Originally Posted by LyndasRoom

Anytime you are looking at the written word, you are interpreting with your own experience and background, and perspective. As with anything else, your mileage may vary, and we should never forget that. I have always felt like newbies are welcomed with open arms, but as a newbie, would you walk into a crowded room of people who have been aquaintences and friends for awhile, and demand attention and answers to questions you could get by lingering awhile to find out about the group you're in? I think not. I lurked for more than 6 months before joining the group...I wanted to know a little about the people who have become friends, before I jumped in to the fray. Any one who lurks for awhile can get the tone of what's going on here, and what's appropriate and what's not.