I must admit that as a beginner I felt a little like someone who was staring through a window into a crowded room with a big family in it, not knowing anyone, and whether some people's flippant remarks were serious or not. It can be quite daunting. However, knowing a good number of regulars on here 'face to face' makes a whole lot of difference. I am not 'debating' with a name and an icon. I am debating with people I know. So now, if they say something that seems to others to be 'a little abrupt or perhaps even hurtful' I know it's usually not meant like that. They're just being their usual sarky self
On the subject of 'we have had this discussion before' responses, I completely agree that a pleasant response and a link is much better for new people. Because new people would have a hard time trying to read through all 300k+ posts before asking a question. I think people need to be a bit kinder to those newbies. I know it scares people away from asking any further questions because they're afraid it's "Already been done before, we're not interested".
It pays to be 'patient' with new people, when they're being reasonable. But when they are obviously rude, I don't see why someone shouldn't tell them they are being rude (without being very rude back, as it only escalates). The same goes for posts from regular and grumpy old farts! If they are rude, you tell them The difference is you know said people will still ask you for a dance when you come face to face, because they are adults and they are Cerocers (if they are not at least one of those, they don't belong here)
The ones who don't even post a rough location on their profile worry me a bit. It would be nice to know what venues they frequent, if only to know how far away they are and what I am likely to get away with
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