a suggestion about newcomers

[dejavu]

How about when a newcomer or even a semi veteran of this board posts that they are not attacked, critized or accused of trolling. I've seen it throughout this board and it's a bit disheartening and basically insulting. This is a public board and anyone even those of us who may not contribute alot of info still enjoy the right to come here and should not be slammed or accused of being weirdos or trolls. I know that very recently one member was banned for just this type of behavior, insults and berating. This rule should apply to all of us. Just my two cents, I would like to read these threads without having to sift through all the accusations and third degree. It's impossible to "ignore" and move on when i would like to read what i think is an interesting or informative thread but turns into either a witch hunt or an argument. :no:

[Dreammy]

How about when a newcomer or even a semi veteran of this board posts that they are not attacked, critized or accused of trolling. I've seen it throughout this board and it's a bit disheartening and basically insulting.
Both myself and Topkick(In Iraq) have cut way back on posting because of this very thing. I appreciate all the knowledge here, and some folks have been very welcoming, but I feel newbie’s questions are barely tolerated and personal 'opinions' are often challenged. Mindless, self-serving chatter appears to often come from the same ones complaining about newbie's. Just my observation and my opinion. I appreciate the opportunity to read everyone's views, even the one's I really don't agree with. I really hope this post does not get negative attention or is misconstrued, as I really very much appreciate all the knowledge that exists here between all the animosity. Thanks for tolerating this newbie's lack of knowledge about the dinar.

[farquar]

As a newbie myself I am still learning about this forum. Not one of us came on board with all the knowledge to navigate around here without making an "oops". We all learn daily as we participate and get better at this. So please, if someone makes a mistake by posting to the wrong board or has an opinion different from you be tollerent!! What about helpful? As children we were taught to be helpful and respect other people, at least that is what my nine year old son is gettng from my wife and me!! So when he grows up he will be a "positive" rather than a negative influence on others and the world around him.To our new friends Dreamy and TOPKIK I say keep posting and sharing with those of us that desire to be enlightened by your knowledge & insights. Remember we are here to get RICH, FILTHY-FILTHY- RICH. And to gain from each other along the way. PEACE :huge: FARQUAR The intelligent man finds almost everything ridiculous, the sensible man hardly anything.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749 - 1832)

[Jen39503]

Both myself and Topkick(In Iraq) have cut way back on posting because of this very thing. I appreciate all the knowledge here, and some folks have been very welcoming, but I feel newbie’s questions are barely tolerated and personal 'opinions' are often challenged. Mindless, self-serving chatter appears to often come from the same ones complaining about newbie's. Just my observation and my opinion. I appreciate the opportunity to read everyone's views, even the one's I really don't agree with. I really hope this post does not get negative attention or is misconstrued, as I really very much appreciate all the knowledge that exists here between all the animosity. Thanks for tolerating this newbie's lack of knowledge about the dinar.

Dreammy,
You make valid points. The "problem" that i have with Topkick is that he comes across, to me, as very arrogant and posts as if hes the only one that is in theater. His posting tone is very much, me and I. I appreciate him posting what he sees and hears but just because he doesnt see it, that doesnt mean its not happening.
My husband is also a contrator, and is pivitol in the rebuilding of Iraq. When he made the crack about transportation logistics, that hit a nerve with me because thats what my DH does.
I'm glad that he is able to "break bread" with the locals....my DH has been doing it for 1 1/2 years.

[Stash]

Bring on the newbies, and people of every type and opinion.

When newbies arent welcome here im gone.

[RET]

OK, I can only assume RET is probably at the top of the list being that I've become verbal lately about this very subject.

I agree ... newbies or veterans that post little should post in confidence that they will not be bashed. In my opinion the only "bashing" I've done was the other day in the March thread (and something needed to be said). What I've done with A SMALL FEW of the newbies is pretty much express frustration and try to give guidance. I feel like I'm the only one expressing concern publically of the direction this forum is taking when it comes to this topic. I KNOW I'm not alone, because I'm getting complaints about it daily. What I've done is gone to the front line and spoken up and taken some shots. Tis ok.

Here's the problem I'm having:
1. Many first posts are redundant questions. PLEASE TAKE TIME TO SEARCH. The questions many newbies have asked have been answered so many times. Which merchant to use, anything concerning opening an account, etc.
2. Some first time posters have come in here with attitudes. Not to single anyone out, but for example Templecityboy and yes, Topkick (sorry Dreammy - also, remember, I was one that welcomed you publically and by way of pm). Some, I believe, have an agenda.
3. What is so difficult in knowing where your question fits? Is it about the dinar? Post in the dinar forum. Is it a comment that you're not sure where it goes, try the lounge (you'll see that the lounge isn't full of "social" parties). It's not that difficult, but yet it's become a problem.

