SerpentWitch Posted February 8, 2014 Share Posted February 8, 2014 (edited) As a new member, you're going to have to find a way to start feeling comfortable discussing things on the forums.What do you do to make this happen?I started reading and posting first and once I got an idea of how older members reacted to certain things, I sent some personal messages. In some cases, it helped to build more of a personal connection. Also updating your status gives people an idea of who you are and it enables them to reply. Edited February 9, 2014 by NiamhBrennaDarcy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foxman Posted February 8, 2014 Share Posted February 8, 2014 that is logical. It might also be good if you don't say too much about yourself and listen to what others might say instead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nikki Posted February 8, 2014 Share Posted February 8, 2014 How are people going to get one another if they don't speak ? There are quite a few nasty posts directed at NEWBIE's here. No everyone is going to open-up themselves to possible rebuke. Also, it's nice to have an area where New Witches can discuss their path without the influence and/or the comments made by others who don't give a rat's ass about your path.. some just want to boast or belittle. Also we can discuss topics here that were once reserved for the advanced members only since the general public cannot view this. That's great for us :) 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mountain Witch Posted February 8, 2014 Share Posted February 8, 2014 Hi Seekers! To answer a couple of questions/comments in one post: When I joined, I spent a lot of time reading before I posted anything other than my intro. I wanted to get a feel for how people thought, reacted to things, etc. A forum isn't like real life - you don't have body language & facial expressions to gauge reactions. Once I knew how things worked (for lack of a better term), I started adding my 2p on threads where I thought I could contribute something. As with real life, personalities differ greatly. The Moderating Team tries our damnedest to keep insults & arguments from happening but we're not on here 24/7. If you feel something is way out of line, you can hit the "report" button and we'll take a look as soon as we can. Enjoy TW. It's a lot of fun in addition to edu-ma-cational! MW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SerpentWitch Posted February 9, 2014 Author Share Posted February 9, 2014 I have seen some newbie bashing on the forums but not a lot. I might have missed it, or I'm just too Dutch. After all, most people say the Dutch are very blunt. If I don't like something someone said, they will sure as hell know it.But I'm generally nice to people and some say I'm too forgiving. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spellbound Posted February 9, 2014 Share Posted February 9, 2014 I'm probably too forgiving as well. I always try and put myself in their position to understand why people act a certain way. I agree that the forums aren't like real-life. Just like texting, it is hard to judge the tone of what someone says. I don't mind blunt at all, but it's all about the wording. If a newbie asks a question, and someone answers like "Here's a link to a posting that might help you with this", is different from something like "Use the search button before you ask us a stupid question." I understand it might be annoying for members who've been practicing for a long time, to have to deal with newbies asking questions about things they consider simple. But the point is, they don't have to answer. If they go onto a thread and deliberately bash someone for even asking a question, that's just going out of their way to be mean. So I am really glad we have this new section, but I'll still post in other places without fear if I have something useful to add. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SerpentWitch Posted February 9, 2014 Author Share Posted February 9, 2014 (edited) I've never been annoyed by newbies, but I have skipped their topics before. Sometimes you'll have to choose between helping someone else who could get help from another person, and helping yourself. There always comes a time when you will have to focus mainly on your own path. Edited February 9, 2014 by NiamhBrennaDarcy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chloe Posted February 10, 2014 Share Posted February 10, 2014 In other forums I'm on, newbies are just downright annoying sometimes. I'm pretty much only on animal forums so seeing people asking about things that there are literally 100s of threads on is just frustrating (like housetraining, biting, food, grooming, breeding esc.) They refuse to read the stickies as well. The thing that makes that even more common is that you're really not supposed to revive old threads. So constantly new topics about the same old shit. So, honestly, I love the fact this forum is the way it is. There's a wealth of information that can be dug up, topics that can be revived and discussed further, and an easy to use search button. Sounds perfect to me. I haven't actually noticed any newbie bashing (that wasn't somewhat warranted). Typically I've just seen provide links to other threads related to the question bring asked without rudeness, but maybe I'm just missing the bashing going on somewhere (?). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaryElizabeth Posted February 10, 2014 Share Posted February 10, 2014 the one thing i really like is there doesn't seem to be any side eyeing of bumping old threads. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Galen Posted February 10, 2014 Share Posted February 10, 2014 I have a very thick skin and dont mind the criticism or debate from long time members. Since my one month time here I have found a community of peers and have felt welcomed from the start. I am glad we have this private forum that non members cannot see. My only reservation has been posting craft related topics in a public forum. Im glad we have this private forum we can post in, until we become full members and are able to access the other private forums. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raineylane Posted February 10, 2014 Share Posted February 10, 2014 This is a great idea! Thank you! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
