How long before you felt comfortable?

Ok, I'm talking about posting threads and replys. Perhaps I should explain. I'm pretty new here and with relatively little posting experience. In fact I've posted more replys here than I have anywhere else on the net. The ATS side of this site has me somewhat intimidated. I have observed flamewars that you could cook a hotdog with. On the BTS side things seem to be more mellow, but I'm still not comfortable making threads, posting some replys, etc. I constantly worry sounding like an idiot.

My questions are this:
How long did it take you to feel comfortable posting?

Can you think of a particular thread that you HAD to answer and thus you
joined a site strictly (at first) to reply to that thread?

How long do you typically lurk on a site before you "decloak" and join up and post?

Has joining various sites become easier? Or relatively the same?

Has a flamewar put you off joining a site? If so how long?


[edit on 5/6/2008 by watch_the_rocks]

reply to post by Deson


It took me a while to post and I still hesitate to sometimes. Mostly because I find a lot of the time I'd just be reiterating what is already being said or argued by one or even a few members etc ... so I tend to read more than I post but do chime in every now and then.

I understand feeling intimidated also, it's natural to feel somewhat apprehensive to just jump in on some discussions but I say you should just go forth and put out what you wish to say.

Have a little more confidence in yourself
Some of us can appreciate all sides to a debate or discussion, even if we ourselves aren't contributing.

There are idiots everywhere, you will come across them no doubt but that shouldn't stop you from expressing yourself.

Hope to see you round the boards

Hi Deson. Great idea for a thread and great questions.

Originally posted by Deson
I constantly worry sounding like an idiot.

Well, don't worry, even if you are sounding like an idiot I won't call you one because I called someone an idiot once and got the dreaded fine. Idiots are people too.

My questions are this:
How long did it take you to feel comfortable posting?

I think that I lurked for about five months or was it 15 months? I really don't know. I was checking out ufo stuff one day looking for some NASA footage. Oh, heads up....not alot of NASA fans here. HEHE

How long do you typically lurk on a site before you "decloak" and join up and post?

There are other sites?

Has joining various sites become easier? Or relatively the same?

Again, there are other sites?

Has a flamewar put you off joining a site? If so how long?

Ok, I'm being serious now, what's a flamewar? Is that like a fight? Because we get some good ones here that really make the mods work for their non-paychecks.

But I do remember the nerves and nausea that I felt my first few posts and threads. Like the wait after you start a thread to see if anyone replies? And there are a few of my threads, some quite old, that I'm still waiting for someone to reply.

I really don't go to many other sites. Ats is about it for me. It takes up enough of my time, but I love every minute of it. Except the two minutes of grief over my lost points.

Now, back to the kids..........kids?..........where'd ya go?

Rush

[edit on 4-6-2008 by hsur2112]

I would venture to say that i think it is different for everyone. I don't feel intimidated, never did, and so you shouldn't either.

There will always be hot heads on any site or forum that have a cause which is to flame and belittle.

ATS has members who have been here since the beginning. A lot of the older members seem to be more level headed, for the most part, but that does NOT exclude newer members. As far as i am concerned if you have something interesting, no matter how far out it may seem, and you have sufficient evidence etc etc - post it. Always back up your claims unless you are in Skunk works

No matter how factual you will always be interrogated about your claim but that's the FUN part!! If your thread is honest and you have facts and can present these facts, even if it is eventually debunked, hey, why not post it.

I made a thread sometime ago about something i picked up with my video camera. I did what i could to prove it wasn't fake etc and posted pics and video clips and guess what, i debunked it myself simply by doing more homework to prove what i found.

The BIGGEST, and most important, thing is to always admit when you were wrong and not fight the point to save face once it is debunked. ATS - deny ignorance. You will gain more friends by being open and honest and also build up a reputation of credibility. Even if a thread you post again is debunked - that's what ATS is about. Looking for the truth and denying ignorance.

Hope i made sense. So, why feel intimidated? You may have knowledge of things others do not and visa versa. Everyone started of nowehere and with out knowledge sometime in their lives. They are just at the point where they know things and you don't and again, visa versa!!

The only time one should feel afraid to post is if it is all lies and they fight the fact that they are lying. One of two things happen, they eventually get banned or lose all credibility and they soon disappear.

