Discussions
Join my gang! Group Dynamics
Posted by crpitt • 7/09/09 • Subscribe to this Discussion [RSS] • Report This Topic
Topics: cliques, conspiracies, gangs, groups, whodunnits, wibbly
In the interest of keeping the forums alive with interesting topics, I thought I would move on from Drama Llamas and bring up the topic of group dynamics.
Some discussion Topics:
Do you think that as a member of BC, you are in fact a member of a group?
For those that are relative newbies do you find it hard to get your point heard?
Ever felt like you are toeing the line?
Who do you see as an old timer?
These two articles sort of inspired this discussion.
www.spring.org.uk/2009/07/10-rules-that-govern-groups.php
www.spring.org.uk/2009/07/how-newcomers-can-influence-established-groups.ph...
User Comments
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Hi Claire,
I do see myself as a member of the BC community--and I very much enjoy being part of that community.
I guess I am no longer a newbie, although I still feel that way from time to time. When I was new, I don't think I felt stifled by the veterans (but I'm kind of an assertive woman so that's really never been much of a problem for me).
I've never really felt like I have had to 'toe the line' -- I pretty much tell it like it is, I think. However, I will admit that I have bitten my tongue and moved on from certain controversial threads/posts on occasion.
I don't see myself as an old timer (yet) but I see you, timethief, Anok, and too many others to count (and remember). There are a lot of old timers that I haven't seen around much lately, such as Pointless Banter, who always cracked me up. I'd love to see more of Dr. Jay on the board as well.
Melinda-
I would like to see some folks come back for sure, others not so much
I think you are heading towards middle age on here
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Do you think that as a member of BC, you are in fact a member of a group?
Not really.
For those that are relative newbies do you find it hard to get your point heard?
I think I made my point loud and clear when I first arrived here.
Ever felt like you are toeing the line?
No, but I've felt that I crossed the line once or twice.
Who do you see as an old timer?
That chick crpitt.
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You are definitely special and unique
code for cantankerous
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Aww...that was sweet.
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I love your 'Don't give a shit' attitude mixed with a splish splosh of niceness.
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No, I don't really feel like part of a group here. I haven't taken my blood oath yet.-
You don't have to give it. We got it from you when you were sleeping.
You're a go. -
How dare you. I'm anemic!
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Oops.
We'll have a talk with the BC Vampires about this sort of thing. They were supposed to CHECK first.
Stupid vampires... Can't trust 'em. -
You are a newbie therefore we cant hear you yet
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--Do you think that as a member of BC, you are in fact a member of a group?
Sure-- I've been here a while and have met a lot of folks. In fact, I was surprised and pleased to find BCers find me and friend me on other social media, too. It's nice going to a new virtual place and already having friends there.
--For those that are relative newbies do you find it hard to get your point heard?
Still do, sometimes. I'm not a squeaky-wheel or controversy type (and don't plan to be) but I do wonder whether adding a certain comment here or there has made a difference. (Or, preferably, if it's made someone shoot beverage through their nostrils.)
--Ever felt like you are toeing the line?
I try to be a decent online citizen, if that's what ya mean. Help folks when I can or at least be involved where I think it can make a difference.
--Who do you see as an old timer?
I don't see as well as I used to when I was a young'n. I've been on here a couple years now... And my girdle's riding up, my hearing's gone and my teeth keep falling out...
Oh, and get off my lawn!-
You've made me shoot beverage through my nostrils several times so you are okay in my book.
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Suzie- that warms the cockles of my heart. Or the general cockle area code, anyway.
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You have been towed.
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/making notes on you all for my evil purposes...
I have just been thinking about this type of thing for awhile, especially when people are misbehaving
I very much toed the line in the beginning, I even voted for people on the bloggers choice awards and asked for votes myself! yes its true.-
I still vote for peoples stuff ---- Sigh... It makes 'em happy... -
Well the only thing people should vote for now is to send me to Antarctica, everything else is pants.
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Do you think that as a member of BC, you are in fact a member of a group?-No. Just a silly old fool running off at the mouth.
As a newbie, do I find it hard to get my point across?-Not sure I have any point to get across. However, it is obvious certain people have developed a friendly online relationship over time and love to chat it up. And that's okay.
