How did you find CoE?
I was running a search on FotR screencaps back in July 2002 and CoE popped up. I decided to stop by to see what the site had to offer, since none of the other sites I’d visited had much in the way of galleries, and I was impressed by how extensive this one was. In fact, the only reason I joined was so I could post stupid comments on all of the pictures. I think some of them are still there, actually, which is pretty embarrassing.
What are your duties here at CoE?
Currently, I run both the CoE Store and the FAQ. I’m a total LotR merchandise junkie, so the job is perfect for me. I try to keep it well stocked and if there’s an item anyone wants that I haven’t gotten to yet, once I’m notified, I’ll get it in there ASAP. Whoever’s reading this, buy something. It’s good for you, and us.
Running the FAQ is pretty self-explanatory. Members submit questions about how things run on the site and I do my best to answer them (if not in the database itself, then by PM).
What are your favourite areas of the site?
I spend most of my time on CoE hanging out in the chat room. It’s such a fun place to be and I love hanging out with the members. Otherwise, I mostly keep to my own sections and occasionally drop by Haldir’s Pretty Pictures to check out the new
additions.
How often do you visit CoE?
I’m on CoE daily. It’s an addiction. Do they make a patch for this? Maybe a fruit-flavored gum…?
How many times have you read the books?
Er…I’ve lost count. I sort of read them off and on. I’ll open Fellowship and read a couple of chapters, put it down, come back to it a month later, so on and so forth.
Who is your favourite LOTR character?
It’s a toss up between Faramir, Beregond, and Théoden.
Do you have a favourite scene from the trilogy?
From the films, I’d have to say my favorite is the Storming of Isengard. I think the music and graphics are amazing, and I love the whole concept of nature fighting back and triumphing over industry.
From the books, there’s a lovely passage in the Return of the King where Sam is watching Frodo sleep that I think is absolutely beautiful and touching. Anytime I come across it, I reread it a few times before I’ll move on.
What character left out of the films do you miss most?
I was so sad when I found out they’d cut Beregond from the film. I think he’s such a great character and I love how loyal he is to Faramir and how he’ll do what he knows to be right, even if it means jeopardizing his position and his life. I know there was a character who was based on him, but it just wasn’t the same.
Do you know any Sindarin or Quenya?
Aside from my site name (“lover of books” in Quenya, so I’m told) and a couple of Elvish greetings, I have no familiarity with either language. I’m not a great fan of Elves or most Elvish things, so there was never any real motivation to learn them.
What did you enjoy most about the ROTK EE?
It’s hard to choose which new scene I liked most since I thought they were all pretty entertaining, but the only new addition I’ve found myself watching over and over again is the Mouth of Sauron sequence.
