Newbie here - The Firearms Forum

TranterUK · 02-20-2009, 03:05 PM

Ok, not as new as some, not new at all but I have a question about newbies.

We get a lot of new members say hi. It's great to hear from new people and many members welcome them warmly. Then we dont hear from them again?

Why? Are they nervous about giving opinions? Perhaps they feel to ask a question might make them look foolish? They have nothing to fear, looking foolish has never bothered me as you will have noticed.

Anyone got any thoughts on the matter...

islenos · 02-20-2009, 03:09 PM

They probably searched for a thread containing photographs in order to get to know to whom they are speaking with. One look at us sent them running for the hills.

TranterUK · 02-20-2009, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by islenos

They probably searched for a thread containing photographs in order to get to know to whom they are speaking with. One look at us sent them running for the hills.

Now that I can understand

cycloneman · 02-20-2009, 03:17 PM

I see most people get some info and you never see them again. There just users i tell ya.

I feel so cheap! Dirty even!

Im not new anyore.

Just the same old fart.

pinecone70 · 02-20-2009, 03:21 PM

I wonder if one or two of them expected a big, firey, argument-laden landscape and found this peaceful bunch, then decided to move on??

Lori Mick · 02-20-2009, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pinecone70

I wonder if one or two of them expected a big, firey, argument-laden landscape and found this peaceful bunch, then decided to move on??

We're too nice?

[[[[Group Hug!]]]]]

TranterUK · 02-20-2009, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pinecone70

I wonder if one or two of them expected a big, firey, argument-laden landscape and found this peaceful bunch, then decided to move on??

Well, I came very close to breaking a guys neck this evening, is that fiery enough?

I think I need another cup of tea to calm down, err, another beer I mean.

Hm, you may have a point pinecone.

GROUP HUG !!! WHAT?

Hells Toy Master · 02-20-2009, 03:48 PM

I can only speak for myself but here I go!!...

As a 26 year old male I have not been the most devoted fallower of politics before 2008..

Anyways, I personaly read TFF posts for over a month before my first post, but I think the inverse is what others are doing... they find the site and make a post and come back from time to time to read it...

I have found in the online games I play that most people read and never share what they think unless they are asking a question.

CampingJosh · 02-20-2009, 04:00 PM

I have wondered this same thing several times. I haven't come up with a very good reason.

Perhaps people stop in, join up, find their answer (often in an old thread, so nothing new is posted), and then move on. By the time they have a new question, they no longer even remember us here.

islenos · 02-20-2009, 04:25 PM

Some people have a lot on there plate with not much time to post.
That is why I've been here since Mar 2004 but with only 375 posts. I'll be here for awhile then things will get busy, then later down the road I return. There have been a few other sites that I thought I might be interested in but soon decided that they weren't for me. So who knows, just one possible reason...........

TranterUK · 02-20-2009, 04:26 PM

Hm. I dont know. Perhaps we shouldn't welcome them so warmly.

Perhaps they get scared off. Next time I may just write 'Hi, give an opinion or tell us something interesting to do with guns'.

pinecone70 · 02-20-2009, 04:32 PM

It is interesting that thousands of members have signed up over the years, but only a few hundred have stuck around. Some never posted a thing!

Charlie the sniper · 02-20-2009, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TranterUK

Hm. I dont know. Perhaps we shouldn't welcome them so warmly.

Perhaps they get scared off. Next time I may just write 'Hi, give an opinion or tell us something interesting to do with guns'.

I've got to say something interesting ? "DAMM"

Pistolenschutze · 02-20-2009, 05:08 PM

We get a lot of members who sign up looking for the answer to a specific question--a firearm identification, value, or whatnot--then move one once they have that information. Another factor, I think, is that some who sign up are reluctant to put their thoughts into a post, mostly for fear of rejection or ridicule by more knowledgable members, a factor all too common on many sites. Those who stick around soon realize that TFF is different and that flaming is not permitted here.

icm856 · 02-20-2009, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TranterUK

Ok, not as new as some, not new at all but I have a question about newbies.

We get a lot of new members say hi. It's great to hear from new people and many members welcome them warmly. Then we dont hear from them again?