Who do you see as an old-timer?-Hard to judge since I've only been here a short time. You certainly do. TT. SiuilRuin. GC. Jafa. Shopthrift. Agit. A bunch of others.
Ever felt like you are toeing the line?-No. I pretty much say whatever I feel like. I'm not very opinionated or argumentative anyway. I just like to get my two cents in from time to time. But if somebody disagrees with me, I tend to think they're right. -
He-hello, my name is Lotus Brown and I am a BC'er...(shifts weight, fiddles with microphone)
I've been on BC for over a year now, and honestly there are days when I want to smack the poop out of some fellow BC'ers. However, generally I love you guys, all of ya. I feel very much like part of a group, even though a lot of us blog about very different things. I love the discussions and honestly would be banging my head into my keyboard at work, were it not for them sometimes. I don't know if I'm a newbie or an oldie...but I join discussions often and I observe a lot of wonderful people sharing ideas of all ages, shapes and colors and I think that's flippin awesome. -
Do you think that as a member of BC, you are in fact a member of a group?
No, but I do not want to belong to a group. I don’t do online groups, cliques or gangs.
For those that are relative newbies do you find it hard to get your point heard?
Huhm,… No, but then I have not tried to. I am not here to push a certain agenda.-
Why are you here then, just wondering...?
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Do you think that as a member of BC, you are in fact a member of a group?
In a sense. It's often like being in a pub. It depends on the crowd that's in and at what time.
For those that are relative newbies do you find it hard to get your point heard?
Heard, no. Understood, yes.
Ever felt like you are toeing the line?
Am I? How ghastly.
Who do you see as an old timer?
I think timethief would rightly be offended if I mentioned the word "old" in reference to her.
Oops.-
"Do you think that as a member of BC, you are in fact a member of a group?
In a sense. It's often like being in a pub. It depends on the crowd that's in and at what time.
For those that are relative newbies do you find it hard to get your point heard?
Heard, no. Understood, yes."
Absolutely on BOTH Counts!!! --- CHEERS! *clinks glasses*
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As self appointed Grand Poobah of the discussion threads and the secret gazillionaire owner of Blog Catalog, I strongly feel that all newbies and existing members should formally register with me first before becoming a part of the group.-
Presumably so you can get first pick of the cute ones. You are nearly as shameless as a lavender aardvark.
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That's it, greencurmudgeon. You are BANNED for all eternity!
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Oh dear, is it time for your anti-psychotic medication again? Nurse will be along shortly.
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Could nurse mash my "little helpers" up in apple sauce this time? I do love the apple sauce.
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Certainly. And she'll put the Teletubbies on for you later if you promise not to scream that you're Emperor of the Rec Room at the top of your lungs, like you did yesterday.
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Will there be paper hats? I like to wear the paper hats.
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You ate your last paper hat, remember? Then nurse had to give you ipecac syrup.
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Nurse's special syrup makes my tummy hurt.
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Then don't eat paper hats. Also, stay away from swallowing the Lego as well.
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How else will I build a scrambler that will block the radio signals being beamed into my head?
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We've been over this, they are not broadcasting Sir Mix A Lot into your cranial cavity. You really have to take responsibility for going up to random women and performing "Baby Got Back".
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Shame on you! In all my years as a Wal Mart greeter, that is how I was trained to say "hello."
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At Wal Mart, that greeting might be entirely appropriate. In the rest of the world...
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... it means low, low prices!
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This is why I never go to Wal-Mart.
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OMG.... I just woke up and Red Bull just sprayed all over the computer via my nostrils...
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Do you think that as a member of BC, you are in fact a member of a group?
Yes, I feel like part of BC. Since I was laid off, I've got a lot of time on my hands and job hunting online gets so tedious when there is prime procrastination to be done. It's my favorite way to waste time when I should be working on my portfolio and doing household chores.
My favorite song is "Procrastination!" sung to the tune of "Anticipation" by Carly Simon.
For those that are relative newbies do you find it hard to get your point heard?
I am a relative newbie having only joined in February and I felt welcomed right away by CRPitt, Thriftshop, Melinda, Anok, TT. You guys are swell! I really enjoy having met some of my fellow liberals (I'm looking at you Green). I do put my foot in it more often than I would like, but overall, I think most people respectfully respond to my comments.
