
by
Axordil » Mon Sep 16, 2002 8:33 am
Welcome to the thread, the forum, and Tolkien Online. You can call me Axordil, your host and short-order chef for discussions.<BR><BR>I've been hanging out on these message boards for years now, and have seen people and trends coming and leaving like the tide. Change is a constant, one of only two here. The other is, for lack of a better word, civility. If you read the Terms of Service (ToS), you'll see that it's not just a good idea, it's the law, at least here.<BR><BR>Does that mean discussions here are dull and lifeless? Au contraire. In the places I tend to hang out--the Philosophy forum, aka the <a href='http://www.tolkienonline.com/thewhitecouncil/categories.cfm?NoCookie=Yes&catid=41' target=_blank>Halls of Manwe</a>, and the <a href='http://www.tolkienonline.com/thewhitecouncil/categories.cfm?catid=13' target=_blank>Movies (Lord of the Rings) forum </a>, things can get quite lively indeed, sometimes pushing the limits of the aforementioned ToS.<BR><BR>So if you're interested in an argument--this site is full of 'em. But they are _polite_ arguments, even when they get heated. And that's one of the reasons I like this place. I've been banging my head against some folks the whole time I've been here, and even though I may vehemently disagree with their opinions, I respect them as worthy opponents.<BR><BR>That's an attitude I think has a place here. And that's what this thread is all about--helping newer members of the community to see what makes a good, civil discussion both good and civil.<BR><BR>Questions? Ask away, preferably in this thread. That's what it's here for.<BR><BR>Enjoy!<BR><BR>edited to update