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I was under the impression Peter, that you wanted us to make use of them, as well as the ratings icons ?

 

Yes, I rate the ratings; in fact ' thanks' for example, shows appreciation and is after all just good manners.( And here is where I am tempted to insert a smiley)

 

Well my generation is in advance of most -thankfully not all - members, including your own Peter, and if I only had a pound for every time I have had to get used to something that is not commonplace, I would be a rich man.

The 'ratings' are inspired and I use them regularly, and even if 'smileys' remind of childish symbolism, bully for them say I. They act as ice breakers and are enormous fun to use and add a touch of levity to a posting, as not everything posted needs to be on a serious level. In fact I would go so far as to say that if they were used more often, they might even encourage others to respond and create postings of their own.

Although hard to resist I will - like emjay - on this occasion desist from adding my choice smiley; but only on this occasion.

 

I agree with Bob and think that the occasional smiley can just lighten the tone a little to avoid apparently serious remarks from being too much like criticism. I can't remember what my early posts were about but I am sure that I used the odd smiley or two somewhere within the first few.

The first few posts can be a little daunting for anyone and if some members would rather not use smileys until they feel comfortable then that should be fine. A bit like an MP's maiden speech in the House of Commons, it is better to get it over and out of the way on a relatively trivial matter so that confidence can be built up ready for anything important which might follow.

I would suggest that anyone who has yet to get involved, should cut their teeth on topics like "What's the weather like where you are?", etc, where NOT ALL posts need to be very carefully considered.

 

Actually Peter I make no such assumption and have no more than academic interest in the quantitative status of my postings, mainly because you have referred to them on a couple of occasions. However like you I would want to encourage new members to post and firmly believe the light hearted (with or without smiley) approach is best. I constantly check for new posts and I am just as likely to respond to a ‘new member’ as an oldie if their post strikes a chord; and many do.

I post because I enjoy doing so and have met a good many soul mates in the Forum and had many 2-3-4 way banters along the way. This encourages others to join in and that is good and should be encouraged.

My first posts were along genealogical lines and many still are but the Forum blossomed when I found the inspirational ‘Anything but Genealogy’ and especially ‘Anything else’ Section which places it head and shoulders over the more single minded Roots Chat and its ilk. Its a great starting off point and I would recommend new members to take a peek at its past content for inspiration. Genealogical topics will surely follow.

 

I recall the topic that first attracted me to post was the 'Growing up in the war, 40's 50's etc' section and I was amazed at the responses from people I did not know, but who have since because very well known. I also enjoyed the 'County' section enabling me to post of experiences growing up in Warwickshire & Worcestershire. As you say, once you have broken the ice and answered responses, it becomes easy to find other areas - especially the more light hearted 'Anything else' section.

 

I believe the latter point you make is perhaps the most daunting for new comers. I belong to a 'Geek' Forum (mainly dealing with IT matters but not exclusively) which is quite fascinating and illuminating but it frightens the life out of me to actual post a question. I am sure my ignorance will shine through and will be met with scorn. Actually it never is because the learned Geek members (& moderators) have a way of putting me at my ease, even if it is the 'nth' time of being asked the same question. So we should not be too surprised to find others feel the same way in this Forum and why I think we need to take this into account and 'lighten up'

 

Gosh I turned my back for a few minutes to answer Peter, Tim & Bryman and then find I have missed some half dozen other responses; all on the subject of the use or misuse of smileys.

Well at least now I know I and many other fellow (of both sexes) 'outperforming contributors' are -like the pigs and dogs in George Orwell's Animal Farm - more equal (or unique as Peter puts it) than others. Well I don't know about that because all I ever wanted to be was a Lumber Jack (and if that isn't an appropriate use of a smiley I don't know what is).

 

I think this is exactly the reason for new members to be reticent; unnecessarily so.

I would like to suggest that if anyone reading this feels that way then I would invite them to send me (or Tim?) a Private Message, which is like posting on this forum but only goes to that single person, unless deliberately extended. Just left click on the photo avatar of the chosen recipient followed by a left click on "Start a conversation". Initially, there doesn't have to be a technical reason for the message. Just a "Hello" will do to get things started. Make your "maiden speech" in private!

 

That should prove interesting Peter. Sorry couldn't resist !