For Newer Answerers

Yes that....and not until you've had one of Ann's pies.

I don't think that answering the same question leads to bitterness. The rancor has usually been over stuff that is not relevant to RA. No one who has a legit question in here gets burned. The controversial opinion stuff, or stupid off topic stuff is what gets the grief.

Nah. I only ever use the new posts thing, I have a direct link to it and it's my forum starting page....

I can't really argue with that, Cristalle. But answering the same question does lead to some degree of snippyness and smartass answers. For example, a new poster posts to ask about a computer issue we have all heard a million times and the answer is "get a new computer". Worthless answer, that one. I also think that to some extent, subjects that start out pretty tame go off-topic very quickly because people are tired ofthe same old questions and want to talk about something that is, to them, more interesting. New answerers may help pull those topics back on topic.

You are absolutely right, though, that the controversial stuff - is SL sex cheating, etc., creates drama. There's always some troll ready to post about how LL is the nazi mothership because he can't gamble or start his own bank.

I'm not sure off-topic joking creates bad feelings, but that may be because I made a lot of off-topic posts and I'm still smarting from the pummeling I feel like I took last week for it, when I never meant to hurt anyone. I'd just as soon not concede that point yet - let me keep a little pride intact. I'm resolved to stop with the jokes altogether and just try to answer questions in here so I don't piss people off. Hah! maybe I count as a new answerer!

Trout, I can't remember you ever being bitchy about a question...

I don't think I have been. At least I've tried pretty hard not to be when I have given serious answers in the past, especially to new residents. I may heve been wrong a few times, but not on purpose. Being new is really difficult. SL has a very steep learning curve, so the last thing a new resident needs is to be patronized or made to feel that their legitimate question was stupid.

I've seen it a few times from others, though, and I am certainly guilty of derailing threads. I always tried to do it after the answer had been given several times, but sometimes they are just like a big, juicy steak dangling in front of a tiger. It's hard to just hold back.

To keep this one on topic, I believe fresh blood=fresh perspective. Nobody should hold back from answering questions or giving their ideas on an issue in here, unless they are incapable of not being nasty about it. New input is a good thing.

/me makes a chicken barbecue pizza with red onion and ricotta cheese and lays it softly on Trout's desk next to his keyboard, along with a frosted mug of his favorite beer, and puts a nice little gilt placard in front of them that says:

Look, dude, I don't know what happened around here last week and I certainly am not going to look at the threads in question and find out. I'm ignoring it.

I do have one serious opinion which I want to share with you: if Linden moderators show up and don't get a chance to read your fake letters from Lindens, well, I think that would be just ... sad.
.

Hell if it weren't for derailed threads.. this place would be as exciting as an actuary seminar.

So as long as people get an answer to their questions. I welcome derailments, some of them turn into spectacular crashes!

.d

Um...wow...(/face reddens) I didn't even notice the "New Posts" button, until you pointed it out...Thanks! That's a nifty function.

The little I do know about SL and its workings only serves to get me in trouble, so I rarely have an answer for others. I am, however, always happy to give my two cents' worth.

Agreed. I learnt two new things in the last few days because of 'new poster' input. As for nastiness, I have found that some of the worst offenders are the first to wag their fingers, and the kindest ones the first to question themselves/their behaviours.

(I also agree about the juicy steak )

If even that fun.

Without conversation they may as well just make 10 stickies threads for FAQs and hire the Maytag repairman.

Gah! My Achilles heel. No fair hitting me in a weak spot.

Wants pizza and beer. But if I'm funny, people will hate me. But I want pizza and beer. But people will hate me...pizza...hate...beer...head asplodes.

OK - it will probably get me banned, but if we actually get Linden moderators, I'm going to have to post one of my infamous "Letters From The Lindens". I apologize in advance. That was my all time favorite gag. That and the ratings and Bollywood. Who dares me to post one in Robin Linden's townhall thread? I've lost the will to live so I'll do damn near anything at this point.

Dear Robin:

It has come to our attention that...

I dare you.

I double dare you.

/me sobs quietly as I lay cool cloths on your fevered brow, frantically chafing your pale lifeless hands... /me struggles to lift your head from the pillow, dribbling just a little cold beer between your alabaster lips.

"Look Trout, your favorite lure, and here's your very special bamboo rod. Please, please come back to us, all the women who love you! Let's see that sparkle back in your eye.. What will it take?" /me pleads with soulful abandon. "Slut ratings, pizza, your bi-plane?"

"Just tell me what to do... I'll do anything..."

I didn't mean I was actually dying. I meant that I no longer have any self preservation instincts. Once you lose the will to live, life actually gets more fun. You can do all sorts of kooky things and not care about the actual results.

Triple dare.

He just needs to try out the fishing game at 7Seas...I sent him a rod and bait, ffs! All he has to do is show up!

Look! I caught a little scuba girl (among other things)!



Oh, and I came in second in a fishing contest too!

I triple dog dare you to give her an unsolicited rating.

I will make insults about your manhood if you don't do this.

Did you keep her or throw her back?

I kept her...along with her boyfriend and a raven-haired pal. Also, roughly 50-odd fish, 3 bikinis, and some salvage items you can use to build other things. It's TOTALLY addictive.

Well crap, don't do that, then life would be just downright boring. Sorry I didnt see anyone ripping you a new one or I would have spoken up.. Next time that happens let me know and I will pull out my uzi. One for me and the rest for Trout, bloodbath here it comes Oh oh, I hope it wasnt me teasing you because you are downright fickle when it come to women and you havent given me that kiss yet. My lips are still waiting.

Does the New Posts Button work properly if you never log out of the forums?

It does for me. I have been using the "New Posts" button since I first found the forums.