Why? Are they nervous about giving opinions? Perhaps they feel to ask a question might make them look foolish? They have nothing to fear, looking foolish has never bothered me as you will have noticed.

Anyone got any thoughts on the matter...

Well, it is always better to look foolish than to sound foolish. Perhaps this is what keeps them from joining the conversation.

I, as you can see fear neither!

fmacsin1 · 02-20-2009, 05:32 PM

I just joined a few months ago, and as it is in my nature, I just viewed what was being said and/or going on on this site and really didn't say much. I started by having a question about an old hunting rifle i received from my dad (my first hunting rifle). I was going through some financial difficulties and needed some $$. After I came back a couple of more times and read what was being said here, I decided I'd better keep the gun and stock up on ammunition for it, if I could find it! I figure first-timers are nervous, sometimes don't want to put something out there in print and most of all, probably feel the FBI and CIA, Homeland Security and NSA have all of us listed somewhere!

ysacres · 02-20-2009, 05:44 PM

Me thinks ( not often ) sum here R just 2 scary I 4 1

new308handloader · 02-20-2009, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TranterUK

Why? Are they nervous about giving opinions? Perhaps they feel to ask a question might make them look foolish? They have nothing to fear, looking foolish has never bothered me as you will have noticed.

Anyone got any thoughts on the matter...

You may have hit the nail on the head. Being fairly new myself, I know that I read many threads and realized my knowledge was well below theirs.....and asking a "newbie" question would only draw attention the that....and that could cause some to not ask questions.....but you are exactly right.."They have nothing to fear"....I posted many questions, that looking back now are very basic, but at the time I just did not know....and all of you took the time to answer my questions....and thus, increased my knowledge. So as a recient "newbie" let me say to all the new people..."Ask away, the people here are great and more than willing to help". Thanks everybody.

Haligan · 02-20-2009, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pistolenschutze

We get a lot of members who sign up looking for the answer to a specific question--a firearm identification, value, or whatnot--then move one once they have that information. Another factor, I think, is that some who sign up are reluctant to put their thoughts into a post, mostly for fear of rejection or ridicule by more knowledgable members, a factor all too common on many sites. Those who stick around soon realize that TFF is different and that flaming is not permitted here.

I couldn't disagree with you more. You don't know what your talking.......

(only kidding

)

No, seriously I think the attention span of some people is less than it takes to get through a commericial. If they see something they like, they'll read it. Then their tired of it and move on.

kingnothingugm · 02-20-2009, 06:08 PM

I have only been here for maybe 2 weeks. I started looking stupid the moment i walked through the door!

LurpyGeek · 02-20-2009, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pistolenschutze

We get a lot of members who sign up looking for the answer to a specific question--a firearm identification, value, or whatnot--then move one once they have that information. Another factor, I think, is that some who sign up are reluctant to put their thoughts into a post, mostly for fear of rejection or ridicule by more knowledgable members, a factor all too common on many sites. Those who stick around soon realize that TFF is different and that flaming is not permitted here.

I think this is exactly it. I myself have joined other boards just for the answer to one question regarding one topic, and then moved on. Something about this place keeps me coming back though. Must be the kind, knowledgeable, respectful people. There are probably thousands more who "lurk" and read the forum frequently, but don't bother to create an account. I do this on many other forums.

There was a website I knew of a while back that would show statistics of the number of visitors to a domain name over different periods of time. I wish I could remember it right now.

gdmoody · 02-20-2009, 06:22 PM

I think, also, that a lot of folks are looking for an answer to a specific question. When they get the answer, they do not stay around. I was lurking around for several months before I enrolled and made my first post, which was a question about a specific reloading problem I was having. I got an answer and it was a while before I made another post.

Now, you can't get rid of me!!

artabr · 02-20-2009, 07:03 PM

I've been a searcher newbe on many sites. I'd find what I needed and move on.
I liked the interaction I saw here. Now yall are stuck with me. It's all your fault.......................thankfully.

Art

gdmoody · 02-20-2009, 07:25 PM

Here is another reason why some people might not come back, A man tells a story, far fetched as it is, but is belittled for it:

http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/showthread.php?t=55853

TranterUK · 02-20-2009, 08:02 PM

Members being unkind to others in my experience is very uncommon and must account for very few. On the couple of occasions I have seen members become rude, abusive or caused real offence, they have quite rightly been removed. As they would have from any public place in the actual world (As opposed from virtual).

