So I'm a long time listener to FtB but I've never gotten into the forums much. I tried a while back when I had another reason to hang around the internet for hours with no particular purpose. Everyone seemed very nice and welcoming but I couldn't shake the sense I was an outsider trying to butt in. Maybe it's the lack of non-verbal cues that let us know we are welcome that I like to pick up on IRL. Any way for some reason I felt like taking another go at it. However that initial sense of being an intruder still nagged me. Probably why most of my posts are in the forum games where the sense of intrusion is the least. Now don't worry. I'm not making some passive aggressive plea to be welcomed "in". Instead I'm looking for answers to a simple question.

How does some one get the most out of a forum? Your answers can be what to do or what not to do. They can be specific to the FtB forums or apply to forums in general. I'm just curious what people have to say.
Thanks

Welcome back

As for getting to be part of the FTB community here, I'd say jump on in in discussions that interest you, just try to make your writing coherent, and you'll run into very few issues. I lurk more than I post, but I greatly enjoy reading the discussions and thinking about things especially in the Roleplaying Games Forum, and reading the grumblies/happy things threads are a great way to find out what is happening with people on the board. Sharing their joys and concerns, even as remotely as just reading them onscreen has felt this community feel closer to me, at least.

On that note, hop on in to the Grumbly/Happy threads with what is happening in your life, and you will most likely get a positive (useful) response.

'butting in' is really only an issue in the Play By Post threads. There are forum rules some place so read those, follow those rules and throw your opinion out there. Throw in some smilies over there on the left until we get a sense of your personality, that way we'll have a visual cue if you're being sarcastic or something.

I understand where you're coming from but have only ever felt like that on the WOW forums.

I don't think it's any fault of the forums but more to do with my own nature.

i wrote a sorta long 'Dos and Don'ts' list... but then I threw it out 'cuz it poked fun at certain booters and I didn't want to actually offend anyone.

I'll just say stick around and get to know people is the best way. You always feel like an outsider when you first join a group, time and willingness is what turns you into an insider.

...And never trust anybody that has a squirrel as an avatar...

But Lizardmen avatars are A-Ok.

I feel like my preamble diverted the question more than I intended. The idea was to ask how to get the best possible experience from the forums so I had something do/pursue while I eventually got over whatever anxiety I might have. I've already learned something. Lead with your focus otherwise you'll muddy the waters too much.

I would say that my post is still quite true. Throw yourself into the debates in the RP forum if you feel up to it, and read at least Grumbly/Happy Things and Random Forum Thoughts.

Also, weigh in on the episode threads.