Yes, Vee the FAQ and help files are very handy when looking up info for this newbie. Its a quick answer to some of the more basic questions. For other questions, I try to search through the already existing threads before posting, but have missed a few and ended up restating an already asked question. Would it be too difficult to put a search box on the top (or bottom) of a page where you could type in a one or two-word question, then it would search the site to see if there are any related "hits" on that subject? Perhaps the incidental mentioning of character names throughout the taverns and role playing games would skew the search results. Just a thought though.

I really appreciate the patient answers from the council members, and others to questions that probably seem obvious to those who know Tolkien's work inside and out. I've searched many fan-type Tolkien sites, but this is the first where I've actually learned about the world of ME itself. He developed a very complex world and it takes time, and skillful guides, to properly appreciate it. I'm glad to have found PT and hope it continues for a long time!

Thanks Terrijayne, glad you like PT. I was attracted to it by it's friendly community spirit as well.

As far as a search box, there is one on the help file itself although it doesn't search through the forums. Whether or not it is possible to add a search box to the message boards is something only taz can answer - I'd suggest adding it to the Website Suggestions so taz can see it.

I think I speak for the Council when I say that we understand and accept that discussions will come round again and again as new members join. It is not a problem and I for one am happy to discuss Tolkien over and over again especially as I learn more each time I read the books or discuss them.

Having said that, I also hope that the FAQ is useful in answering some of the more mundane questions which, of course, people want answered there and then. The Council try to respond as quickly as possible to all questions and queries but it is not always instantaneous. The FAQ and the help files hopefully offer a quick answer to basic queries.

Glad to know our efforts are not in vain.... thanks Terrijayne and Tommie for the vote of confidence.

Absolutely Val and answering questions can be a learning experience for those of us who are not quite so knowledgable about Tolkien.

Also, you may ask questions that others have wanted to ask but perhaps feel a little shy about doing so.

I just want to say that I came accross this site while on a search for an LOTR message board and this was a site that was recomended by Google. I came here and looked around and after about 1 minute I decided I wanted to join the community. I think that this is a great group and I think that the Council members are very helpful and I also found that email that you recieve is very helpful as is the FAQ. All in all this is a great website with a great group of people

Ashley276

Yup, I just did a Google search on "Tolkien" and we come up as the bottom item on page one. That's also how I found this place about four years ago.

Exactly!

Who rates these things, anyway? Is it based on the number of times that a certain link has been clicked on? If so, I can take care of that no problem...just give me a couple days...yes, I do not have much to do-I am a domesticated animal these days, I'm afraid.

Biased, indeed, but also quite correct: I have not only visited a lot of the other Tolkien sites, but I have also been a member(long before I found this one)of some of those, and to be sure, though I am no expert, this site is:
1. the most friendly site, accessible to anyone who is interested,
2.the most complete, encompassing the full spectrum of Tolkien's world,
3.the most rewarding, the mithril system and the friendships made here surpass the others' ideas of mutually-rewarding.

Of course, my opinion is biased also, but it has some basis in experience...trust me.

Yes, so good, Amarie! Other places may claim the name, but PT has all the feel and warmth of The Last Homely House, to be sure. It is strange, and I don't know if this is just true for me only, but one loses track of time so easily here-it almost has a Caras Galadhon feel to it-time seems to have no sway here...may it be that way forever! By the way, I have passed one hundred posts now-am I at Level Two Newbieness now? Once I pass 500, will I not be considered new anymore? I am not new to myself...

hi
I'm new here.
how are u all?

I found this website while searching for Lord of The Rings online reading library. I couldn't find any and then I found this. I haven't check out all yet and I don't know if I could read the book here but I'm sure I'll be happy to be one this community.

poem

Hi Poem,

Welcome to Planet Tolkien. I haven't read any online books myself, or where to find them, but good luck with your search. I hope you like what we do have to offer here.

Now that I come to think of it, I'm not sure how I got here. That was TWO DAYS AGO!!! I find all the welcoming/help/faq stuff quite helpful. I'm so happy to have found this site. Since you asked, I must echo someone else's concern though and ask that a search box be considered. I wish I had time to read all of the threads to find something I seek, but when there are more than 50 pages on some, it get's a bit too much. It's a suggestion anyhoo. Thank u again.

Writers Guild, Taverns and Fan Writings have been updated in the help file. Hopefully that makes things a little easier?

Shhh Grondy, they are suppose to go to the Help file and find out for themselves, so they learn to check Help before they ask.
(Not that we mind answering, we don't mind at all! But the help file gives you the answer right away so you don't have to wait.)

We don't know, Rhapsody. We have never known! The Ivy bush and The Prancing Pony was given a purpose not long ago in an attempt to tidy up a bit, mostly the Taverns are a blur of conversations and discussions, like it usually is in a tavern.

Bah!!! The taverns cant be sett to a single theme! Thats their special quality. Like a real tavern or pub, its chaotic,free, weird and new! Thats what i think. You should have fun there with that. But the Khazad-dumish Inn still stands on the top. LONG LIVE GRONDY!!!!!!!

Just so.... And with their selections of different topics on offer they each have their own atmosphere. Like real taverns, I have my favourite bits in each, but still tend to crawl between them all.

Im realy new considering the dates on this threads but still FAQ an all that was realy helpful thx guys you trully are the best!!! Oh and whats with these two guys up there that joined a year ago and said they love it here but have only 1 or 2 posts?impulsive???

I cannot remember how I got to this site, I was probably searching for something.I thought it would be rather like all the others I visited, okay but nothing to really invest time and effort into for me anyway.
Then on the Home Page I read an article or listed and felt better. AFter that I stared at JRR's picture and something about it was so kind and gentle and comforting. So I thought I might read a post or two and was very very intrigued by the high level of posting and friendliness by the members.
So I nervously thought I would give it a try.
Now it is more and more becoming a lovely place to go to like Rivendell where things of knowledge and beauty and friendship are preserved and shared and one feels really well and at peace while visiting.And I have referred to the Help/Faq numerous times. It is very helpful.
So..........thankyou all.

Although I am not new... I havn'e been around for over a year, I believe... Any how, I love the new look of the site!!!! Absolutely beautifull... It's gona take some time to find my way around again but that's part of the adventure... I was noticing though that the RP isn't as active as it once was... or is that just me, but I remember there being numerous RP's active, and a verry rich diversity of story lines available... it looks like most of the RP threds havn't been active sence last year.

I think I've been around PT for a while now, too.
I remember going through a whole phase with the Redwall books AND PT.
Hahaha... those were the good old times. EULALIA!!!
only here, I suppose I should rather say ELENDIL!!! or as Feanor might have cried: SILMARILLI!!!!!

Really, though, the silmarils don't make a good war cry.

Well, he wouldn't want his ego to get in the way of manipulating all the other Elves he managed to convince into his folly...

Were those Canadians referring to 'Churchy La Femme', the pirate hat wearing turtle of Walt Kelly's Pogo comic strip?