Ah, but we do provide help.
Go here:
http://www.freerepublic.com/help.htm
If you go to the FR's home page, there is a drop down tab in the upper right hand corner labeled "HELP" (that's this link that I've provided) There are several topics listed there.
Pinging is as simple as adding a FReeper's name into the "TO" box when you reply to a post.
BTW, Happy FReeper Anniversary.
Well thank you for the help and the freeper birthday greeting. I didn't know it has been a year already. I hope this means I am no longer a newbie.