Forum Moderators: open
This is my first post.
I joined in the past week or so.
Current level of expertise: Zero and a little bit less.
Current brain state: Totally overwhelmed by the place.
I'm still overwhelmed by the immensity of the place, and trying to orient myself to best use it.
Short form translation: hey kids, ya'done good
Anyway, I suppose the step that I want to take next is learning how to use the system which is in place here and now to communicate with others who are here now. I seem to remember seeing a description of how to format text in posts. If that was a welcome message, then I must have deleted it. If that's a standing post somewhere, could someone please point me to it?
I also suppose that I should familiarize myself with the control panel. It looks like there are 10 or 15 things which I should adjust; suggestions are welcome about which items in the control panel will have the most impact on system interaction.
While doing these things, I would also like to test what I've learned. Is there a clueless newby test area where I can screw up; possibly screw up deliberately and on purpose; and not cause harm? The context in which I'm thinking about these ideas is for me to stay right and cool with the mods while learning via experiments.
Or, should I avoid such "creative thinking" with respect to experimentation around here?
Again, I don't have the first idea of what the rules are, nor of the attitudes and mindsets of anyone here, and I want to be a positive contributor, while first and foremost remaining the student of the system.
Hmm; better clarify that: I did read some of the sticky things and a couple of the charters. I'm clear on the concept of avoiding Jr.High type public antagonisms, but, as far as the personalities and "real life" rules; that's where I'm a little scared to tread at this moment. Hence, I don't want to make any public comments at this moment which might convey values which might be viewed as hostile by whomever.
e.g.,,,,
--- The such and so browser is the best one out today
--- Blah Blah Blah's search engine is far superior to Clah Clah Clah's
--- Software language X is always better than software language Y because (whatever excuse, the real reason generally being that the person advocating it is probably pretty good at it and can charge money for it)
--- Technology XYZ is better than technology PQR because XYZ can do such and so while PQR lacks support for... (whatever excuse, same real reasons probably prevail again)
My purpose in spending my time here is to learn about websites. At this moment, I don't know how this time would be best spent and directed. Amidst all this, we gotta get along or else I'm no good here, nor is this place any good for me.
Anyway, mods and old hands here, I welcome suggestions about which direction a newby might want to take to familiarize oneself with the structure, nomenclature(s), and respectable protocols involved in gaining the best benefit from this place. Being brand new, there is the strong [attraction][magnetism][desire][enticement][whatever] to go straight for the tutorials, learn just enough to cause everybody trouble, and then spend endless hours unlearning the wrong stuff (while annoying the living daylights out of everyone, including myself).
I want to avoid that, and I want to do that by making some sort of plan and having some sort of path; maybe even a map; maybe even with checkpoints of some sort; to guide the way.
Hmmm, Let's see if an analogy might help.
I have a buddy with a Cadillac which will put a map right on his dashboard and show him all kinds of navigational and street stuff; even down to the last mile with help from those sattelites in outer space. The thing will even show him which direction his car is traveling; e.g.,
"Due North is 23 degrees to your left." Too bad they don't have that for self-structured education via mostly~volunteer~administered online communities like this one.
So, before I go really studying the real material available here (which is what I really want to do) I think I should first learn the...
-- Structure of my own account
-- Nomenclature used in the community
-- Expected protocols
That ought to give me plenty to do for now.
Suggestions are welcome and invited.
I seem to remember seeing a description of how to format text in posts
When you are in an editing window there will be a link to the left of the window that says Style Codes [webmasterworld.com] are on.
Is there a clueless newby test area where I can screw up; possibly screw up deliberately and on purpose; and not cause harm?
In the same window there is a "Preview" button below, to the left of the actual "Submit" button. You can click Preview then use the back button in your browser to make adjustments. Click "Preview" again, view, Back button ...
It works for me, anyway.
Again, I don't have the first idea of what the rules are, nor of the attitudes and mindsets of anyone here, and I want to be a positive contributor, while first and foremost remaining the student of the system.
Quite simple, really. There is a Terms of Service [webmasterworld.com] and also be sure to read the "Charter" link at the top of the page for each forum before you begin posting.
Hmm; better clarify that: I did read some of the sticky things and a couple of the charters. I'm clear on the concept of avoiding Jr.High type public antagonisms, but, as far as the personalities and "real life" rules; that's where I'm a little scared to tread at this moment. Hence, I don't want to make any public comments at this moment which might convey values which might be viewed as hostile by whomever.
Do unto others ...
You can make comments without being hostile. Differing opinions can create excellent discussion. Just keep the conversation on track, in focus, and healthy. Be respectful and you should be fine.
The best way to familiarize yourself with any community is to become a part of the community. You can move into a new neighborhood and never come out of your house. Or, you can become part of conversation/discussion and make friends. Those friends are going to let you know where they get groceries and why. They are going to share which doctors they visit and why. The are going to discuss schools with you and what they like/dislike about them. But they are going to have different personalities than you and perhaps even speak a different language than you. Your view may not always align with their view, but you still need to allow them to have their view, and vice-versa.
coopster is such a smart and compassionate guy, that's why I let him hang out with me ;)
what coop said really but I also wanted to add that if you don't know whether you can post something or had a question about how things work you can also ask a moderator or an admin and we would be happy to point you in the right direction.
"...New To Web Development..."
[webmasterworld.com...]
Or should I spend some more time learning the ropes before I start reading and digesting?
I mean, do you guys think I'm smart enough (i.e., with respect to understanding the mechanics and organization of the system and its structure) to start studying the real stuff yet?
If so, is that the place to really start learning?
I mean, there's a "login" function. Is there a "logout"?
Or do I just close the window or whatever?
Is this in one of the faqs or tutorials?
Hope I didn't miss an obvious one. Thanks for any direction on this.
Hope you "login" some time soon :)
Oh, and I almost forgot. Welcome to WebmasterWorld!
> Or should I spend some more time learning the ropes before I start reading and digesting?
It is by participating that you learn the best and fastest - if you just lurk and don't ask questions or get involved then the lack of interaction limits the benefit you can gain. So dive in, ask away, and read widely. Enjoy! :)