Ever felt like you are toeing the line?
Nah. I'm not really a rabble rouser and don't care if no one agrees with me. After all, this is supposed to be fun. I do get riled up from time to time when someone is just flat out wrong. No, I don't feel like I am toeing the line.
Who do you see as an old timer?
TT, Anok, Claire, TSR, Melinda (who apparently still sees herself as a newbie) all the people who welcomed me to the forum.
Oh, I forgot to mention gtally who has let his hair down considerably since Feb.-
I'm a relative newbie! Melindaville just cut her teeth and had a birthday this last week!
But I am happy I made you feel welcome, ST. You are one of my faves on here. -
Yea, ST your pretty awesome, btw.
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*gtally (see below)
*gtally = footnote -
Yupper- nothing like making someone feel welcome! I've definitely enjoyed "hanging out" with you online.
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Thanks guys!
Gtally, when I first joined I think you didn't know quite what to make of me. You were all about your foodie threads. of course, that is when I thought you were a woman. -
I still don't know what to make of you. First you were a cat and now you're a dead movie star.
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Yeah, I might resurrect the cat. I haven't decided.
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Bring back the cat!
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The cat is back. *meow*
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Hooray!
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@Still
Tsk, tsk, responding to peer pressure? -
I hearts the cat!
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ST--I like both your avatars--but I am partial to cats!
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I have a sudden aversion to you now that you've switched back to the cat...bloody cats...evil bastards...grumble grumble achoo!
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The CIA is watching you Siuil. *hisses and paws at the air*
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The CIA seem to have a lot of time on their hands...they should get a hobby...
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The Cat Intelligence Agency is the very model of time efficiency. 75% sleep, 10% grooming, 3% eating, 2% stalking.
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Do you think that as a member of BC, you are in fact a member of a group?
Used to...there was a month or so when the regulars seemed to get on really well and it was really fun to see everyone joking around with each other. But now, not really.
For those that are relative newbies do you find it hard to get your point heard?
I've been here a while...but when I was new I don't think I had a problem like that.
Ever felt like you are toeing the line?
ahem...no.
Who do you see as an old timer?
Anyone who was here before me...Anok, crpitt, VK, TT and many more...-
I agree! More frivolity! More camaraderie! Bring back stupidity!
And crumpets. -
I really want to have crumpets but I'm out of soya butter
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Siuil I wish you were around more often. It's fun having you around.
Soya butter is just wrong. -
I'm here! I've been around all day...
Soya butter is quite nice...don't knock it till you've tried it... -
I've enjoyed your contributions a lot. I hope you'll continue to do so!
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aww...you guys! group hug!
changed my mind...no touching!
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Do you think that as a member of BC, you are in fact a member of a group?
well yes. this is a community with its own rules and regulations.
For those that are relative newbies do you find it hard to get your point heard?
No. All you need is persistence and shamelessless
Ever felt like you are toeing the line?
Nah. If i don't get what i want I go somewhere else and get refreshment. Then I come back to cause fire.
Who do you see as an old timer?
I am not sure yet *looks around* -
Do you think that as a member of BC, you are in fact a member of a group?
It depends on the situation
For those that are relative newbies do you find it hard to get your point heard?
Yes
Ever felt like you are toeing the line?
Maybe
Who do you see as an old timer?
I have to check their profiles -
Do you think that as a member of BC, you are in fact a member of a group?
Definitely. I've befriended several people off this site and am looking forward to having lunch with one of you in the Fall.
For those that are relative newbies do you find it hard to get your point heard?
not really, I just jumped in and kept posting until people got to know me.
Ever felt like you are toeing the line?
Yes but that's who I am.
Who do you see as an old timer?
No comment lest I get the evil eye. Besides, I'm not a spring chicken myself..-
I have enjoyed having you as a friend!
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[gives floormodel the evil eye]
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I am part of several groups! The religion group, the writer's group, my own group or anarchists...oh, not those types of groups? I see, well - then I'd have to admit to relating to some members better than others, and certainly I have forged some real friends from the BC website - so yes and no.
