Question for Newbies

I am curious, we have had a few newbies who are really not new make their first postings and I was curious what made you not post right away?

I guess I am wondering because as a teacher I am always looking to make things easier for my students to understand and I am curious if there is something overwhelming about posting for the first time.

If you don't want to share that is fine, but I am just wondering if there is something besides welcoming you in your newbie thread to help you feel a part of the community.

I guess some people...well...as for me, I like to just wait a while and kind of "test the waters"

Maybe this won't make much sense but when I was a newbie I was scared that everyone would find my comments dumb and also that the entire world would read my entire personal information. So I completely understand how newbies must feel. Do any newbies feel this way? I would be more than happy to ease your fears b/c as a "virgin forum member" I know how scary and overwhelming it could be.

Can I comment When I was a newbie (tear) I was afraid to post because I was new to any type of forum and was very skeptical, but after viewing forums (which I never felt comfortable posting at all) I realized that this one was different and everyone really wanted to help each other out. Plus I loved (and still do) talking about weddings!

So the big question is how can we make newbies feel more comfortable?

Thanks Marie, Glenda and Amy for responding.

I admit, it took me probably over a month before starting to post (other than the newbie thread everyone is required to start). Several reasons:

1. I was very new to forums, any forums, and was not comfortable about sharing at first (which you can see from my user name, which now I'm trying to gain enough points to change to something more friendly)

2. I was very early in my planning stage, I just bounced around several forums jogging down ideas

3. I did not navigate around the website around enough to see how active it was, so didn't know it was easier to learn about those ideas by asking, rather than reading and searching

4. I see that how well everyone knows each other, and didn't feel fit in

I felt the same way. my old username was mlb36. I didn't want to say my real name or any personal info. One most forums I am pretty anonymous because I'm not used to them being friendly environments. I was scared to post my first post because I was worried I'd be attacked with "We've already posted that" announcements. Once I saw how friendly everyone was, I changed my user name & started participating. I don't think I ever posted in the newbie section to be welcomed.

Like someone else said I think it can feel intimidating. It's kinda like when you go to a new school and everyone is already friends - you feel left out for awhile until you get used to things.

Also, some people may just be more interested in searching the forums for info rather than joining in on a personal level...?

I think it's great that so many new people are joining - the more ideas the better! I always get excited to see new members who are either A) From Dallas or Planning to get married/have been married at the location I'm looking at.

Good topic Christine - you're such a sweetheart

Thanks again Christine for donating some points to me to change my username I started depositing points into bank then realized it was not that easy to withdraw lol

This is the only forum I am actively involved. The environment is very friendly and makes me want to be part of it. This is how I am advertising to other brides to come to this website. I love this website now!!!