I've noticed that at times some one will hop in on an old thread which starts up a new discussion. So I don't think that is a bad thing. I would really encourage people to just start some where. The more the merrier.

When I come to the forum, I click the "since last visit " spot and once I am there I make my choice of topic. At the top in the light purple bar It says "oldest first" that starts you at the beginning of the thread. If you click on that spot you can chance it to "newest first" then "Go" which is right next to the spot you just clicked. That will take you to the entries of that day. Then you will not be responding to posts from months prior. Hope all you newbies feel free to join in. The more voices in the choir, the prettier the music. Betty Ann

What simplifies it for me is the ability to click on "view posts since last here." thank you to whoever designed that part!

I've been guilty of trying the forums, found them difficult to navigate (just because I'm so used to the Blogs), and left after just a couple of clicks. Then I happened to read a blog that suggested giving the forums another try. So I did and found the tip about "new since last visit" link. MUCH EASIER to get to the latest information.

I'm still searching through the forums and find myself wanting to respond to posts from last year! I'll keep fumbling through them until it becomes as second nature as the blogs and add my name to the roles of the TQS addicted. Currently my name appears at the top of most lists for Blogs, Quilt Gallery, Shows, Daily Blog, and Classrooms.

Every so often someone says how long it takes to read the forum and keep up so they don't come here very often. The forum has a lot of topics and most of us (myself included) aren't very careful about where we post a question. (Just look at the topics listed in this one category and almost all of them have little to do with the function of the forum) Now before you all get upset and think that is a criticism

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NO IT IS SIMPLY AN OBSERVATION OF OUR BEHAVIOR AND I AM ONE OF THE WORST OFFENDERS !!!!!!!LOL

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to new people to the forum or those of you who don't read it every day, I have these suggestions.

1. JUST START - Read a thread or two that you are interested in
(for example if you are a long arm quilter start by reading that section first) then each time you log in to the forum, read one or two new sections. Read the newest entries first and go back only if you have time or the discussion is something you are really interested in.

2. After you get started so you have read a few sections, run through the forum at least once a day if possible. When I have had to miss three or four days, I feel overwhelmed .

3. Watch for people who have said things that were helpful to you or were particularly interesting to you and read their entries first. Then read the other entries if you have time. I am not suggesting that you do not read other people - I think everyones entries should be read but when you are getting started that is a good way to approach the problem of too much information too little time.

4. Respond to a thread or start your own thread. By doing that you will be more invested in reading the entries to that thread

5. Don't feel like you have to read every entry completely. I don't have a Bernina so often skip that thread, I don't do Dear Janes so that is another one I can skip. No long arm machine ok ski[ that one etc.

BUT MY MOST IMPORTANT SUGGESTION IS JUST DO IT. GET STARTED AND YOU TOO MAY HAVE TO JOIN ONE OUR ADDICTS PROGRAM.

(HI My name is Ann and I am addicted to TQS, the forum, the blogs, anything Ricky convergences etc. AND I DON'T WANT TO CHANGE SO THERE TOO)