i don't always respond to introductions

[digitS']

Make that "seldom respond." I wonder if that's bad.

How to be welcoming but do that effectively ...

Generally, I like to see people join and contribute. I'd like to think of myself as a curious person and I feel I gain something, really from everyone. Maybe some folks are not interested in sharing and have other motives for showing up. But, that skepticism isn't usually why I don't have a quick, hello!

Ridge is off with family. I'm glad he let us know. @Hal has been away ... you know, i may be better at goodbyes! I want to say, hurry back!

Steve

 

[baymule]

I feel it is important to welcome new people here. But most of them join, then wander off and don't post anymore.....

 

[ninnymary]

I always feel like I say the same thing. Oh well, a newcomer will not have heard it before.

Mary

 

[thistlebloom]

Well Mary, there's only so many ways you can say welcome.
I admit I I'm not always right in there on the Welcome Wagon.
Sometimes I like to give it a day or two to see if they stick.

Hey! Typing takes a lot of effort when you're using two fingers!

 

[digitS']

I should say that some folks want to share ... what has nothing to do with gardening ..! Of course, commenting about the forum doesn't have much to do with gardening ... but still!

Any communication often poorly reflects what we are feeling about any given subject. So, extend a welcome? I figure why take the risk!!!

No, I'm kidding . Doesn't it take a little time to find common ground, tho'? There is a local drive-thru coffee drive-thru named "Common Grounds." It may not be the best name for a drive-thru but it should be a great name for a traditional coffee house. Did you know that coffee houses were once centers for government protests - and worse? Yeah, the British and others had to go thru periodically and close down coffee houses. Now, those people were finding common grounds for political protest, which can sure get dicey! It should be a lot easier to find common grounds for gardening.

Steve
oh, I'm just going to mention @Ridgerunner, @Ridgerunner, @Ridgerunner, so that he's involved in any conspiracy that we might hatch up .

 

[thistlebloom]

Heck yeah! Lets make him the Conspiracy Chairman while he's gone and can't wiggle out of it!

 

[Smart Red]

On the theory that you only have one chance to make a good impression, I have no problem welcoming newcomers to the TEG website. I know that many folks join and then lurk or drop out within a short time. I'm guessing that they didn't find what the felt they needed or wanted at that time. Whether for good or bad, they are never heard from again. Their loss. I love this site.

What I don't want is for someone who is unsure of how to manipulate the forums or uncertain of how they will be accepted to be left out at the most important friendship building time.

Perhaps it is the teacher in me. Sigh.

It is certainly NOT necessary for everyone to say hello. That may come off as being trite or rote, but having a few "welcome to the gang" greetings would encourage me to post. If I see many welcomes posted already, I often do wait for a few posts to send a welcome.

Of course, I send pm birthday greetings to all the members -- most of whom have 5 or less posts and those all shortly after joining. Only the active or recent members get a shout on a thread on this site, but everyone gets a birthday wish and an invitation to stop back and check out why they joined in the first place.

What about it? Any newbies want to chime in here?

 

[baymule]

I just saw an elephant in the parking lot at the post office. Looks like @Ridgerunner needs to get back to work on his anti-elephant-antics.

 

[Smart Red]

I just saw an elephant in the parking lot at the post office. Looks like @Ridgerunner needs to get back to work on his anti-elephant-antics.

That's the exception the proves the rule.

 

[thistlebloom]

Personally I hate it when the elephants use the parking lot at the PO. Why can't they use the drive thru?