witchywolf Posted February 13, 2014 Share Posted February 13, 2014 i like this a lot too :) i'm more of a private person and don't really like talking about things that happen in my life where the public can see other then other members on this site. that's why when i did post things i didn't name names or anything if i had a personal problem lol (at least i don't think i did) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yanagi Posted February 13, 2014 Share Posted February 13, 2014 If a newbie asks a question, and someone answers like "Here's a link to a posting that might help you with this", is different from something like "Use the search button before you ask us a stupid question." I understand it might be annoying for members who've been practicing for a long time, to have to deal with newbies asking questions about things they consider simple. But the point is, they don't have to answer. I totally agree with this. I'll be honest, I don't see it TOO often, but the fear of being totally shot down by more-experienced members prevented me from posting anything on the forums.. I also never thought that I had anything to contribute. Many of the members - and some of you - have been practicing for years. I mean, sure, I've read plenty of books, but so has everyone else.. :sweat: the one thing i really like is there doesn't seem to be any side eyeing of bumping old threads. I love this. People seem to genuinely enjoy re-reading old threads and sort of..updating their thoughts about it. Even though I kinda cringe every time I see "the search button is your friend", I agree that it truly is. I can find pretty much anything I'm looking for (and often times, things I'm not looking for!), so I can't complain about that at all. Anyways, back on topic.. To feel more at home, I'll continue to search diligently for answers to avoid being the "annoying newbie", and bump older threads if I have questions. I like the idea of sending out private messages, too, though! I might try it - if I'm feeling brave. :happy: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nikki Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 Anyone new to TW should read ALL the rules... there are rules about Wicca and Wiccan sayings. Posting about Wicca, using such language, or uploading like sites won't go over well. This is NOT and never will be a place for Wiccans. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brythonicwitch Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 It's great that we have this private subforum just for Seekers and Moderators. I'm feeling that this is a great place to learn the ropes of how this forum works. At the moment I'm just reading through a lot of topics, responding to those I feel have taught me something or those that I feel I have something to contribute to - both in this subforum and in the rest of the forums. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LynnBay710 Posted March 28, 2014 Share Posted March 28, 2014 As a new member, you're going to have to find a way to start feeling comfortable discussing things on the forums.What do you do to make this happen? I started reading and posting first and once I got an idea of how older members reacted to certain things, I sent some personal messages. In some cases, it helped to build more of a personal connection. Also updating your status gives people an idea of who you are and it enables them to reply. Wow, I'm really out of the loop. I didn't even realize a separate Seekers thread had been created (Despite answering a post). Good idea! I did notice that when some people who haven't had too much experience with Witchcraft (yet) asked questions, a couple of member responses seemed very short and even a little annoyed. Maybe it wasn't intentional, but I know some people don't have a lot of patience for those who are not at their level of understanding yet. I know it could be easy for me to roll my eyes at someone when the answer seems so obvious, and it takes practice to stop and put yourself in someone's shoes. Coupled with what MW said about not having body language to convey, it can make it even more complicated. There is certainly an incredible wealth of knowledge in the public forum areas, but I am happy to have the Seeker forum here for those who are nervous to post their question in the other areas. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Galen Posted March 28, 2014 Share Posted March 28, 2014 Wow, I'm really out of the loop. I didn't even realize a separate Seekers thread had been created (Despite answering a post). Good idea! I did notice that when some people who haven't had too much experience with Witchcraft (yet) asked questions, a couple of member responses seemed very short and even a little annoyed. Maybe it wasn't intentional, but I know some people don't have a lot of patience for those who are not at their level of understanding yet. I know it could be easy for me to roll my eyes at someone when the answer seems so obvious, and it takes practice to stop and put yourself in someone's shoes. Coupled with what MW said about not having body language to convey, it can make it even more complicated. There is certainly an incredible wealth of knowledge in the public forum areas, but I am happy to have the Seeker forum here for those who are nervous to post their question in the other areas. Voted you up LynnBay :smile: I am glad you have found the seekers forum and you did notice correctly about the annoyance. Feel free to ask any questions you might have here, there are some really good people with a lot of knowledge willing to help. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raineylane Posted March 28, 2014 Share Posted March 28, 2014 Voted you both up LynBay and Galen. Even though all Seekers are new to the board, it doesn't mean all Seekers are new to the craft. And even those of us who have been in the craft for 20, 30 and even 40 years, there are always questions and something new to learn and new paths we might want to explore. I love this Seekers section because it gives us all a chance to ask questions or post something that is of interest to us, without fear of feeling like a nuisance to people who have been here since the inception of this board and have heard it all before. I wish this section had been here when I first joined. I could have saved myself a lot of embarrassment and humiliation by getting my feet wet here before stepping into the lion's den. Thank you Nikki for the wonderful idea of starting a Seeker's section along with Droghon and the other powers that be for approving it. