How *Should* We Treat Newcomers?

[theCryptofishist]

Each time we don't snark on a DJ an orphaned child will never find a loving parent.

True.

[Eric]

Unlike most (not all) forums, a good number of the people on this one either know each-other directly or through 1 degree of separation. Most of the high count posters know at least of few of the others directly, I would say the majority know a couple dozen at least. This has a tendency to take away some of the anonymous snark of other forums. However, it also gives you a pretty good idea of who we really are, so that can color your idea of the event in its own way....

The high counts are mostly built up in the "fun" threads, especially the various bar threads; I don't think you can use post count to determine how good someones responses to questions are or how to determine who to ignore.

Most of the people I've plonked are actually low post count people, as they're obvious trolls. I think I only have two high posters plonked.

[Elorrum]

"Look Daddy! Teacher says, "every time a bell rings, a d.j. learns to sing."
"That's right, honey. That's right."

[AntiM]

Alas, I do not get to plonk.

[Kinetik V]

Alas, I do not get to plonk.

My condolences. Dang, that seriously sucks.

[maryanimal]

I started a thread and was very much welcomed! I've met some really nice people in here. I'm still wet behind the ears, I don't snark! Plus I've havent seen anyone acting "burnier than thou". I've met some neat people! And you know who you are!! *winkitywink*


Ummmm... *chortle*

[MistressSybs]

^^^^ suck up. oh ehem excuse my snark... LOL

[Mosin]

Ah, but some days it is a tree house.

Dusty's Treehouse!

^
If you're 30 or younger, see the googles.

[maryanimal]

Suck Up?? Moi?? Dammit. Am I that transparent?? Oh well!! Can I suck up to anyone else?? I'll compliment you on the material finery or you sparkling smile. Ladies I'll tell you how good you look in that sarong that looks like a shower curtain. Men I'll laugh at your stupid jokes and tell you your abs are of six-pack quality when in fact they're painted on a T-shirt!

Yes folks, a suck up I am! LOL *chuckles

Who loves ya baby? Meeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[LeChatNoir]

It's mostly about a good balance to me. Over the years, I’ve always tried to make a point of greeting new faces and being as helpful as possible... try to balance out the over-the-line snark, I guess.

Years back it got so bad that I just left the board all together. Nothing was aimed directly at me that I remember, but just the general attitude towards various users, especially new ones. I think it went beyond snark into the downright mean. Fishy contacted me (as well as other users who’d left, I believe) and asked me to come back on the board, despite the bad vibes and for the sake of the newbies. I am grateful that she did this. I took that to heart and now, if it gets a bit much for me, I try to remember that for many, this place is the first interaction with Burning Man they’ll have. I was welcomed pretty warmly when I first got here (albeit with a bit of that snark we all know and love here and there) so I want to make sure that is carried on.

That being said, I believe that the snark, especially the witty thought out stuff, has an important place in here. If it were all overly polite and conforming it’d be boring as hell.

Early experience with retail sales helped train me to remember that you may have said something a thousand times, but it’s most likely the first time the person you’re talking to has heard it. That is except for some of you poor sots who’ve had to e-listen to me over and over for years and years… and years, and that just in last month’s posts alone.

[FIGJAM]

Things that keep me here.

A noob simply asked which dust mask was best for the playa and by the 2nd page geologists were discussing the content and size of playa dust.

I dont know where else a simple question would get that kind of in depth answer.

[Trishntek]

All I know is my own experience of jumping in with both feet and chiming into the Root Society forum with all the possible ignorance of what they were even about. I was shamed into leaving in short order, but it was a well learned lesson in snark.

Otherwise there are many here who have shared this past year of our trials and triumphs and even comforted me personally via eplaya. I found out even goathead has a softer side. I managed to meet three of eplayans at BM2010, but missed the M&G. Grew fond of CfM, appreciate AntiM's matronly presence, and ygmir's rye wisdom through the guise of a humble stone cutter.

But it has been mostly virtual. Such is the world in which we dwell. I look forward to the 2011 M&G, but for now this is as close to home I can be.

[AntiM]

?matronly? Sigh, I used to be hot.

