I’ll admit that, in the presence of so many triple and quadruple digit posters, my 100th post is not the most earth-shattering event in the history of the SDMB. Nevertheless, I feel obligated to observe this milestone in some fashion.
I’ve looked back over my first 100 posts, and noticed certain trends. So far, I’ve accomplished the following:
I have posted in nearly every forum, with the exceptions of Comments on Staff Reports and About this Message Board.
I have posted on a wide range of subjects, running the gamut from human rights abuses in 1980s El Salvador to whether or not a giant rabid badger could take on a giant rabid mantis shrimp.
I’ve started new threads that have survived at least a few days before fading out.
I’ve participated in a couple of BBQ threads, including one of the Painter of Shite, Thomas Kinkade.
However…
I’ve spent most of my time in Cafe Society. I lurk quite a bit in Great Debates, but I rarely dive in because I can’t stand the commitment (that is, the commitment to reading responses to my posts and preparing my counterresponses, day after day). I probably need to get out into other forums more often.
I haven’t participated in any personally revealing, sex-related threads. Not even the “Spit or Swallow” thread.
I haven’t started any thread that grew past one page.
I’ve never pitted anyone, nor have I been pitted. I also have never participated in the pitting of any particular SDMB posters (although I’ve already identified which posters I usually agree with and which ones rub me the wrong way).
So, where do I go from here? Should I stay in Cafe Society and try to carve out a niche for myself there? Or should I become more social and hang out here in MPSIMS and IMHO? And will I ever achieve SDMB cred without getting involved in a knock-down, drag-out fight with somebody in GD or the BBQ pit?
Other than that, I have to say I love this message board. It’s filled with such a wonderful array of posters–I love the geographical and cultural diversity here. I lurked for a long time before I ever posted, but I don’t know why I waited, as I’ve never been flamed by anyone.
I enjoy being among so many intellectual geniuses–and a couple of loveable numbskulls as well. Here’s hoping that I fit in somewhere between those two extremes.
The stool sample is usually taken unwillingly; that is, the admins email you with something like “don’t do this again or you’re banned,” at which the poster shits himself. Then the admins ask for the stool sample. I mean, it’s not like you were gonna use it for anything.
Oh, and as for where to go next… I’d say post 101. Call me crazy!
Don’t be in such a rush to post willy-nilly whatever comes into your head. Do that and soon you’re posting something everyday. Your quality is bound to suffer. By lurking about, you’ll soon see the addicted, er, regular posters make almost every point imaginable. Take your time. Breath in. Now out. Relaxed?
Very good advice, cards. I already find myself having to fight against the urge to post silly responses as they enter my head. Sometimes, I confess, the urge has overcome me, and I have posted needlessly. I am filled with shame.
Is there a support group for compulsive posters? A Dopers Anonymous, if you will? Just in case I need such help–not that I need it, of course…
