For the Newbies and NearNewbies….
I’ve been thinking (rarely happens but happens) to post some notes directed particularly to the Newbies and NearNewbies on this forum.
We all started with zero posts and “knew” nobody on the forums. The forum has been good for some, bad for some, so-so to many, etc. It “can’t be all things to all people”.
I don’t know this but a forum where the primary posters are “veterans” (based on post count and longevity) might be intimidating to “newbies”. This intimidation is natural and may not have anything to do with “content” of the posts simply an “intimidation” of saying the wrong thing, etc. (irrespective of the fact that everyone is “anonymous”).
So you Newbies and NearNewbies here are some “rules of the game”
1. Do not be intimidated by any poster’s post count – we all started at zero and the number of posts reflects only the number of posts - and nothing else.
2. Do not be intimidated by how long anyone has been a member of DF.
3. Don’t be intimidated period
4. Ask anything you want to ask and anticipate the responses (you will after a few posts).
5. You are free to state your opinion on anything.
6. Some of your posts will be moved/ or deleted (but you’ll live)
7. Not everyone here shares your race, religion, morality, sexual orientation, education, etc.
8. Try not to impose your religion, morality, etc. on others (it won’t work).
9. Try not to be overly sensitive.
10. Try not to be overly offensive.
11. Try to be funny (it may work sometimes)
12. Try to be entertaining (if it doesn’t work at least you’ll be entertainment for others- see “3”)
13. You will not like all the forum members (it would be impossible)
14. You will not dislike all the forum members (it would be impossible)
15. Not all the forum members will “like” you.
16. None of the forum members might “like” you (but you’ll live)
17. Some of the forum members might “like” you.
18. The avatars are not a reflection of who the members are.
19. Some of the avatars are a reflection of who the members are
20. All members are equal.
21. Always remember: HP is an idiot.
22. No one “owns” the forum (although technically someone “owns” it but without members there would be no forum)
23. You will find useful information and helpful posts and posters (no doubt)
24. You might meet new people and make friends (not guaranteed)
25. Not everyone will be nice to you.
26. Some will be nice to you.
27. Whether or not anyone is nice to you on the forums means “zilch” in real life.
28. Use the forum as a source of help with your “Dubai” questions.
29. This forum is not your psychiatrist’s office.
30. You will be wrong sometimes.
31. If you start posting in the “New Member” forum all you will get will be “Welcomes” and “winks”.
32. This forum is not your mother’s lap.
33. This forum is not your place of worship.
34. This forum is not a dating service.
35. This forum is not your babysitter (you being the baby)
36. There are members in all walks of life and life experiences who might be able to answer your questions and be helpful.
37. There are members in all walks of life and life experiences who will not help you.
38. There are members of the forum who know nothing.
39. There are member of the forum who think they know everything.
40. There are members of the forum who do not think.
41. Use the forum primarily as an outlet to the daily grind and as entertainment
42. Some people know each other in the real word (see “3”)
43. Neither proper speling, nor grammar, nor, punctuation, are, required.
44. Not all moderators are the same (regardless of what they or anyone else thinks – but they’ll live and so will you)
45. Not all female avatars are female and vice-versa
46. Anything you say, can and will be used against you, someday (but see “3”)
42. Sometimes you’ll run out of things to say (like now).
Enjoy and post away…or not…
p.s. I posted this here and not in "new members" forum because that forum is rarely frequented after one joins - see "31".
*If you are a newbie and this thread is moved you'll soon find out the real reason for it being move* Stay tuned..