Look back. Sooo many have said they've been lurking for weeks and even months but then they ask questions we've discussed at length, expect us to hold their hands and spoon feed the information to them (it's all here-a self serve buffet), etc. HAVE THEY REALLY BEEN READING??? This is why I have preached that we need SOMETHING easy to find and full of important information concerning navigation, search, recommended vendors, email addresses, etc. for people needing direction ... something to help them start off on the right track. If new members or old have read enough they'll see this entire forum is easy to navigate. It's not hard to see that it's broken down into certain subject areas.

Let me share something with you ... a newbie sent me a pm last week, I believe. He and his wife had heard about the dinar a matter of days before and had found this forum something like the night before joining. He sent me a pm asking many questions which I was glad to help out with. This member was as green as they come. He is currently posting good questions and adding good input ... why? BECAUSE OF DUE DILIGENCE. It's obvious to me he invested in some time, dove in and did homework instead of expecting us to hold his hand. All he needed was direction.

Before you remind me that the hand I'm pointing with has three pointing back to me, remember that I admitted to being one in the group that others have complained about concerning posting non-sense. I also made some pledges. I have been doing what I said I'd do. I agree, it's difficult to filter through threads. I'm trying to undo what I've done in the past. All I'm asking is others do the same.

What I've done these past several days is express some frustration as others have been free to do during the lifetime of this forum. I'm sure I'm talking to "the hand" for many of you.

I'm done talking, I'm done "bashing" as some of you view it, I'm done offering suggestions on this topic. Done.

[Jerry]

This is a most excellent post. Very well said and thought out. The last thing I would want in this forum is an "us" and "them" secenario.

We all collectively provide this forum with information its just a matter of knowing where to put it. Thats what MODERATORS are for. Issues such as posting in the wrong place I feel, should be addressed by way of private message or simply move the post accordingly.

All RET is asking is that people do due diligence and research the forum for info that has allready been put out.

[RET]

All RET is asking is that people do due diligence and research the forum for info that has allready been put out.

THANK YOU!!! That's all I was saying (I was just long-winded in the way I went about it).

People, you should know me well enough to know that I am NOT on a Witch hunt, I am not about "bashing" people, I am not on a mission to single members out. It's not my "make up". :no: Those that know me, know.

[Dinaress]

I pretty much keep my big mouth shut when things are not going so hot, but i will give it a shot---
this forum does not need to be cluttered with repeated comments over and over and over--
we are fortunate to have a place to come share information example=new articles and website to view, these are vital for the forum--by that i mean for REAL information about Iraq and the Dinar--its not a public forum for just opinions, which lately it has become.
It is nice to occassionally banter on about what we think and thats healthy. But in order for the forums objectives to be achieved a new person should read as much as possible before posting. we already have ample theories from everybody when they think the dinar will go on the forex, we already know there are cultural and political differences(which by the way is even in our own society and we deal with it rationally--most of the time) If you spent your time reading this would all be evident. Its kinda like a mother getting tired and wanting to change her name from "momma" to something else...you can hear it a million times and it gets old.
i think most everyone here has invested in the Iraq economy and dinars and our main focus should be factual information that benefits each investor. If we spend our time searching at least one of 300 links out there we will eventually find a good site to help us in that endeavor for the real events that are going to help our investment.
i hope that each and everyone takes time out of their day to come here will do a little research and post what they find because i thirst for information-- thanks to all who have posted news articles and websites to search.
i for one am blessed to be able to come, read and share what i find--thanks Dinaress

p.s. i posted an article about Basra that was totally awesome and only one person took the time to respond to it? if ya haven't read it--do so.

[Dreammy]

