Several times over the years I've dipped into "community forums" set up by merchants to do the "users-supporting-users" thing. Some of my experiences are as follows:

• at the forums for a mammoth software product (whose name starts with "A" and reminds me of southwestern architecture) I registered (as required) to ask a question. The first response didn't have an answer, but did have comments about the user name I'd used (no, it wasn't "adobesux" - that one had already been taken)
• at the forums for a former telephone company's television/telephone/internet service, I asked where I could get hardcopies of the documentation the installer had neglected to leave. The first response asked me just why I thought I was entitled to paper copies.

With those experiences in mind, seems to me that the reception newbies get when they come here is pertty friendly - even those who are frothing at the mouth get replies to their questions and comments without sniping or condescension.

Anyone else?

-30-

rex

I occasionally post (and frequently lurk) on the message boards of a very large movies information database. I can not believe the rudeness and sniping that goes on over there. If you dare to express a dislike for a movie that someone loves you're frequently called a loser. Or told that, clearly, you're too much of a moron to have understood the movie.

I'm quite certain that the people being so rude and nasty on these boards aren't that way in real life. I think the cloak of anonymity on a message board allows people to dare to be how they'd never be in a face-to-face conversation.

That said, I don't think we jump on newbies here, just because they're newbies. We're equal-opportunity jumpers here. We jump on people who come off as nasty or argumentative, whether they're newbies or not.


Mona

ps: so, apparently, if your post's title starts with a quotation mark, it doesn't carry over to the next post. Where's that can of Raid?

....One way I judge a newbie and their seriousness is this; if I leave a comment about how to improve their work, I usually link in to an advice piece I wrote. If they clean it up, I pay attention. If they read the piece, I usually subscribe to their reviews for a month or two, just to keep an eye on them.

If they leave that solid block of text with spelling errors, and go on to write eight more just like it, I ignore them, pretty much forever.

If they get rude about it "i didnt no this was a *(&^*& enlish teachers sight!" I block them.

Understand, we collectively create the site, and set its tone. And we should be proud; this is a great friendly site. We have the tools to police jerks, and we do. That is very rare, and I am very thankful for it. I avoid those other sites where my parentage is questioned because I thought a particular movie could have been better.

And as far as the advisor goes; if you think an advisor has fallen down upon the job, there is a form to address that.

Talyseon.

Grace, Mark, Talyseon, Scmrak~

Thank you all for your thoughtful replies.

Grace: thanks for adding to the discussion. You're right.

Mark: Panic...that was funny! I, too, think this learning curve is just part of it. I was in no way complaining, I was simply trying to convey a personal experience to help people understand. I've gotten the hang of it, but it wasn't that long ago that I was confused as all get out.

Hey, waddayamean these boards represent a small part?! I thought this was where all important decisions/judgments were made! teehee You know I'm kidding; I've said it before, I love these boards.

Talyseon: How coincidental that I've pointed out in reviews that something was made in the USA as I like that as well. Speaking from experience, I was nearly always treated nicely as a newbie. As such, I try to return the favor and offer help to brand-spanking new members. Some will listen, and some won't. I accept that...everyone is different. One of my favorite things about this site is there is such a diverse group of people with differing opinions. As I previously stated, I just wanted to point out one example of moderate confusion I had a while back.

BTW, I considered filling out the complaint form to report the advisor, but couldn't bring myself to do it.

And, finally, Scmrak:

I have no doubt that it works both ways, but since I was speaking from personal experience, I will say the behavior of the person you tried to help is certainly not a behavior I would exhibit. If someone sends me an email, I reply. It's simple manners, but not everyone has them.

That being said, in reference to your specific comment, I'll say this: right or wrong, it is my opinion that CLs should be held to a somewhat higher standard than the average yahoo. A CL is chosen to lead, and who should know how to conduct him/herself. I know you did the right thing in trying to help the person in C & M. They simply took it the wrong way, or whatever. Uh, and some people are just huffy.


Okay, again everyone, understand I was not complaining, I was simply pointing out one confusing experience I had regarding conflicting information as a newbie. Overall, my experience has been exceedingly wonderful and fun. I've met some incredible people, and will always be glad I joined this little motley crew.

I agree with your observation of the ingredient lists. Since I read for enjoyment and can find my own information if I want it, I don't typically read much from writers who can't post without a label copy, nutrition facts blurb, and so on. Same with complete cast lists copied from one of those movie data base places. This is fun for me and I don't need aggravation. ;> YMMV