Why Do People Join..Then Not Join In?

[grannymem]

Oh dear! I'm really sorry for not contributing more as a very new member.

I've already had lots of help, I love the atmosphere that's generated through the forum and I really enjoy reading the posts - although I confess some of the 'funnies' are not for me.
With not a lot of time on my hands, I don't always read the general chat (not suggesting those who contribute to it DO have a lot of time on their hands!) and so far, I've had little to offer in the way of tips - especially when I read the expert advice from you more experienced folk.

When the moment arrives, I promise I will contribute where I can - and I'll certainly post questions. You're a wonderful lot!

[piskieinboots]

don't feel bad Granny - I sometimes come in, read and clear off without a peep

[rustylady]

Oh dear! I'm really sorry for not contributing more as a very new member.

I've already had lots of help, I love the atmosphere that's generated through the forum and I really enjoy reading the posts - so far, I've had little to offer in the way of tips.

When the moment arrives, I promise I will contribute where I can - and I'll certainly post questions. You're a wonderful lot!

You don't have to give tips Grannymem, just comments and questions are fine.

[grannymem]

Not too many comments or questions are springing to mind, Rustylady, but when inspiration hits, I'll post!

[Nicos]

don't feel bad Granny - I sometimes come in, read and clear off without a peep

me too..not that I'm nosy or anything!

[HeyWayne]

Forums are made up of real people (yes, they are honestly), and by default the behaviours of forum members will reflect behaviours of people in the "real" world. That is to say you'll get as diverse and interesting a mix of personalities as you would in any group environment.

Some will be loud and shouty, others more reserved and quite.

I'd be the shy retiring wallfower in the corner obviously.

[piskieinboots]

obviously

not sure what type I am

[Nicos]

obviously

not sure what type I am

We'll be pouring out the vino

[tulip]

I joined initially, as a newbie, for the info, and keep reading as I love all the banter and chat and humour, as well as all the gardening tips. I rarely join in the banter (though I would like to), as i'm ill and can only use the computer for short bursts. Even when i do write, I'm likely to be abrupt - not intended, I'm just trying to get the words out before my energy goes.

While I'm here - I'd like to say thanks - I'm confined to barracks most of the time, and been bedbound a lot of the summer - so my great growing plans have gone to pot, but I guess my passionate enthusiasm well outstrips my energy- (I knew that really but didn't like to admit it) a lesson learnt. It's all positive and grist to the mill though , as it's all learning and enjoyable and I'm set for next year with a realistic plan of what to aim for. You know, it's great to come on here and be amongst folks with a similar passion for growing even if I can't join in as I'd like to.

so thanks -
you're a lovely bunch of folks and I've had so many laughs. You've all pepped up my summer no end.

tulip

[Pumpkin Becki]

I'd be the shy retiring wallfower in the corner obviously.

Good grief! I must be a mute then

[allotmentlady]

mebbe they are scared of the norty step and us lot mmmmwwwuuaaahhhhhxx

[HeyWayne]

mebbe they are scared of the norty step and us lot mmmmwwwuuaaahhhhhxx

Now who could possibly be scared of a tyre smoking, Porsche weilding lunatic like you?

[Nicos]

*Ouch* ...mind that stick thingy you've got there AL- ya nearly poked me in the eye with it!!!!

[bluemoon]

don't feel bad Granny - I sometimes.... clear off without a peep

But not very often.

I just think it takes all sorts. Some people are forward and always joking, some are quieter. With the vine there are people who are so experienced that it can be quite scary and someone may think they have nothing to contribute in the face of that. Personally I'm of the opinion that it doesn't matter if the only veg growing you've ever attempted is a row of carrots in a window box, if you can explain to someone who's never done that how you did it, what the problems were and how you'd do it next time, then you can help and have something valuable to say. Occasionally newbies are 'guilty' of thinking outside the box and can come up with brilliant ideas simply because their inexperience has led them to try something the rest of us wouldn't have considered. It would be a loss if they didn't pass it on, but I can see why some might not. Personally I'm not the most gregarious of people, but I'd read the mag from issue 1, and just popped in for a look; I even called myself Bluemoon, coz I didn't think I'd be here much, but I was lucky in that one of the first threads I read happened to be on something I knew about, so I posted (there wasn't an intro bit at that time). If I'd read more of the vine before that first post I might have been intimidated and never posted at all, even though at that point I'd had a lottie for 20 odd years, so wasn't exactly inexperienced. My OH has been a member of a forum (not gardening) for nearly 2 years and has posted on it twice, not because he doesn't know about the subject, but because he's a taciturn kinda guy. He'd never join the vine because we'd simply terrify him, but he does read it from time to time.

[piskieinboots]

But not very often.

fair point