[Fire_Moose]

/fart

[Sail Man]

yeah, sort of kind, helpful responses.........and, if it's a good question, even if a "repeat" it deserves and answer...........

but...........

sometimes, the posts are so foogin stupid..........really.....that I have to hold myself to keep from snarking/teasing/disrespecting them right off the bat.

ETA:
I got my ass kicked many times, at first........by folks I now cherish........hahahahaa

LOL Hippy

[Sail Man]

I like the AntiM way- answer the question first, once that's done the snark can follow. I don't think it needs to wait until page 2, a couple of posts in is fine for most topics.

The sparkle-pony & obvious troll posts..... they're a little harder. Stupid questions are going to get snark, regardless of good intentions. They'd get them in real life, why should they be exempt here?

A sticky might not be a bad idea, if the admins like the idea. "This is how eplaya works" type of thing. The fact that many of us have met (at the minimum) and that lots actually camp together should be pointed out in the sticky. The eplaya is more like walking into a large village in BRC then just wandering in to BRC itself; you have the regulars, the regular visitors, the people who wander in off the street, the drunk trying to piss in your gray-water pond...

A lot of good answers so far, and Eric summoned up what I was thinking nicely, along with a good idea.

The playa can be harsh, but it can also be easy going, kinda like here. If the noobs cant handle snark, how can we expect them to handle a dust storm?

If they have asked a well thought out question that they indicate they havent been able to find an answer for, or just want more clarification, I will try and answer it the best I can. I do try (sometimes unsuccessfully) to with-hold snark until they've been marinated enough to season them up for later

[theCryptofishist]

Alas, I do not get to plonk.

And I appreciate that you are taking a bullet I get to dodge, and making the forum better for providing some balance, guidance, voice of reason.

I have a fairly extensive plonk list; those of you who can remember my combative experience to some people are possibly grateful you're not reading that stuff anymore.

[Elderberry]

?matronly? Sigh, I used to be hot.

I don't think she meant it like you took it. You're more like the soccer mom type...keeping all the kids in line.

You're still hot!

JK

[Trishntek]

?matronly? Sigh, I used to be hot.

I don't think she meant it like you took it. You're more like the soccer mom type...keeping all the kids in line.

You're still hot!

JK

I speak of your authoritative presence here on eplaya. Maybe your "gentle supervisory presence" is better?

[gaminwench]

AntiM = MILF??

[AntiM]

AntiM = MILF??

Except I didn't manage to have children...

[Bounce530]

AntiM = MILF??

Except I didn't manage to have children...

[s]Mother[/s] Moderator

[Isotopia]

We need to keep the focus on the pestilence that is the self-described DJ.

All other considerations pale in comparison.

[Sail Man]

We need to keep the focus on the pestilence that is the self-described DJ.

All other considerations pale in comparison.

So the Iso, should we be treating the DJ's with some Amoxocillin then to cure the infection?

[Artemis]

AntiM = MILF??

Except I didn't manage to have children...

[s]Mother[/s] Moderator

ModILF

[theCryptofishist]

CuratorYLF?
Treasured Friend?
The Thin Blue Line Between eplaya and Total Chaos?

[Isotopia]

So the Iso, should we be treating the DJ's with some Amoxocillin then to cure the infection?

I say we take off and nuke the entire DJ culture from orbit. It's the only way to be sure.

[Kinetik V]

So the Iso, should we be treating the DJ's with some Amoxocillin then to cure the infection?

I say we take off and nuke the entire DJ culture from orbit. It's the only way to be sure.

If nukes can't seem to kill cockroaches what makes you think they'll effectively wipe out DJ's?

As for the Amoxicillin...this is a serious scourge. I'm thinking Vancomycin is required if you want to try the cure route.

[AntiM]

I've heard you have to cut their heads off in order to kill them forever.

That, or I've been watching too much Highlander.

[junglesmacks]

I say we nuke all the self righteous burnier-than-thou this-is-how-it-should-be-because-i think-it-so self-imposed-bitch-because-I-can-be types..

..but then again, the little cockroaches will most likely survive.