> > For goodness sake. What is it about you people who have been in chat 24/7 for a freaking year but describe yourselves as "newbies"? My mind is boggling.
>
> My opinion, as a social science student of two years (TWO MONTHS LEFT BEFORE I NO LONGER AM!), is that the Rinkworks community is so close-knit that it is hard for anyone to feel like they belong.
>
> And so people still feel like newbies after years.
>
> 'tienne

Um... so how can we be a close-knit community if it's hard for anyone to feel like they belong? It's kind of contradictory.

Wording aside, your point is taken. I personally would disagree. I've never felt like I didn't belong. Just like coming into any social situation, it takes a while to find your feet and the particular facet of the group that you can bond with the best. There are many Rinkies that I don't know very well at all and have never had a protracted one-on-one conversation with. I was really surprised when, say, Mousie actually recognized me at the past RinkUnion before I had a chance to tell her who I was. Still, to keep using her as an example, I really enjoy group conversations in chat with her. Our interests might not be close enough to spawn more long, personal conversations, but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate her and enjoy her company.

I think I went off on a tangent there.

Anyway. I basically think that 'fitting in' here is not difficult at all. The 'requirements' for acceptance and invitation into conversation in chat (as I have percieved) are as simple as being able to type properly and not act like a moron.

As for those who feel like newbies but aren't? I guess the state at which you feel completely accepted varies for each person.

I say that once you enter chat and have the occupants greet you with exclamation points and happy welcomes, you've made it.

Sosiqui