As a " newbie " . I had an experience not very long ago with a post where I was insulted by a " regular " , I responded in kind, and was threatened with being banned , the person who made the " threat " admitted that the regular was wrong, but as a " newbie " I was supposed to show the regulars the utmost respect, meaning take unnecessary crap because I haven't earned the right to tell people who insult others where to get off. I gave my opinion, and the person didn't agree with it, and instead of voicing their opinion, insults were unnecessarily slung. That type of environment isn't conducive to new people becoming a part of the forum. We all have experiences and opinions to share and they should be welcomed, not met with scorn, derision and disdain because one feels their " seniority " affords them the right to castigate and insult.
If the regular was wrong and insulting, his status should afford him no special privilege of being able to abuse others because he has more posts than I do ( I have been here a couple of years, I just don't post much as I am in and out of the country ). I have been in the D.R. as a resident for going on 5 years now, and have just as much experience as anyone else.
I think that " newbie " status shouldn't be a flag for others to heap abuse on them as if they don't know what they are talking about. Being married to a Government Official here, my knowledge could be helpful to those looking for answers, or assistance but I would hesitate giving it if I had the same experience again.
I like DR1, and as a previous poster stated, there's a wealth of information to be had here, some right, some wrong, and some well .... but this gauntlet that " newbies " have to run in order to be respected is a little off putting. We should all be equals here.
