ANSWERS: 18
  • I've seen some newbies allude to finding AB a bit intimidating because of already existing friendships, but honestly, all newcomers have to do is join in comment threads and they immediately become part of the larger group. Group is kind of a misnomer. Realistically, there is no group, not like there would be in real life. Comment threads are made up of individuals spread out over wide geographical areas, thousands of miles apart. The image of approaching a group is an illusion. A very good one, but an illusion, nonetheless. Good question, Dan.
  • That kind of thing usually discourages people...even on internet forums. I've seen it before, and I know it discourages me...I mean, I still feel like an outsider, and I've been here for over a year. But I guess that's my own fault. Anyway, this forum, however, is a little more inclusive than others, but it can still frighten people I guess.
  • I think that a confident adult would be more inclined to join and participate.
  • Maybe it would be an attraction instead of something that would scare a new person off. They might aspire to be part of this close-knit group - the more the merrier!
  • No. That is exactly the reason I joined in the first place.
  • Well I have been here for a little while and I was very impressed and thought it was nice the way you all knew eachother almost like family.
  • Yes you are a closely knit group of people who are friendly amongst yourselves and know each other as family. I am happy for all of you. >It is to be understood that many new comers are people who have been through very bad experiences. They have been deeply hurt in other similar sites, thus leaving us new members as out casts or immigrants does not help us or this site. I for one am new, I don't feel welcomed or liked, I feel rejected to the extremes my questions are not answered and my answers are not rated, but I don't fail anyone in any of both cases. I don't believe I have any right to complain, in due time I will leave in silence as I came. Want to know what I got in my first week? I got 15 Trojans which I have reported, had my PC down for three days and had a very bad time. The only difference between AB and the other site is that here I don't know how to defend myself and I am vulnerable in the other site no matter how bad I knew what to do and how to protect myself. Regards
  • I think it can and I know it has, but a lot of new users kind of do it to themselves. Some new ABers dive right in without understanding AB and how it works as a community overall (see my examples below). Off topic, but I have always wondered how it must feel to be new and know that the points you can award are worth less than mod points. Think about it. Anyway, back to said topic. I stop and welcome new folks when I run into them and I have played AB tour guide more than a few times. I know a lot of other ABers do this as well. A few good examples: * The expectation for instant gratification: Questions do not always get answers right away and points are not instant. Patience is a virtue. * The please be my friend pleas: Most of us like to get to know people before we consider them "friends". * Hi, my name is. . .when newbies assume that this is a chat room instead of a Q&A site with a large dose of social networking, that is sure to rub some people the wrong way. * Failure to try and understand how AB works: There is a Users Guide and several instructional sections that should be explored by ALL newbies. It is just as important to understand the etiquette side of AB. * Focusing on the points and not the community and the great people that come with it. Points are secondary to most of the regulars.
  • Depends on the person really, It's almost like changing schools: Some people have little problem adapting and "fitting in" while some others might feel like outsiders. On a personal note, I felt a little "outside the bag" at the beginning, I noticed affinity and closeness among some members, I was more reserved and didn't comment as much. I strongly recommend using the comment feature in order to gain much more interaction with people, get to know others better. I found AB even more enjoyable after doing so.
  • I was almost frightened away at first, it's very intimidating to try to join a group of people out of the blue when you see how well they all know each other. However, almost everyone was welcoming and friendly and helpful to me, a total stranger. That made me want to be a part of this group very quickly.
  • I think some can be frightened away, yes. But I hope they will hang in long enough to get to know the true value of the site and the people here. Like any new situation, it takes time to "warm up," but just proceed with some patience, perseverence and a light heart and I think it will pay off in ways you might never expect!;)
  • We were all newbies at one time, Dbd..some kind AB members took us under their respective wings and helped us through some landmines...that's what we should do for those who are brand new. Over time we develop affinities, like-minded viewpoints, friendly disagreements..it's an easy camaderie which can only come with time and interaction. If we encourage them and let them know it will happen for them as well, they should never get frightened or discouraged..but if we act high and mighty..if we act as if we're special, then they will lose interest and go away. They are as special as we are..we just don't know them yet and they don't know us! :)
  • I found it a fairly easy transition coming over to AB, as I was following you and other Yahoo "refugees" at the time. And, along with all of my Y/A friends, I found a lot of other great people here that I've also become friends with. I could see if someone was coming in "blind" to this or similar sites they may be "intimidated" a little bit. I usually, in a new situation, sit back and observe interaction at first to see how everything flows before jumping in. Some people do dive right in, I notice. But I always try to make newbies welcome.
  • I remember when i first came here, i thought 'wow, im never gonna be like those guys.. they are so in tune with each other commenting and chatting' i really thought (especially because im from the UK) i would be like an outsider.. HOW WRONG WAS I????? This place is the best in the world and i for one hope newcomers are made to feel as welcome as i was! This place is 'DA BOMB' LOL
  • Not really. Maybe some. I do think new people are irritated that they don't get much attention given to their questions and answers though.
  • I felt like an outsider when I joined. I don't think too much has changed for newcomers. I don't know if it frightens many. Seems like there are a great amount of new ABers joining.
  • Good question, I have no idea but I'd assume that like me just because I meet someone new, I could NEVER care less about the person I'm already close with. When I first joined AB I didn't feel intimidated
  • Im new here. I am worried that I don't always know what Im doing yet. I love to read the questions and I have had mine answered, everyday Im less intimitated. Thanks

Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC

Answerbag | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy