"Newbie"- Is it a welcoming term for new people.

When I was new, I hated the term "Newbie". People normally associate "newbie" with someone who acts out of place, slow at figuring stuff out and very child like. That does not fit most of the new people who come into Second Life.

When refering to new people, I try to just use the words "New Resident". I was shocked to see so many events and property names that use the word "Newbie" to try and attract visitors. Do you really think that is a flattering term? Last thing I wanted when I was new was to attend an event that made me feel like an idiot before I even arrived.

I don't quite get why some people thing newbie is a derogatory term, we were all new once so there shouldn't be any kind of stigma attached to it. Newbie I'm ok with but calling someone a "Stupid Noob" is just being a jackass so I suppose it's all about context.

Everybody's a newbie at something. It's just more Netspeak, though it can be used either fondly OR disparagingly.

In the Old West they were called "tenderfoot". Maybe we should use that instead.

I always considered newbie a diminutive term for a new user rather than a slur. When I have used it, my intentions were always more cute than hostile. But then I have cute nicknames for everybody, from "badunkadunk" to "muffin butt". If anybody took offense I would certainly find another word.

I didn't mind being called a newbie.

I try to use newcomer, but often find myself using newbie or n00b just because of its commonplace usage.

At least you can't be a n00b for long.

While I have seen the term used in a deratory way, I know that for most people its just the neutral label they use. Without any value being attached, one way or the other.

However, I dont know of any broad research that has been done that would ask new players how they feel about the label. So, while we've heard here from at least one person that they didn't mind, Im not entirely sure most new players would fancy the term. We dont know how it makes them feel, particularly if they are truly new, not just to SL, but to online environments in general.

So .. I generally try to find otherways to express myself, avoiding the use of the term when I can.

I do, however, forget sometimes. Working on it tho

"New resident" and "newcomer" are nicer, I suppose, but newbie is generally understood by everyone in all games, and is understood not to be derogatory. "NOOB," on the other hand, is considered the more derogatory form, I think.

coco

I have not seen the term newbie used in a negative way. this is what dictionary.com says it means...

new·bie ( P ) Pronunciation Key (nb, ny-)
n. Slang
One that is new to something, especially a novice at using computer technology or the Internet.


It just means a new user to me.

I don't see how you can take offense to being called a newbie when you are new to the game, don't let it bother you just laugh it off, it's not a personal insult.

Although context is important, I don't consider the terms "newbie" or "noob" in and of themselves offensive. I think it's kind of a playful and fun term.

I think anyone offended by simply being called a newbie needs to don some thicker skin. Just like any internet site, that's not the worst to be heard.

HP

They are newbs until I say differently.

Yes David pass my OK to give them mods, and report to my office after

I agree, NOOB is playful too, when you know someone, and is almost always used in a playful context.

coco

When I was new, I hated being called badunkadunk or muffin butt.

And I still carry that bitterness with me today.

I also think the term newbie and it's "good" or "bad" is detemined by those around you. In my old IRC game newbie meant nothing more then you had to learn. They taught and you all had fun. In my last beta-test newbie meant....unpleasant things that were more uncomfortable then the back of a volkswagon.

I don't mind being called a newbie! But if I'm called a NOOB, someone will pay.. and in blood

Being called a newbie is usually followed up with sighs of nostaliga.. being called a noob is an insult worse than death

I strangled my friend cause he kept saying NOOB after everything in RL whenever it involved computers. He thought he got my goat...he got my nerve...the way he said it was like NO234945eauitasgOB.

If "newbie" or "noob" is offensive, I propose some alternatives, many of which can be cutsie-shortned:

alien
amateur
apprentice
arrivee
baby
beanie
beginner
boobie
colonist
dilettante
draftee
experiencially challenged
fledgeling
fresh meat
freshman
greenhorn
hatchling
jackleg
jellybean
johnny come lately
low postcounter
lowerclassman
neophyte
novice
outlander
pilgrim
plebe
recruit
refugee
rookie
tenderfoot
trainee
tramp
unveteran
vagabond
virgin

Ooooo, I vote Fresh Meat and Tramp!!!

Why do we need a term that divides people between those who have been here for a long time (whatever that means), and those who have been here for a shorter time (again, whatever that means)?

It's another way of separating people. If that's what you want, continue.

prefer noobie spelling.

I like "lowerclassman"

I say we call them "Feted Inner Core"