Good natured joshing, as I think you might call it seems fine and a can add to the fun. Perhaps some cant take a friendly poke? They are always welcome to poke back.

02-20-2009, 03:05 PM	#1
TranterUK Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Cambridge UK Posts: 5,103	Newbie here Ok, not as new as some, not new at all but I have a question about newbies. We get a lot of new members say hi. It's great to hear from new people and many members welcome them warmly. Then we dont hear from them again? Why? Are they nervous about giving opinions? Perhaps they feel to ask a question might make them look foolish? They have nothing to fear, looking foolish has never bothered me as you will have noticed. Anyone got any thoughts on the matter... __________________ DVC - Diligentia, Vis, Celeritas - Accuracy, Power, Speed. The light at the end of the recession tunnel IS a train coming the other way! --> Last edited by TranterUK; 02-20-2009 at 03:08 PM..

02-20-2009, 03:09 PM	#2
islenos Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: West Texas Posts: 1,244	Re: Newbie here They probably searched for a thread containing photographs in order to get to know to whom they are speaking with. One look at us sent them running for the hills. __________________

02-20-2009, 03:17 PM	#4
cycloneman Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Louisiana Posts: 7,401	Re: Newbie here I see most people get some info and you never see them again. There just users i tell ya. I feel so cheap! Dirty even! Im not new anyore. Just the same old fart. __________________ Who are you going to serve today?

02-20-2009, 03:21 PM	#5
pinecone70 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Minnesota Gal! Posts: 4,730	Re: Newbie here I wonder if one or two of them expected a big, firey, argument-laden landscape and found this peaceful bunch, then decided to move on?? __________________ _____________________________________________ "Miss Scarlet, in the library...with a revolver...."

02-20-2009, 03:48 PM	#8
Hells Toy Master V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Washington not far from tacoma Posts: 241	Re: Newbie here I can only speak for myself but here I go!!... As a 26 year old male I have not been the most devoted fallower of politics before 2008.. Anyways, I personaly read TFF posts for over a month before my first post, but I think the inverse is what others are doing... they find the site and make a post and come back from time to time to read it... I have found in the online games I play that most people read and never share what they think unless they are asking a question. __________________ My reply to the Libs. "Death is nothing; but to live defeated and inglorious is to die daily" Napoleon "Only the dead have seen the end of war" Plato "History is full of wars everybody knew wouldn't come." J. Enoch Powell "If you want peace prepare for war." Publilius Syrus "In war there is no prize for the runner-up." Omar Bradley

02-20-2009, 04:00 PM	#9
CampingJosh TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Indiana Contributor Posts: 4,788	Re: Newbie here I have wondered this same thing several times. I haven't come up with a very good reason. Perhaps people stop in, join up, find their answer (often in an old thread, so nothing new is posted), and then move on. By the time they have a new question, they no longer even remember us here. __________________ Nothing posted on TheFirearmsForum.com constitutes legal, accounting, gunsmithing, or other professional advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for real advice. Your life is lived at your own risk. Don't blame me for the dumb things you do.

02-20-2009, 04:25 PM	#10
islenos Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: West Texas Posts: 1,244	Re: Newbie here Some people have a lot on there plate with not much time to post. That is why I've been here since Mar 2004 but with only 375 posts. I'll be here for awhile then things will get busy, then later down the road I return. There have been a few other sites that I thought I might be interested in but soon decided that they weren't for me. So who knows, just one possible reason........... __________________

02-20-2009, 04:26 PM	#11
TranterUK Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Cambridge UK Posts: 5,103	Re: Newbie here Hm. I dont know. Perhaps we shouldn't welcome them so warmly. Perhaps they get scared off. Next time I may just write 'Hi, give an opinion or tell us something interesting to do with guns'. __________________ DVC - Diligentia, Vis, Celeritas - Accuracy, Power, Speed. The light at the end of the recession tunnel IS a train coming the other way!

02-20-2009, 04:32 PM	#12
pinecone70 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Minnesota Gal! Posts: 4,730	Re: Newbie here It is interesting that thousands of members have signed up over the years, but only a few hundred have stuck around. Some never posted a thing! __________________ _____________________________________________ "Miss Scarlet, in the library...with a revolver...."

