The very fact that you need to call me “newbie” indicates hostility on your part. So this will be the last post to you. I need not have discourse with anyone who thinks ad hominem is acceptable.
This thread is NOT about abortion. Get over it.
There is more than one issue in the world to deal with.
How could a thread not be about abortion???? Oh wait, it could be about immigration. Good point.
You know alot of people cash in their old nick for a new nick and are not really newbies. I am thinking about doing that myself.....
"Newbie" is not in itself hostile. Any more than being called a pledge or a freshman. It can even be used kindly -- "Take it easy on the newbie. He's just settling in."
Online communities are, on many levels, not too different from any other community. It takes a while to find its rhythms, learn its language and traditions, finally fit in, and then help welcome and educate other newcomers.
It isn't fast -- there are towns in New England where you're considered a newcomer if your family has only been there for a couple or three generations. And it isn't easy -- in fact, the commitment involved could be described as HUGH and SERIES.
Thank you.