Is there really such a dearth of entries since October, or am I somehow just not seeing them? I've read all the entries on this thread up through Oct 29, 2009, which is the last I see.
Like some others, I've sent a submission to another thread before I saw the New Members one--but it's all interesting. I'm Jim, in sunny and warm southern Arizona. I read The Hobbit and LOTR right on its heels, back in 1965--I have one of the first printings of them both, by Ballantine. I had heard about them while I was at the University, but had to wait for the paperbacks. Since then I've gathered several other published versions; in fact I wore out one full set. I thought the Hobbit was clearly overtaken by LOTR, maybe because I was more interested in the adult tale there; however, I fully expect that the movie of TH will project more of the adult story than the children's book.
I've read the Silmarillion, Children of Hurin, several of the history books, but I keep going back to both TH and LOTR, which I've read nine times over the years. My daughter says I've hooked her on it too--she's read it nearly that many times. The unabridged CDs have been great while driving, though I've found a number of minor differences from the books. And I prefer reading the books anyway.
And let's not have any more of this Old Fogey talk--around these parts we're known as Old Farts!
. Lot of serious Tolkien fans here, so you've come to the right place 
.
), welcome to the forum! What are you studying at University, if you don't mind saying?
It sounds like you've found a good place though. For me internet forums (both here and elsewhere) are the only way I've ever been able to have serious Tolkien discussions with people. It's a lot of fun. 
). I get what you mean about a Middle-earth class, I'd love to have one that's a combination of English, History, Sociology, Political Science, etc., etc. 
. So you will find newer postings on those other threads. But most of the action is in The Hobbit sub-forum right now, though posting has been a little light over The Holidays.