02-20-2009, 05:08 PM	#14
Pistolenschutze Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 13,094	Re: Newbie here We get a lot of members who sign up looking for the answer to a specific question--a firearm identification, value, or whatnot--then move one once they have that information. Another factor, I think, is that some who sign up are reluctant to put their thoughts into a post, mostly for fear of rejection or ridicule by more knowledgable members, a factor all too common on many sites. Those who stick around soon realize that TFF is different and that flaming is not permitted here. __________________ --Pistolenschutze (Pistol Shooter)

02-20-2009, 05:32 PM	#16
fmacsin1 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Moosehead Lake, Maine Posts: 433	Re: Newbie here I just joined a few months ago, and as it is in my nature, I just viewed what was being said and/or going on on this site and really didn't say much. I started by having a question about an old hunting rifle i received from my dad (my first hunting rifle). I was going through some financial difficulties and needed some $$. After I came back a couple of more times and read what was being said here, I decided I'd better keep the gun and stock up on ammunition for it, if I could find it! I figure first-timers are nervous, sometimes don't want to put something out there in print and most of all, probably feel the FBI and CIA, Homeland Security and NSA have all of us listed somewhere!

02-20-2009, 05:44 PM	#17
ysacres Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Wazzu WA Posts: 2,413	Re: Newbie here Me thinks ( not often ) sum here R just 2 scary I 4 1 __________________

02-20-2009, 06:08 PM	#20
kingnothingugm V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: FL Posts: 274	Re: Newbie here I have only been here for maybe 2 weeks. I started looking stupid the moment i walked through the door!

02-20-2009, 06:22 PM	#22
gdmoody Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Northeast Georgia Contributor Posts: 6,311	Re: Newbie here I think, also, that a lot of folks are looking for an answer to a specific question. When they get the answer, they do not stay around. I was lurking around for several months before I enrolled and made my first post, which was a question about a specific reloading problem I was having. I got an answer and it was a while before I made another post. Now, you can't get rid of me!! __________________ NRA Endowment Member GeorgiaCarry.Org Member Retired US Army Postal Worker Personally, I carry a gun because I'm too young to die and too old to take an ass whoopin'.....author unknown (but obviously brilliant) Last edited by gdmoody; 02-20-2009 at 06:24 PM..

02-20-2009, 07:03 PM	#23
artabr Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: New Iberia, Louisiana Contributor Posts: 7,859	Re: Newbie here I've been a searcher newbe on many sites. I'd find what I needed and move on. I liked the interaction I saw here. Now yall are stuck with me. It's all your fault.......................thankfully. Art __________________ God and the soldier we like adore, In times of trouble, not before. When troubles ended and all things righted, God is forgotten and the soldier is slighted. Francis Quarles 1592 - 1644 __________________ When asked for my race, I answer CauCajun. Hope is not a plan, and not all change is good. The resistance is here; the resistance is now. RESIST! These hands are neither cold nor are they dead!!

02-20-2009, 07:25 PM	#24
gdmoody Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Northeast Georgia Contributor Posts: 6,311	Re: Newbie here Here is another reason why some people might not come back, A man tells a story, far fetched as it is, but is belittled for it: http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/showthread.php?t=55853 __________________ NRA Endowment Member GeorgiaCarry.Org Member Retired US Army Postal Worker Personally, I carry a gun because I'm too young to die and too old to take an ass whoopin'.....author unknown (but obviously brilliant)

02-20-2009, 08:02 PM	#25
TranterUK Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Cambridge UK Posts: 5,103	Re: Newbie here Members being unkind to others in my experience is very uncommon and must account for very few. On the couple of occasions I have seen members become rude, abusive or caused real offence, they have quite rightly been removed. As they would have from any public place in the actual world (As opposed from virtual). Good natured joshing, as I think you might call it seems fine and a can add to the fun. Perhaps some cant take a friendly poke? They are always welcome to poke back. __________________ DVC - Diligentia, Vis, Celeritas - Accuracy, Power, Speed. The light at the end of the recession tunnel IS a train coming the other way! Last edited by TranterUK; 02-20-2009 at 08:03 PM..