: I think people get of Tolkien what they want. Some, for example, find his langauges absorbing (see the TolkLang mailing list). Others such as Michael Martinez and myself get caught up in the historical and chronological minutiae of Middle-earth. Others of course are inspired by his works to produce works of art(some of which are very good). And, yes, some find the evil attractive. I guess what makes Tolkien's evil the subject of so much attention is that it (like the languages, and the history, and the chronology) is so well presented. By the time you have read the LotR, Silmarillion, UT, and the HoMe you really feel like you know Sauron personally.

: And of course there is a sense in which Sauron is Tolkien's most important character, as it was his decision to identify Thu of the the Book of Lost Tales, with Sauron of The Lost Road, with the Necromancer of the Hobbit, which created the Three Ages of Middle-earth as we now have them.
>>I agree

: : : Myself, I'd much rather be a Ranger, Hobbit, or guard in Minas
: : : Tirith instead of an orc, troll, or ring wraith.

: : I think I'd prefer to be a King of Numenor or Arnor.... :)

: I would settle for a visit to Rivendell, and an afternoon chatting with Elrond.

>>I would settle for a warrior of Hador's house, though the chat with Elrond does sound entizing