I also think that a lot of the newest members get over-shouted and/or ignored until they have passed the uber secret initiation tests so we know that they are not creepy spammers with ad kissing agendas. Uhm, no seriously, I think BC can be either a bit rough or very welcoming depending on just when you happen join up and start participating.
Ah, the "old timers" well I saw Claire and Jen stroll by with their walkers a while ago, TT was playing chess in the park with Voodoo, Tiffany and Mark were listening quietly to the folksy music of AG, Legbamel has been spotted correcting everyone's grammar by way of incognito shoe disguises, pointless banter has been bantering pointlessly, Melinda has been working on catching up to the member sin wheelchairs... -
You scared me, until I realized you're actually a big softie who only looks scary.
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SHHHHHHHHHH!
Why's everybody gotta blow my cover like that?!
It's OK, though, I tend to scare everyone in real life, too. Until I bring them freshly baked cookies. (I'm not above bribery). -
You know, um... I could use some cookies.
Just sayin'. -
I owe a lot of people cookies right now. Cookies and beer. Man I gotta stop telling people i'll send them cookies and beer....this is going to cost me a fortune!
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Oh, she IS a softie! (Knew that, though.) (snicker)
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Can you fed ex beer? What if it's foreign beer, does that make a difference? Or will Fed ex only deal with domestic beers? -
I'm still waiting for my mouldy vegan cookies...if this was ebay you'd be getting a negative feedback...
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Well, the ninja HAS had that whole landlord debacle... plus computer problems...
(Wait, why am I trying to assist a NINJA? Next I'll be trying to lend a hand to Chuck Norris!) -
They were eaten by maggots.
I'm sorry
ACtually I have a really funny/gross maggot story, I feed my cats tuna and chicken and such, often from cans. Well I bought the store brand here - and I noticed that the cats refused to eat it, and when they did, they would vomit all over the place. I thought thta maybe it was labeled as being packed in water when really it was oil or something, until I went to clean out the food dish - and I realized that the tuna was MOVING!
That's right, it wasn't tuna, it was maggots. A lot of maggots. No wonder the cats wouldn't eat the stuff - the tuna that had been canned must have had maggots in it or been infesting in the canning process. And boy did those maggots get one hell of a meal!
Needless to say I was ill-equipped to handle something so disgusting so early in the AM prior to any decent amount of coffee - and ran outside screaming like a little girl trying to rid myself of the evil maggots.
It was traumatizing
Yet funny because I get to gross people out with my story. -
hahahaha! I love you Anok, but you are the worst ninja ever!
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I know! I have also lost many a battle to spoiled milk, and evil pudding.
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Anok you are the biggest thread jacker ever! Shame on you again.
heh
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i recommend this community to all newbie bloggers
so many threads either go to food or sex
it's typically a fun time here
great thinkers out there in BC land-
Pervert
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Before I answer this thread at all --- I'm still reading those references CR gave...
I find that the Robbers Cave part --- (you gotta go deep) is VERY interesting.
So I shall answer shortly..
Oh... And Crpitt - what ARE --- your ---- answers?-
You prolly don't want my answers
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@Claire
- I want to hear them.
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Ya - me too..
I'm still reading this stuff - following links and all... about group dynamics - the tests and stuff.... Rather interesting about the newcomers and the Robber's Cave experiments... and all sorts of things...
So knowing that those sparked your interest in THIS discussion - I'm rather interested in knowing YOUR responses... LOL! -
I have two hats:
Clown Hat and Trainee Therapist Hat, which means I think about things too much, but also want to have fun.
To be totally honest my main motivation is get more people thinking about group dynamics. -
ROFLMAO - I rather have a few hats meself.
However, the group concept is very lovely. Only I see a lot of the Newcomer/Oldtimer issues cropping up --- only when a newcomer uses anti group behavior or violates TOS.... And I DO see a lot of Robber's Cave mentality in tests 1-2-3, dependent on the current daily mood of the clientele.
Hmmmmm...OK - I'll put mine up there...(or down there, so to speak). -
I am really glad you read the links, I enjoyed them so much I emailed the fella that wrote them
I didn't tell him I had used them for a forum thread though lol.
It is interesting when people say they don't feel like part of a group, because like it or not they are in one
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- Do you think that as a member of BC, you are in fact a member of a group?