Dreammy,
You make valid points. The "problem" that i have with Topkick is that he comes across, to me, as very arrogant and posts as if hes the only one that is in theater. His posting tone is very much, me and I. I appreciate him posting what he sees and hears but just because he doesnt see it, that doesnt mean its not happening.
My husband is also a contrator, and is pivitol in the rebuilding of Iraq. When he made the crack about transportation logistics, that hit a nerve with me because thats what my DH does.
I'm glad that he is able to "break bread" with the locals....my DH has been doing it for 1 1/2 years.To Jen, this is not a competition whose husband has been in Iraq longer or the like. I made a post in a "suggestion box" in response to Dejavu. (an appropriate area for such a post. I did not name names, because it was not my intention to single out anyone. RET made the assumption I was referring to her. In fact she has gone out of her way to welcome me and make me feel welcome). Yet you name names in a suggestion box forum to take issue with my husband? I don't need to defend a man who served in the full time Army over 26 years nor do I seek to compare him to your husband or anyone else on the board whether they served or not. I will say...TOPKICK Opinionated? absolutely! A crabass and difficult, he sure can be....BUT Does he have the right to express his view on this forum (even if you don't agree?) I would hope so. If you have a "problem" with TOPKICK perhaps it would make sense to private message him to confront what ever you feel is a big enough issue to dispute? and not do it in a suggestion box thread where my post was to back-up and agree with a previous poster. I'm I yet again wrong to do this in a suggestion box? Opinions are just that, opinions.
To other members here:
I have a great deal of respect for several people here, Jerry and Ret are at the top of the list (Even if I don't always agree with everything that they say or the way it is said). As I newbie I totally own my lack of knowledge, well below EVERYONE here. I am reading and reading and reading. I am trying and it is a huge amount of information to sift thru. As a newbie, perhaps a question comes forth, not because they have not read, but that they seek and trust the ones currently here and posting. Some of the information is confusing and not all in agreement.... Just my opinion.
Sincerely, Dreammy (Whew...RET, you are rubbing off on me....I got very long winded and do appologize).

[Dinaress]

To newbies--if after reading the forum and ya still don't know the answer to a question--private messaging is permitted and encouraged. anyone will gladly redirect you to a viable resource.
there really should be no reason to air grievances on the open forum.

[Jen39503]

To Jen, this is not a competition whose husband has been in Iraq longer or the like. I made a post in a "suggestion box" in response to Dejavu. (an appropriate area for such a post. I did not name names, because it was not my intention to single out anyone. RET made the assumption I was referring to her. In fact she has gone out of her way to welcome me and make me feel welcome). Yet you name names in a suggestion box forum to take issue with my husband? I don't need to defend a man who served in the full time Army over 26 years nor do I seek to compare him to your husband or anyone else on the board whether they served or not. I will say...TOPKICK Opinionated? absolutely! A crabass and difficult, he sure can be....BUT Does he have the right to express his view on this forum (even if you don't agree?) I would hope so. If you have a "problem" with TOPKICK perhaps it would make sense to private message him to confront what ever you feel is a big enough issue to dispute? and not do it in a suggestion box thread where my post was to back-up and agree with a previous poster. I'm I yet again wrong to do this in a suggestion box? Opinions are just that, opinions.
To other members here:
I have a great deal of respect for several people here, Jerry and Ret are at the top of the list (Even if I don't always agree with everything that they say or the way it is said). As I newbie I totally own my lack of knowledge, well below EVERYONE here. I am reading and reading and reading. I am trying and it is a huge amount of information to sift thru. As a newbie, perhaps a question comes forth, not because they have not read, but that they seek and trust the ones currently here and posting. Some of the information is confusing and not all in agreement.... Just my opinion.
Sincerely, Dreammy (Whew...RET, you are rubbing off on me....I got very long winded and do appologize).

I stated an opinion, nothing more, nothing less.

[anaz]

Firstly: Welcome Dreammy!

Second: Please take gentle advice and PM Jen with any other comments regarding the above opinions/comments. You both are going through something that is very stressful...Been there, done that! It is hard to be without the hubbies, and maybe that is one of the reasons for the long posts, maybe not.

PM is a great tool.

Have a lovely weekend! Later! :p

[mscollectors]

I just have to add my 1/2 cent worth. I agree with most of you. Posting has taken alot of thought lately. Researching takes so much precious time too! I think my husband thinks I moved into the office since I spend so much time trying to sift through the ..........to find the real info. I really feel fortunate to have a site where I can learn soooo much and not be bashed by scepticle persons for my investment attitude. Which I learned today was a "10" thanks to Jerry. Like so many have said even if it falls flat it was worth the investment just to pay so much attention and learn about investing. So really if we have a complaint with someone why not PM them and keep the forum a real learning theatre.

[Misafost]

I did a search for this but nothing came back. I recently placed an order but the order status page will not come up. It says "cannot connect to data base". Any thoughts?

[Aunt Gwennie]

I did a search for this but nothing came back. I recently placed an order but the order status page will not come up. It says "cannot connect to data base". Any thoughts?
Dan, the Administrator, engaged a new server for the forum. The last week has been difficult for some members to access certain areas...or even log in for that matter. Here is the link to Amer's page to check order status. Hope this helps.

http://www.investorsiraq.com/cart/index.php

Aunt Gwennie