Administrator of the Month: an interview with Gwendeth

How did you find CoE?
I found it on a link from the Yahoo Group Elfling. I was searching out places to study Sindarin, and clicked on it almost by accident.

However, as soon as I was here, I registered. I was immediately captured by the scope of different topics in the Forums, and by the friendliness and politeness of the CoE members.

What are your duties here at CoE?
As the Accounts Admin, I have (really) four tasks that I handle.

One of my main functions is to help with resetting lost and/or forgotten Passwords. I also try to make sure that the Usernames new members register are appropriate for the PG-13 nature of CoE.

Something else that I do is to help ensure that Signatures are kept within the Site Guidelines; that the text is kept at the 3-4 lines-high maximum, and that images are not too large.

And, not to mention, following up on possible multiple accounts created – either accidentally or on purpose. With the size of CoE’s membership, that’s an issue of major concern.

What are you favorite areas of the site?
Lol!! That’s an easy question! My Realm, of course, Varda Elentári (hugglses fellow Vardians!); the Languages Forum (I so dearly love Tolkien’s Sindarin language!!); and the RPG Forums! (I’m a *hopeless* RPG addict!! ).

How often do you visit CoE?
When do I *not* visit CoE? lol!!

Actually, unless I’m out of town (which is rare) and don’t have computer access, I’m online every day. If I can’t check at least once a day, I’m in bad shape! Fortunately, I have a wireless Internet connection, so I can leave CoE going all day, and check in-between housework chores.

How many times have you read the books?
All the way through, I’ve read them twice. However, in the process of researching for various RPGs (in particular), I’ve been through bits and pieces many times.

Who is your favorite LoTR character?
Legolas (droolfest time!). Really, though, I like the interaction between him and the Fellowship characters, and – in particular – how the relationship between Legolas and Gimli changes from mistrust to a deep friendship.

To me, that says a lot about ‘life’ in general, and how different peoples can come together in understanding once they’ve actually learned about the positive qualities someone else has. Just think how many conflicts might be resolved in Real Life if warring factions could do just as Legolas and Gimli?

Do you have a favorite scene from the Trilogy?
That’s hard, because there were so many wonderful ones. However (and in my humble opinion) the one that was ‘envisioned’ the best for me in the Movies was the Ride of the Rohirrim to join the Battle at Pelennor Field. I’m a horse-lover, too, and the description of that scene in the books is awesome, it just gave me the shivers to actually ‘see’ it.

What character left out of the films do you miss most?
Being the elf-lover that I am, I would have really liked to see the meeting with Gildor Inglorion.

Do you know any Sindarin or Quenya?
Lol!! Oh, yes! I started out studying Quenya, but absolutely fell in love with Sindarin! To me, it flows so beautifully! And, actually, studying Sindarin here on CoE inspired me to begin writing poetry – just so I could translate it.

What did you enjoy most about the ROTK EE?
Hmmm…that’s kind of hard. I think the scene with Frodo and Sam marching with the Orcs is one (it explains a part that seemed a bit ‘disjointed’ in the Theater version). Also, I liked the ‘drinking-game’ between Legolas and Gimli. That was hilarious!!