I've noticed that some people feel pretty timid when they first come to PC. I understand that. I didn't leave the Internet Traveler's Lounge for ages..I was afraid of everyone.

I'd like to throw something out. The more a poster reveals what they are seeking and why they are here will enable the "oldies" to offer support and understanding. I'm not advocating talking about things that you can't talk about. I'm talking about your DX, your feelings and your needs. It really helps other posters to have some sort of big picture, so that our responses are appropriate.

Coming to PC and not telling anyone what your DX is and not telling why you're here makes for some really awkward moments. I usually hold back when I feel like I don't understand exactly what the other person needs. And in the same vein of thought, disrupting a thread to offer advice when a poster didn't ask for it also causes awkward moments. I'd think that if I started a thread and was in deep pain and another poster came in and busted the thread, it would make me feel pretty bad. Giving "unasked for" advice can run people off. And I don't want to see anyone leave because another poster has abused their thread.

xoxoxo pat

Maybe an introduction forum, or a rewording of the Internet Travelers Forum would help.

You could tell a little bit about yourself if you choose.

I know I didn't visit the Travelers forum when I joined because it sounded like it was meant for people who already knew each other.

Petunia

[wi_fighter]

That's what I thought too, Petunia. The part where it says something about travelers from other forums meeting up.


I just dove in with both feet. Figured I was here because I needed help and, by golly, I was going to ask for it ASAP.

[SleepsWithButterFlies]

ME too Petunia I thought it was all for PB regulars and all.....

that is a good suggestion about the Internet Traveler's Lounge. BECAUSE i did go there since i had hi-jacked a boat and made my way here from Babble. i understood it the same way. that it is for people who come from other forums...not new people. thanks, guys

[kimmydawn]

I agree that some sort of "New Members! - Introduction and Welcome" forum would be great! Also, we could rename internet traveller's lounge and put it right under General or right above it.

Good thoughts. The sticky post could help ppl on their "first post"...a kind of "welcome and how to" guide.

KD

Kd brings up a point I've been meaning to ask people.

Am I the only one who doesn't read the sticky posts?

It seems once something gets posted way wicked high up there on the page, I lose sight of it.

Petunia

[Gemstone]

I never notice the sticky posts either.

[ZuZu]

What are the sticky posts?

[SleepsWithButterFlies]

I have no clue what a sticky post is

[kimmydawn]

Well, maybe on the description of the forum we could note to new members to "note the sticky post at the top of the page"?

I do that as well. I don't know why either! Weird, huh? I mean, when I first got here, I did. Maybe after they're read the first time, they're just overlooked from there on out and "placed in head" as being read and unchanging? Something to think about...

KD

[wi_fighter]

Seeeee, no one notices them.

Sticky posts are posts that they don't ever scroll down the page and get buried by other posts. They're usually a "welcome to this forum" or the "talk about this months' newsletter" etc. They're "sticky" so they stay wayyyyy at the tippy top of the forum in the light blue section (or whatever color you have with your customized display)

[Monty_girl]

TY wi_fighter,
I'm glad I'm not the only one who didn't know what a sticky post was. So we can make sticky post??

Is there maybe a way we could change the name of the internet travel forum? It is kind of confussing with that title. I'm one of the shy people who looked around for months before ever making a post. Think maybe we could make a sample guild for new comers. Like maybe with a list of things like dx, how long dx'ed, questions or issues they are facing in their present situation and what brought them to PC. Just an idea that a sample post for someone new might help someone make their first post.
Just my brain going around on a monday afternoon.
Monty

[wi_fighter]

I think only mods and admin can make sticky posts. You can request it to be sticky, though. Don't take my word 100% for it because I'm not totally clear on it. I just learned how to use the URL shortcut last week.

[Monty_girl]

An URL shortcut ?????? What's an URL in the first place??? No worries, I know how to turn on the computer. And that's all I'm safe to know.

[LMo]

here:
Posting links to web pages

well, well, people. glad i started this discussion. i didn't know what a sticky post was either. i really do think we should do more for newbies. us oldies.

[SeptemberMorn]

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
And in the same vein of thought, disrupting a thread to offer advice when a poster didn't ask for it also causes awkward moments.

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">

OR in chat! That got me in trouble. Maybe the poster/chatter needs to make it clear that they don't need or want advise with a certain post... or ever. LOL For those of us who are so ready, willing and able to give advise, it would save us some face. Oh... AND hurt feelings.

[SleepsWithButterFlies]

Are they the push pin deals???

Yup, they are the push pin deals!

[SleepsWithButterFlies]

Thanks..Petunia..ya know I dont think I ever read them

[cms39]

I hope I haven't given unwanted advice here. I hope nobody was upset with anything I advised.