�t approach him and geek out because we had to stay professional but I wanted to big time lol!!! Years later my friend and I totally bugged out when we learned here on TORn that Elijah was cast as Frodo.

Peace my friends, I�m going to listen to more Audible of Andy Serkis reading LOTR. Amazing!!!!!

Eruonen
Valinor

Nov 14 2021, 12:20am

Views: 1303

Great story, I recall seeing him in Radio Flyer and The Good Son

Paulo Gabriel
Lorien

Nov 20 2021, 6:13am

Views: 1133

Personally...

I don't feel unwelcome at all. I gererally prefer forums to other types of ''social media''.

Loresilme
Valinor

Nov 29 2021, 11:23pm

Views: 896

Hear, hear

This, very much so:

Quote

TORn and everyone here has literally helped me cope with many life changes and issues over the last twenty years! We don�t always reveal what else is going on in life or know that about others, but thank you all for still being here, a Beacon still lit, still connecting me to my love of all things Tolkien.

I have made old friends here and look forward to new friends still to meet. It's beautiful, warm and welcoming... I like your description - a "Beacon still lit".

Ioreth
Rivendell

Jan 3, 7:46pm

Views: 89

Maybe I am too old

But I really really really prefer this board format to any "new fangled stuff" - well, maybe apart from some discord servers but that mostly since they so remind me of old IRC chats :) ...

I just have had too much at work to do for much other stuff ...

(and no, not wanting anything to do with data harvesting companies ala facebook. NEVER)