We are getting a lot of new members pretty much asking the same questions: "how do I get a picture next to my posts?" and "why can't I go on chat?"
I thought it might be a good thing to include some info on this in the mail containing their password? At least a link to the "Help and FAQ" (although it should be easy enough to find) and to the threads already dealing with avatar and/or chat trouble on this forum.

Also a "Introduction for newbies"-thread, sticky (topped) and closed except for council members. There is already one, but it is 15 pages long! Noone reads that! (That is also the reason for it to be closed; if not it would soon fill up with responses and questions)

Obviously the "Help and FAQ" more than covers for this last idea, however what I had in mind is much shorter, just some basic guidelines: Stay on topic, don't post garbage, do's and don'ts regarding language, where to do what, etc.
Also to include Rednell's and Amarië's email addresses for avatar forging. (Unless they want their mailboxes full of viruses and spam it is probably not too wise to include them in the welcoming email)

Just some thoughts. Feel free to disect, choose and discard!

Since the site is still under construction, all the fine details, such as topped threads and locked threads have not been written into the program yet. Taz has programmed this forum from scratch and moved the threads over from the old site, which used a different forum program (a pre-packaged one which caused numerous problems). That being said, I didn't find that topped and locked threads prevented people from starting new ones with the same questions and moderators were copying and moving posts daily. I realize that the Information for Newbies seems rather intimidating by it's sheer size, which is why Taz created the Help and FAQ's area so you could only access that information that you want at the time that you need it. I will add Pictures with a reference to Avatars, as I also did not know what an avatar when I was new. I will add Amarie's and my address for those who want help sizing their avatar.

Forum rules are also something that are difficult to enforce without putting people off. We try to be as gentle as possible with little reminders when things stray too far afield. We feel it is much more important to make sure that members respect each other and play fair, so to speak.

I think perhaps updating the Help file and seeking suggests as how to make it easier to find the information by using cross-references is still the best way to guide newbies through the Planet-Tolkien forums.

After having to write this all over again because when I was ready to save post, my logon had expired, :angry:, I would like to suggest to anyone with a long post that you highlight and copy before you save post or write up in notepad and copy and paste. Because you cannot get it back again by using the Back button.

You have offered good suggestions, GrevBukMcJern, and hopefully we can find some ways to make the newbie experience less intimidating.

Hmm.. Apparently I became a member 13 April last year.. Only one year... I knew I had a couple of.. diffuse.. months back then, but really thought I had gotten my head back to my self by April... Hm! Oh, well!

I like your idea about a new newbie thread. I was the one that started the old one, but I do have to agree, that it has gotten quite long. I will attempt to take the important bits from it and see what I can do to narrow it down some, so that it will be a bit less intimidating for a New Member to read it. My goal is to have it done by the beginning of next week, hopefully that will help out.

Mellie