The only reason this comm seems unactive is because no one is posting anything! And largely, I think, because the majority of LOTR/Hobbit fandom has most likely moved well away from LJ. I don't think any amount of promotion or redisigns will make much difference now. Livejournal drove most fandoms/fandom people away with years of mismanagement and terrible service. *shrug*

But please, if you want the fandom to be active here again, please post stuff and encourage others to do so, if there are any Lotrippers still here. Personally, AO3 is far more active and user friendly. LJ doesn't give me a fandom friendly vibe anymore.