When I was a newbie back in 2002, several FReepers stepped forward to welcome me and show me around. They introduced me to several of the ping lists, and they were a tremendous help.
Sometimes we just need a little nudge now and again.
Sometimes the right FReepername (getmeouttaPalmBeachCounty_FL) opens FReeper hearts and the wrong one (Obama2win) immediately alerts the Kitties.
Very true! I had welcome messages in FRmail, but didn't know about FRmail and it was a month before I nosed around and found them. LOL!
Ping lists were very confusing to me, too. Some were putting me on them and I didn't know what to do with them. ;*)