Apologize

[KokopelliRises]

To the people on the How To board?

I'm sorry if you got a bad impression of me. I'm not used to discussion boards quite this large and I knew very little about etiquette on discussion boards. I'm sorry for bumping old topics (I'll let sleeping dogs lie from now on) and possibly seeming like a troll.

Thank you SweetErika for pointing out the error of my ways.

Any suggestions, other than this?

 

[SweetErika]

I don't think apologies are necessary, but it's a nice thought.

The main things for me as a newbie were reading the rules, sticky threads at the top of the forums and taking time to explore and observe. I checked out all of the forums and spent some time looking at each to get a feel for the dynamics and determine whether or not I'd be generally interested in them. Then, I started posting slowly, testing the waters, and when that went well, I continued getting involved with all of the forums I was interested in.

I think it was helpful to participate in discussions, instead of just posting just once in a given thread because I started to get to know people, learn a lot more and make friends. So, maybe take a look around and find some threads that have topics that really interest you (it helps if they're not too old or really long already, in my experience), then jump in the discussion by replying to others' posts and such. Don't be intimidated if you're not recognized right away - once you participate consistently, people will start to get to know you and respond to your thoughts more.

You're right, this is a huge board, and getting a feel for everything is made more difficult by the fact that each forum has its own norms and dynamic. The only way to get to know each is to observe and participate. Just about everyone makes some guffaws (look how many fail to read the FAQs Before Posting sticky, and ask questions that are right there, for instance ) - it's part of treading through Newbiedom, and happens on every board from what I've seen.

So, just take some time to look around, get involved, and most of all, HAVE FUN! The fact that you're asking for tips bodes very well for you, IMO, N00b.

Welcome to Lit!

 

[NippleMuncher]

As always, excellent advice SE.

A good rule of thumb is that threads older than 2 to 4 weeks can be considered dead and don't need to be resurrected, with one exception, if the thread pertains to your problem and your concerns have not been addressed. Even then, usually a search of your particular interest will turn up multiple threads of similar topic.

Lit is a huge site, take your time, get to know the folks, participate as you feel comfortable. It's been my experience here that these folks are very tolerant, even to the occasional faux paus of the new comer and that words of "correction" shouldn't be taken as a personal attack, rather just a heads up on the workings of this community. There are a great many other forum communities out there that aren't tolerant of anyone other than their own clique.

 

[SweetErika]

There are a great many other forum communities out there that aren't tolerant of anyone other than their own clique.

That is so true. I've checked out quite a few forums and have yet to find one that's as tolerant and has the same type of sense of community that we have here. I participate on a BDSM forum sometimes, and while it can be a good place to get info and discussion, I always come back here because the members there are often abrasive, cold or have superiority complexes. I think Lit, and HT especially, are pretty unique, which is no doubt why it's not unusual for members to stick around for many years.