: But to sign a petition based mostly on wild rumours and headless speculations is for me impossible. And I think some people read too much into the tiny, almost molecular sized particles of news and tidbits, extrapolating "facts" which have almost no substance. Mostly these people have already made up their mind about the LOTR-movies being a catastrophy which will forever taint their view of Tolkien and his work. No matter how good or bad these films are going to be I will always have my cherished books and my view of Middle-earth will not change. If you're worried about the movies destroying your M-E then don't go and see them. Just relax and enjoy the ride!

: More on "changes". It's an impossible job for PJ to "interpret" so that the films will fit in with everybodys vision of LOTR. Why? Because the dear Professor was (intentional) unclear when he described characters, places and events leaving a huge space open for every readers own imagination to fill, ex. Balrogs extermities, the coloring of certain Elves etc. etc. JRRT described more feeling than facts and he forces every reader to put his own fact/picture to the feelings described. Brilliant! Of course PJ can't deliver the "right facts" for every Tolkien reader. We have to sit back and enjoy PJ's "facts".

: And finally... The casting of Sir Ian McKellen as Gandalf are absolutely excellent! I discover new things on McKellens web-site every time I visit.

: Cheers

: Mjolnir

I think you make some good points. All of this speculation and furor over the movies so far in advance does nothing for viewing pleasure once the movie comes out. Before you go to the movie, you'll already have your opinion firmed up as to whether the movie was a success or not. Recall that this is what happened with Star Wars episode I. People went in with all these expectations, and I think that those expectations do nothing but diminish the actual product. Keep an open mind and try not to let rumors concern you too much.
-Olorin