Introduce Yourself -- and what happens when you dont

[Woz]

In the past I've joined forums just to gain access (as some forums block features to non members) and don't actually post anything. Then one day I may answer a question or ask something not realizing that I've never posted on that forum before (even though I've been a member for years.)

I'm not that talkative in RL and typing takes ages so sometimes I start to type something then give up or get distracted (too many distractions online)

Found my original introduction -

viewtopic.php?f=42&t=313

and as you can see I had a lot to say for myself.

[jarndice]

A reference was made by Glyn to the old fashioned way in which people were taught good manners and that it is no longer taught, It really should not have to be.
When I joined the Forum I had no idea what a PM was nor did I know that I had been sent one, 18 months later I worked out what a PM was,
BUT I did not blindly crash the Forum demanding answers to a problem, I introduced myself to the forum just as I do when I meet someone for the first time and I want to make a good impression.
It is what people do or at least that is what I thought they did.
Being an ex serviceman I was used to being on the move and starting over every 3 years often with a group of total strangers and so I had my CV off pat,
It helps that the Military is the best family most servicemen/women know where acceptance is the norm but woe betide anyone who rocks the boat, which may well explain my antipathy to those who do barge in without so much as a by your leave.
As to helping Jimster I was doing what most of us do on the Forum, If you can help then you step up and do so and if you cannot then you step back and mutter supporting words.

[silversurfer1947]

In an ideal world, it would be great if every new member's first post had to be approved before appearing in the forum. It would stop all the spam at source and also save the problem of people diving in with a question before introducing themselves. However, as I understand it from the way the forum is structured, this is not possible There are only a few moderators, 2 in the UK, 2 in the US and 1 in Astralia. We rely heavily on support from existing members to police (in the broadest sense) the forum and its contents. The introductory email was amended a few months back to emphasise the requirement for new members to introduce themselves. I can only speak for myself, but the way I was brought up, you did not barge in to a group of strangers and start asking questions. You introduced yourself first. I guess I am out of touch with the modern way of doing things. One gentleman recently objected quite rudely to introducing himself and is now history. The moderators try to operate as much hands off as possible, thinking that the membership is largely able to regulate itself without any problems. The alternative is that no one can post direct, which smacks to me of treating people as children, which to me is not what it is all about. I would rather be there to keep the spammers out and leave the rest to the members. Please note that these are purely my views and opinions.