__________________

.

[/color]

*Note To Self* MUST TRY HARDER TO USE PROPER SPELLINGS , PUNCTUATION AND GRAMMAR WHILE ON EVBOARD =] will keep that in mind =]

All my hopes and dreams crushed in one fell swoop.

Firstly, you've just joined and you're already posting your opinions. You're ages ahead of lurking. I lurked for a year and a half before I started posting. The only trick to posting is to be respectful.

Most of the time when you see someone with bad reputation, there's an awful lot of the story that you're missing out on. You can trust those red dots. The mods and admins work very hard to keep this place running in a proper manner, they really don't advocate banning people for debatable reasons. Often those that make a mistake, and then continue to make mistakes to get that bad reputation don't listen to those telling them what they're doing wrong. Don't worry so much; you're worrying for the wrong reasons and over the wrong things.

Just be respectful.

I feel that EvBoard is a lot less intimidating once you join. I wonder if anyone else feels the same way?

__________________

Im only intimidated by 2 things......

1. Firearms to my head
2. Giant Acorns

For some it can be scary opening up to people that they don't know. Especially alot of people at one time. But from what i've seen so far on this board, most people are pretty cool. Plus I commend anyone that can put up with my antics

You're the member, I'm the n00b. *bow down and stare in wonder*. I like this place. The only thing I don't like is the prejudice against newbies. You see my registration date and you think that I'm just another bigot who's trying to make rank posting crap. Well, I'm not. I already said in a thread that I don't remember my old nickname and password because I couldn't afford to use internet for long. I know this board since 2003 and I've lurked for a while. I understand that other users don't deserve to read posts about things that have been discussed thousands of times. And I don't post such things. I accept the rules and the fact that I'll be considered a n00b until I prove myself. I only want to feel equal with you. And maybe someday I will. Respect!

Thats partly true...after I was here for a couple days I started to feel comfortable, and the first time someone gives you positive rep points everything changes. Suddenly you feel like a real member, and that you may be able to actually do this without screwing it up.

Before I actually signed up for an account, I had been lurking around long enough to get some idea of how things roll here. So for me, the n00b experience isn't that bad.

And I'm not trying to kiss some backside, but I don't mind the rules at all, they keep everyone in place. I think I might even like them. I've visited many unmoderated message boards, joined, and then ended up leaving after a month or so because things got so chaotic.

That's all. Just wanted to add some opinion.

I wonder whether or not you've suffered some negative comments from older members or something. I certainly didn't accuse you of being a bigot or anything of the sort. There really isn't a prejudice against newer members. The problem, however, is that there are a great deal of new members that just run rampant and post slum. Older members don't get frustrated with n00bs unless they cross a line or two... and even then there's plenty of room for second chances in most cases. If you still think there's a prejudice, then spend some time making quality posts and just always mind yourself, and you'll eventually rise above it.

There is no difference whether or not you've been here since 2003 or 2006, that's not what it's about. If you assert yourself as a great person and get involved with the board then you won't have those negative feelings. It's really been my opinion that if your post count and registration and everything else is so low because you haven't really posted at all, then you can't expect to just overcome that anonymity... and yes, I think it's more anonymity than it is prejudice. As long as n00bs post like responsible, mature, friendly people... then minus that extra experience, they ARE treated as equals.

I'm sorry if you've had a bad experience with an older member in the past, but the majority of EvBoard doesn't contribute to that... not if you're minding your business. Don't be discouraged, most of us are more than willing to see n00bs or even longtime lurkers rise up to a respectable status. Trust me, we'd all love for all the n00blets to be great posters and contributers, but it's just not a fact. If you don't want to be stereotyped, then make an effort to not post shit... you said yourself that you know you need to earn it. Just don't harbor those unpleasant feelings about n00bs being treated unfairly... it surely won't help your cause. HTH.