Regarding new members: I clearly recall my first experience with posting on a web site (DG, which I joined in 2006.) Even though I'm a people person and a talker, I found it very different and a bit overwhelming to chat freely and ask questions on some of the forums on that site. Many members were quite friendly and helpful but I found a few who made it clear that they didn't like to hear the same questions being asked over and over again by numerous newbies. I also got the opinion there were little "cliques" on some of the forums and that outsiders were not welcome. It is so very different here on All Things Plants where I've never, ever noticed that trait on any of the forums I've visited, whether it's one that I frequent regularly or one that I might only post a question on occasion ... everyone has always been kind and helpful.
I'm on the welcoming committee here on ATP and I try to respond to each and every new member tree-mail. I want to be as helpful as possible because I know if someone is made to feel welcome they will more than likely stick around. We need to help new members feel comfortable and let them know they shouldn't hesitate to ask questions on any thread and I tell them to feel free to contact me if I can be of further assistance with anything or answer questions they might have.
Oh, I like the idea of those ATP cards!
I'll have to look around the office and see if I still have any card stock paper but meantime I've printed a sheet on regular paper! Wouldn't it be nice if every nursery and garden center included one with purchase!