Yes. I believe it's a loose knit one but I do feel I am part of a group.
For those that are relative newbies do you find it hard to get your point heard?
erm, I don't think I qualify as a "relative newcomer"
Ever felt like you are toeing the line?
Yes. But that was then and this is now. You see the thing is that I'm tired of being poked. So I'm contemplating going on the prowl with fangs and claws unsheathed and taking some lethal swipes. (lol ... birthday coming soon talk - I'm a Leo) 
Who do you see as an old timer?
Serious answer: Everyone who came before me.
Smart apple answer. I do identify with the word "timer" but what's this "old" word?-
I can so see you on the warpath (and would enjoy it tremendously).
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Gangs are bad.-
Not all gangs
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Yes all.
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Do you think that as a member of BC, you are in fact a member of a group?
If I am a member of BC - and BC qualifies as a Group - then I am, in fact, a member of a group.
Whether it is because I clicked the join button and chose to stay that makes me a part of the BC Group - or because I participate in the Group Discussions... I'm not so sure.
But I willingly clicked on to BC - and WILLINGLY clicked into the discussions, and joined... A GROUP.
So YES. (grin)
For those that are relative newbies do you find it hard to get your point heard?
Hmmmmmmm... I truly have hated the word "NEWBIE" at times, but as the pure definition of what a newbie is (and not the SLANG vernacular clique usage definition) - I am still, quite, the newbie...
And part of the time - I think it isn't important if my point is heard.
Part of my processing only requires that I state it... and what others do with it, is usually up to them.
Other parts of the time, I want to share my own thoughts - whether others will agree with them or not - as a joiner to the discussion.
And still - other parts of the time - I hope to be helping out - or enjoying commenting...
I haven't had a problem at BC that spills over to real life... A few things have been said that spark interest in me - which can be productive...
And sometimes I've opened myself up more than normal on a forum, because... well because that is who I am... And I'm not going to present myself as something else to anyone - ANYWHERE...
Still - nah... No problems so far... I pretty much say what I wanna... LOL!
(and usually a lot of it too - I tend to be prolific... a really nice way of saying: WORDY AS ALL GET OUT.)
Ever felt like you are toeing the line?
Hmmmmm. I have felt that I have shoved my foot in my mouth quite a few times. But - as in real life - I must like the taste of shoe leather... Cause I ALWAYS have my foot in my mouth... Because I am really truthful - and unfortunately have little to stop my brain and fingers and mouth from moving when a thought jumps out.
And usually - I've bounced on to something else - BEFORE I realize --- Oh shoot - that probably wasn't seen as being very nice - Oh my gosh --- and then - of course, the reset/update button is gone...
And well - shoot... Oh well.. I didn't mean it THAT... "THAT" way... freaking frack... Yanno?
But - I don't think I've ever intentionally Toed the line with the INTENT to do something wrong.
Who do you see as an old timer?
The same way I dislike the vernacular usage of "newbie" I kinda don't like the term "old timer"...
But the definition of what they are: Someone who has newly arrived to the place and doesn't know all the customs... And someone who has been here a longer time, enough to know the place and almost all of the people...
There are quite a few.
Dunno... Some newbies feel like old-timers to me.
LOL!
Anyone who was here before me is an old-timer... (not age wise - cause some of you are spring chickens...)
There --- that's my stufff......fff....fffff.
Oh - TT - no war... no claws... just let it all pass... Like dysentery - this too shall pass. -
Recommended reading for the day...................
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I'd be better off with something with pretty pictures or funny cartoon characters, can you recommend something like that?
save me from Reba reruns and drool filled naps
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Nearest I have
Guess which stage this forum is at.......................
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I guess we are stuck in storming
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Do you think that as a member of BC, you are in fact a member of a group? Yes, I'm part of the gang.
For those that are relative newbies do you find it hard to get your point heard? As a non-newbie I find getting the point across a pain in the bootie.
Ever felt like you are toeing the line? No
Who do you see as an old timer? The Op up there, Anok, Thriftshop, Imaniceperson few others. -
I love love love the author of this topic and i even love when she block me.I think that's some kind of chemistry between me and her.
By the way i am single.Haha.
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