Edit: Damn Idyll, you mentioned 2001.
Idyll,
That recording is four years out of date.
(2001: A Space Odyssey, for those of you who didn't recognize the quote.)
I like how your mind works - the older brother I never had.
Jny, I would have liked you as an older sister.
OK, for me, I concede the Tolkien element. It should be inserted. After all, it is that commonality that brought us together, and the people the community will be most comfortable with in terms of 'new recruits'.
We will never become this all-incompassing, all-inclusive messageboard without losing the homely feel. To become too successful in attracting everyone will ultimately lead to the demise of that feel.
We need to be limited in order to have a common bond that transcends all else.
Let's keep to our niche and revel in that.
Know who you are.
So taking that, and Frelga's comments into account:
"To create the most pleasant environment for lovers of Tolkien's works - an egalitarian community both on the internet and in real life."
I remember the first thing we talked about when debating having our own site was an art gallery and essays specifically about Tolkien.
You're right, everyone. I lost focus.
And for those of you who never noticed: Take HAL and increase each letter by one, you get IBM. Strenously denied by Arthur C. Clarke as deliberate, but it's too much of a coincidence for me.