I fully agree, especially point 1. I'm now familiar with (the names of) most of the people who hang out here on a regular basis. When I see what I find is a pretty dumb post from someone I don't recognise, it's easy enough to right-click on their name and bring up their homenode in a seperate window.

On a number of occasions this has stopped me trashing the node with a --, and instead giving a considered reply.

Number 2 is also a good idea. This also goes both ways. I publicly critised (--ed and noded) a node that served only to point out a spelling error. When questioned, the person felt that since he didn't know the bad speller, he felt he couldn't be so presumptious as to message him. Messages are fun! Even from complete strangers and/or newbies!

If everyone kept this in mind, there wouldn't even be a need for a newbie area. Remember what Casey West said.

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g r i n d e r