to think that people who are thinking of joining a long-established internet forum (say 10 years +) would be well advised to get a feel for the place

[bibbitybobbityhat]

before jumping in and criticising the conventions of the forum hither and thither and then threatening to flounce in a massive hissy fit?

I just sort of shuffled in sideways and joined in. But I lurked for ages before I started posting. It felt like I knew you all already.

I felt like that too, Scarah.

I must come across a bit odd. Because I forget that no-one 'knows' me.

I think sometimes others just assumed I was a name changed regular, because I seemed so at home here. Which I am.

Ahh, that's lovely, though.

Made me feel like I am NOT alone, everyone else is as nutty as me, and it's normal !

I feel at home too. Have been away for a little while, but have read threads so that I could 'keep up'. Have missed it too, but sometimes I can lose days to m-netting !

this known and unknown is a nonsense
you're the posts you post
longevity doesn't render one wise,just as new doesnt= know yer place

frankly some big up mn of yore.all happy halcyon posts and knew everyone

Err yes, me too.

And I feel no shame that some days I just sit on the sofa and MN. Which probably sounds pretty bloody awful, but I don't actually care.

Doesn't sound awful to me, I am happy to say that I do that too !

I think Funnys' post sums it up really: "when we were new we got the shit kicked out of us, so why not the newbies".

Civilised behaviour all round.

It's all just a blur of posts to most people FTP - if you ( generic you ) disappeared from MN tomorrow never to return, very few people would notice - and even if a few did, you'd be forgotten within a month - it's an anonymous website - keep it real.

histrionic handwringing when so-and-so flounces
month later largely forgotten. and all business as usual
except on not like the ole days threads or mn oscars

I have a self inflicted idiot injury hurt my hand, it's in a sling. FIVE whole days of doing nothing.

what did you do idiot Scarah?

Was putting a curtain pole up, and put my hand through the window. Have managed to slice the bone.

Noooo newbies should be as welcome as anyone and shouldn't feel that they have to comply to fit in. Let them be themselves...

They're bound to make their own observations of the forums...and will see things with new eyes....that may well escape the older members

Oh no - you poor thing. hope you're not in too much pain.

Scarah - ouch, hope you're ok.

I'm making the most best of it.