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TobaccoFlower Posted March 28, 2014 Share Posted March 28, 2014 Indeed, having this is quite nice! It's good for newbs to the forums to have a starting ground with a sympathetic community. Also, some privacy is nice as well! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tana Posted March 29, 2014 Share Posted March 29, 2014 You do indeed have privacy here and a place to gain confidence and forge friendships. We are fully aware of the lack of patience of certain members, and are dealing with it. Raineylane says: "I could have saved myself a lot of embarrassment and humiliation by getting my feet wet here before stepping into the lion's den." I feel so sorry you had to feel that way, Rainey, and I hope that all seekers using this forum will communicate any issues to us so we can sort out any snippy, cliquey or bullying behaviour. To that end if you think anything inappropriate has been posted, you can hit the report button at the bottom of the post. This is in blue font, so not easily seen until you hover over it. Look at the bottom to the left of the 'quote' and 'Multiquote' button. You fill in a few details and the report is then active for a moderator to pick up and deal with. We use private message to resolve any issues, so it may not seem obvious that anything is being done, but I can assure you that behind the scenes there is action! In addition you can PM either Mountain Witch or myself. We will be happy for you to bring anything to us you prefer to use this method for. Fly high, Witches!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TobaccoFlower Posted March 29, 2014 Share Posted March 29, 2014 Thank you for that info, Tana. It's very reassuring, and I had no idea about the report button until now actually. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raineylane Posted March 30, 2014 Share Posted March 30, 2014 You do indeed have privacy here and a place to gain confidence and forge friendships. We are fully aware of the lack of patience of certain members, and are dealing with it. Raineylane says: "I could have saved myself a lot of embarrassment and humiliation by getting my feet wet here before stepping into the lion's den." I feel so sorry you had to feel that way, Rainey, and I hope that all seekers using this forum will communicate any issues to us so we can sort out any snippy, cliquey or bullying behaviour. To that end if you think anything inappropriate has been posted, you can hit the report button at the bottom of the post. This is in blue font, so not easily seen until you hover over it. Look at the bottom to the left of the 'quote' and 'Multiquote' button. You fill in a few details and the report is then active for a moderator to pick up and deal with. We use private message to resolve any issues, so it may not seem obvious that anything is being done, but I can assure you that behind the scenes there is action! In addition you can PM either Mountain Witch or myself. We will be happy for you to bring anything to us you prefer to use this method for. Fly high, Witches!! Thank you Tana! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melusine Posted April 13, 2014 Share Posted April 13, 2014 (edited) Voted you both up LynBay and Galen. Even though all Seekers are new to the board, it doesn't mean all Seekers are new to the craft. And even those of us who have been in the craft for 20, 30 and even 40 years, there are always questions and something new to learn and new paths we might want to explore. I love this Seekers section because it gives us all a chance to ask questions or post something that is of interest to us, without fear of feeling like a nuisance to people who have been here since the inception of this board and have heard it all before. I wish this section had been here when I first joined. I could have saved myself a lot of embarrassment and humiliation by getting my feet wet here before stepping into the lion's den. Thank you Nikki for the wonderful idea of starting a Seeker's section along with Droghon and the other powers that be for approving it. This, exactly. I very much enjoy this forum and haven't myself seen any newb bashing but i have encountered a few passive aggressive comments and then a couple of bumps of old threads which reinforce the sentiments behind the snide commenting. It seems that some members do have this idea that some of us who are new to the forums are also new to witchcraft... and then when you speak with some knowledge or certainty that shows that that isn't the case... well, it isn't very well received... by some, not all. Fortunately this doesn't seem to be the case with the majority of members here. Edited April 13, 2014 by melusine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarafina Posted June 24, 2014 Share Posted June 24, 2014 I have stepped away from TW a few times because I felt uncomfortable and because of my real life. There was a time that I was very connected to my path, but I have lost my way and have tried a few times to get back up on my feet. Some times I can seem very naive about things and I am not always perfect with explaining things on my mind (I tend to think that others can read my mind). Sometimes I need someone to explain things in simple mans terms, but am afraid to say so because I don't want anyone to think I am stupid. Like with working a spell, sometimes I get it, but others I just don't and need almost a step by step play to understand it more. Somethings just come to me naturally. I am happy to see a place for Seekers, while I am not new to TW or Witchcraft, This is like beginning a new path for the first time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SerpentWitch Posted June 24, 2014 Author Share Posted June 24, 2014 Welcome Sarafina, I hope you'll feel welcome and comfortable being on TW soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts