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Well it seems that MR is finally making some progress. Maybe start charging fees then we can get competitions here; and more elite members since no one likes paying for stuff they can normally get for free.
 
Well, I thought I'd chime in since I have some thoughts on this.

First off, I began reading the threads here long before I ever joined. In fact, this site was the first source of information for me when it came to learning about the Intel transition, iPhone introduction, you name it. For more than two years, I just sat back and read what others had to say without bothering to join. When I finally did, I actually read the rules, respected others, and tried to stay on topic (most of the time; a few transgressions are surely forgiven:p). I also searched for questions I had. It's not very hard to do those things, not at all.

This brings me to the current breed of newbies. The recent joiners have been esspecially lazy and don't seem to want to read the rules or respect them. I mean, we had a thread last week about avatar rights:rolleyes: Is it really that hard to just wait until you qualify for one? It seems to me that this new stock of newbs has an entitlement attitude. "Another forum allows avatars, so this one should too."

Then there's the idea of "free speech." Everytime a post gets edited or deleted by one of the mods, there's a new message or thread saying, "the mods are so mean; they want to control our thoughts." It seems the idea of keeping the forums in a respectable condition doesn't appeal to some of them.

Now, don't get me wrong, I think newbs are great. Without them, the site wouldn't grow and evolve. Each newb adds his/her own breadth of knowledge to our ranks. Lawyers, students, doctors, teachers, etc bring their own insights and their particular wisdom to the forums, and in the end, that helps everyone. However, a better understanding of the ground rules would help too. Wouldn't it be nice if all new registrations had to wait an hour before they could post? In that time, they could be encouraged to read the rules and get to know how things work. Or what if the rules were sent via email at the time of registration? I'm not expecting miracles, but even if 5% read the email and respect the rules because of it, won't it be a gain for all of us?

Well, my essay was leading up to that, so I guess I'm done.:eek:
I'd like to thank Arn and the mods (and mad jew and anyone else who's helped me before). This site really is a great place, and I'm glad I have the chance to help others now, whether they be newb or veteran.
 
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