Go for it!!!

[edit on 4/6/2008 by shearder]

reply to post by hsur2112



yes, what I would call a flamewar ( ) is what you would call a fight. Then the Mods get involved and either the participants tone it down or banning results.

Edited to add:
Shearder, Hsur2112, you've both given me something to think about. Thank you.


[edit on 4-6-2008 by Deson]

[edit on 4-6-2008 by Deson]

No worries, just take a running jump at a 45 degree angle with both feet side by side and take the plunge. Everyone has valuable contributions to make on ATS because it inspires thought and possibilities. The length of membership makes no difference here. If you have a passing thought about a thread or post click reply and make it known!

Hi, I am also one of the newbies in this forum. I lurked around for almost 6 months before I finally had the courage to sign up and start threads. I felt initmidated when I started my first one, and I have to confess that I still feel intimidated about starting a thread. I am perfectly aware that the images and opinions I post here make me look like quite the "lunatic" to many, many members, and they are of course in their full right to say so.

But I have honestly been pleasantly surprised by the replies and comments I have recieved. Most people have been far more polite than I thought they would be, and I guess some rude and nasty comments are just to be expected when you post something controversial.

And you know, once in a while you get a reply from someone who actually seems to get what you are talking about. And that makes it all worthwhile!

Deson. First I want to say that I consider you a teriffic member here on ATS.
Now to answer your question. I lurked for a LONG time before joining, but joined to post on a particular thread I was following. Then I was basically a 'reply only' member. It took me a little while to actually start a thread. Then another, then another............. Now I can't stop!

This is the only site I belong to. Heck, I don't need any other sites! Sit back, relax, take a deep breath and post away. If you have any concerns, or if you have any questions about anything you're thinking of posting, feel free to contact me, or any other ATS staff member via U2U.

I'm glad you're a member here, and I look forward to reading your input.

lombozo

Breath taken, calmed down (a bit), I've made my first thread in the serious side of the site (Space exploration). Now just waiting to see what happens. Thank you everyone for the input. I feel a bit more calmer now. Here's hoping for the best.

I just had the wildest thing float through my mind a little while ago. Imagine the following scene:

sounds of *peep!* *peep!* *peep!* comes from computer speakers.

Mod 1 (looks at a computer screen)
" Hey look! We got in a new flock of newbies!"

Mod 2 (Looking at the same screen)
" And look! They're breaking out of their shells!!"

Mod 1: "Hey! That one made his first post!"

Mod 2: "Awwww!!! Aren't they cute?"

*Peep!* *Peep!* *Peep!*

I read for 2 years before even becoming a member.

I joined in 2004. I think I found this place when it was pretty new just starting out. However, given the title I knew government would be looking around here.

We all know they do. "S Overlord" even posted their ip addresses once that showed they hang out here.

So yes I still worry and don't say everything I feel to be true.

From your post I can tell you have grasp of the language well enough to not sound like an idiot, so don't fear that. Also, never fear chiming in with your opinion in any thread where opposing views are being debated. Stand up and be counted. Nothing wrong with that.

I understand what you mean, Deson. The general intelligence of most members on ATS intimidates me. I've been afraid anything I post will get ripped to shreds.
(It doesn't help that I'm a rather shy person in real life)

I suppose it will come to pass, especially seeing as how I don't have any reason to quit ATS. I'll most likely be here for years to come.

-Will

reply to post by Deson


i have tendency to say whats on my mind
and thats in reality and on forums

so for me it was post what you think

Gee, I've been on ATS since forever. I still don't feel comfortable replying to many threads I read, and I never like to get involved in flame-wars. I like to give opinions and add my comments, but only when I really have something to say. I don't reply just because I like the thread. There will always be someone who knows the topic better than I do and would call me out on a million different mistakes in my argument, so I rarely like to take a position here.

I do know that if I felt passionately enough about something, I would feel comfortable posting about it - Above Top Secret is a wonderful place to take a stand. There just isn't much I can argue passionately.

reply to post by kinglizard


Short and sweet and absolutely to the point!!

Kinglizard has hit the nail on the head!!

reply to post by lombozo


lombozo, one of the greatest!!

I sit all day with ATS window/s open. Hell, why waste precious time on other sites!!?? This IS the ONLY site worth spending your time on LOL