A Primer for New Users

[paulcalloway]

Dear New User -
We're glad to see newer users on our forums of all authenticity levels. Our goal here is to share information, and by doing so, we hope to move the hobby(s) forward.

We see some of our new users making the same mistakes over and over as they join our community. This primer is meant as a brief how-to for you to have a more enjoyable experience here.

HINTS FOR A SUCCESSFUL STAY:

• Follow the rules: We have rules here! Please read them. I can not stress enough how important it is that new users read the rules... they are not arbitrary, we go into great depth to explain why we have these rules. Please read the rules.
• Read More:
  We find that a lot of our new users are eager to make a big impact here, right away. We suggest you temper your enthusiasm just a bit and get a feel for how the forum works before you dive in headfirst.
• Contribute something besides opinion: You'll garner reputation around here more quickly if you add to the discussion. We like referenced resources and you'll impress the heck out of us if you list the source and publication info where you got your information. More facts, less opinions.
• Search:
  Please use the search function which is found on every page of this website. Some of our users have posted here for years, and seeing the same question posted over and over can get tiresome. There's nothing wrong with asking questions it would just be appreciated if you gave the search function a run, first. This is general discussion forum etiquette and not peculiar to CW reenacting forums.
• Don't get bent out of shape about every little perceived slight: Please try not to feel insulted every time someone disagrees with you. We really are trying hard here to limit the vitriol (read anger/angst/infighting) but from time to time folks will get at each other. If it happens, try not to make a mountain out of a molehill. Taking arguements to emails, and being reasonable in the process, saves us all a lot of grief in the long-run.
• Stay off the Sell forums at first: We're becoming very leary of new users who go straight to the For Sale forums. Con men and scam artists are most unwelcome here. Contribute to the forum over the course of time and you'll earn our trust.
• Watch-out for Copyrights: Please don't post information that is not properly referenced. We're serious about research - a lot of us take a great deal of pride in it.

More as I can think of them....If OTHER users have a suggestion or tip for our new users, please post a reply here and share your insights.