I think that the problem is that once you've read Tolkien, you become very critical of other people's world structure. Or at least, I find myself doing that.
I like Frank Herbert's Dune series because I can believe that it really exists.
Also, I've been working on my world on and off for 10 years. I've taken as much as a year and a half break from it sometimes... it's something I figure I will always work on, but the work goes in spurts. I still haven't even named it! Although all my towns, water ways, mountains, etc. are named. My main character is named Ewlyn Bree... hence my handle here.
And we do need more Tolkien female names! I never really thought of that.
What do you think of the movies Peter Jackson is working on?
From what I've seen and heard... they have the potential to be good. I plan to go see them with no expectations... because I know I will hate them if I expect too much.