Wierd?

[MLD-Grounds-Keeper-Willie]

I don't know why they choose me exactly, but I'm very happy to help.

It's probably because you seem friendly to them, or maybe they look at you and there's something about you that they can relate to, or maybe you're just someone who looks like you know what you're doing there. I know I recently registered at a forum (non-Tolkien) and I needed some help around. I browsed threads for a while and decided that I should choose a person whose name happens to be Mithrandir. I chose that person because A- we both have something in commmon and B- because that person seemed friendly. And sure enough, he helped me.

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Right now, the method is, they open a new thread, ask their question, get told to use the search engine, and the thread gets closed, and then probably deleted.

As for those who feel put down because of the closing of threads, don't feel that way. The problem does not begin with other members pointing out that the thread-starter should have used the search function. It begins with the thread-starter, who obviously, did not read the rules at the top of the page, where they always remain, in all caps with double-asterisks at the beginning and end. Here is the title: "** ANNOUNCEMENT - NEW BARROW-DOWNS FORUM POLICIES ** " If people would read that, then there would be a lot less of those kinds of posts and threads. The people who tell the thread starter to use the search function are probably sick of reading threads like that anyways. But they don't mean to be rude when they say, "Use the search engine, that's what it's for", they might even be trying to be sarcastic, but it's hard to tell through writing sometimes. If I say something like that, I usually put a smiley at the end, like this one for sarcasm [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] or this one to show friendliness [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] . And if someone does get a reply like that, I think they deserve it, since they did not take the time to read the policies. I think that is where the problem is.

I don't think there is need for a newbie thread in the books, just maybe some more emphasis (when a person registers) on reading the rules and policies, and emphasis (again, when a person registers) on starting out in the Novices and Newcomers section (as obloquy stated- "specifically for them"), and going to the "NEW MEMBERS - INTRODUCE YOURSELF HERE (Part 2)" thread. I've seen older members give welcomes out freely to all newbies and most hand out advice with it. And everyone seems friendly enough to be asked a question. Maybe that's something that should be emphasised. I think newcomers should know that it's alright to ask questions (especially by those older members who give out welcomes in that thread), and if they don't know, it's alright for the newcomer to ask for someone who could help them out.

And, the phantom, offers a great way to participate in forums like the books without posting a duplicate thread, and it's so simple. All you have to do is participate in the current topics. You don't have to do everyone; just a few is fine. And look out for new threads. Those are great ways to help a discussion grow, and usually they halp get you accepted in the forum. Besides that, new threads are a great way to give your 2 cents with out having it already said.

And Meela, I don't think it's degrading. It's for newcomers also. I just think that obloquy said "novices" in short for "novices and newcomers". And ven if you are a novice, don't think of it as degrading, just listen to burrahobbit's advice.

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Thank you Neferchoirwen. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

And thank you too, Child of the 7th Age. I might stop by sometime soon. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Balin999, I know what you mean. Things were a bit slow here at one time, so I stopped going here, about a week passed and then I went away on vacation for a couple of weeks. When I came back, things seemed different. Some changes were made, and even though it wasn't 4 months, like your absence was, it still felt a little strange.