  Noticing Newbies
This week: From Newbie to Oldbie - Bridging the Gap Edited by: THANKFUL SONALI back on Jan 4  
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| Some oldbies and not-so-oldbies speak about what it means to work with newbies! |
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Hello!
Looking at "Noticing Newbies" , I find the words 'shy', 'confused' and 'overwhelmed' appearing again and again.
Well, naturally. Writing Dot Com is a big site - there are groups, activities, contests, reviewing - in short, a million choices, which can be quite bewildering for a newcomer. But it's this that makes the site so exciting, such a friendly place for writers of all genres and abilities. Most of the newbie posts also express a sense of discovery and the feeling of happiness that such a site exists, the sentiment seems to be 'I've come home'.
Having heard from the newbies in their forum posts, I decided to check out the other side of the coin - and hear from some 'oldbies' and 'not-so-oldbies' about what it means to work with newbies!
So I bombarded some Writing Dot Com members with questions, and received prompt replies! At first, I thought I'd compile all the replies into one essay - then I realised I was diluting the unique voices and experiences of those who have been working with our newbies. So I've left the questions and answers as they are, for you to enjoy.
Here goes! The ups and downs, thrills and chills of working with newbies!
Responses from: ~*Arpita*~ 
1. Why did you decide to start a group and forum for newbies?
I am quite a newbie here myself. As a newbie there were often instances when I couldn't really find my way through the site. I didn't know whom to ask. At times I was also shy to ask. I thought newbies might feel more comfortable to talk to other newbies and share their difficulties. That's what made me create the forum and the group.
2. What was the easiest part of setting up and running the group?
With time I had learnt about WritingML and linking, so presentation of the group and forum was easy for me. Plus I had made some acquaintances who helped spread the word. Thanks especially to the Moderators, like eyestar~* , who gave me the initial ideas on how to get my forum noticed. Once the group got noticed, we received donations from many of our senior members. I am really grateful to them for their help and support.
3. What has been the most challenging or difficult part of running the group?
Since I am the only one running this forum, often it becomes a problem to juggle my own writing and reviewing with group work. Plus once the novelty has worn off, the participation of the members has also decreased a bit. I am thinking about how to get things back on track. Any suggestions are welcome. 
4. What has been your most rewarding experience with the group?
It always feels great when I can help a newbie with something, no matter how small it is. That's the most rewarding experience for me.
Responses from: MumstheWord and Riot 
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1. Why did you decide to start a group to help newbies?
MumstheWord ~ Some writers joined WDC a long time ago, but for me it was still a fairly recent affair, and I remember just how vast and confusing the place was. All these different coloured cases gave me a sense of hierarchy, and I felt a little intimidated. It took me a while to put myself out there, and when it came to reviewing, I was so worried about what I had to offer that I kept my comments private rather than public.
I very quickly met my writing buddy and the place stopped feeling so huge. I stumbled across a couple of awesome reviewers who became friends and once you have friends on WDC - anything is possible. My friends helped me develop my reviewing confidence, and so there you have my main motivators. I wanted to be proactive about helping newbies find their feet and encourage them to develop their reviewing confidence in a friendly and supportive environment. I was fortunate to fall into a friendship with Riot , and we felt the same way about being new to WDC. Several discussions (and a whole lot of hefty, super-talented art-work from the good woman herself) and we had INKED more or less scoped out.
Riot Like Kaylee, I remember how it was like to be a newcomer on the site. Even as a regular, it can be easy to become slightly overwhelmed because the site is always changing and being expanded. As my friendship with Kaylee grew, we discussed and reminisced our own feelings on being new, and things went from there. Eventually we realized we shared the same passion, and so we put ideas onto the plate.
2. What was the easiest part of setting up and running the group?
Riot I think the easiest part of setting up the group was the creative designing of it, and I had a fun time bouncing back acronym ideas with Kaylee. When we figured out how to split the group into sections, the creativity part was easy. Kaylee is highly talented with eloquent wording, and she did a fantastic job coming up with unique phrases and inviting words for our Scribble ideas in "Invalid Item" . Anything I may have missed, she scooped up and took care of. We were careful to take our time, too. I think that's a big part of the reason why it was easy. It went slowly, but smoothly!
MumstheWord Goodness. Riot is a creative genius and a technical wizard. Look at what the woman created. It's beautiful. It doesn't get much easier for a non-creative, non-techie like me. I was very, very supportive and encouraging 
3. What has been the most difficult part of running the group?
MumstheWord It's early days, but I imagine I'll worry most about letting people down. I'm a busy FT Mum with a chaotic daily life, but hey, don't we all have other things going on in our lives? That's why it's great to go in as a partnership and build from there. There is always someone else in your corner, watching your back.
Riot So far, running the group hasn't been difficult at all, but the credit for that really goes to the amazing support we've had from everyone. Our veteran members are attentive and active, the newcomers have found their way, and the group leaders have really done a fantastic job at keeping everything current. I think, in creating the group, the hardest thing was overcoming the doubt and anxiety that comes with feeling as though you may let people down.
4. What has been your most rewarding experience with the group?
Riot The positivity, encouragement, and friendships that have sparked from simply making the first step. Reaching out can be difficult to do, and for a newcomer this can be especially so. The email responses and feedback from newcomers is very rewarding, and it's even more rewarding that I can share it with those I care for that aren't new to the site.
MumstheWord The more it grows, the bigger space it takes in your heart. It's really important to Riot and I that this works well, and that we achieve our mission (To Inspire Newcomers Through Kind and Encouraging Deeds) It has been a really moving experience seeing the positive feedback INKED has been getting from veterans and newbies alike. It reassures us that we're on the right track. I'm sure we'll have to adapt and tweak what we've started, but it's good to know we've left the starter position with a lot of good energy behind us.
5. Anything else you would like to add.
MumstheWord  Is this my Oscar speech moment ? Gosh, I'd like to thank the awesome Riot for sharing her creative genius with me, and ~A.J. Lyle~ for her relentless support and encouragement. Like I say, anything is possible when you have good friends.
Riot I'm grateful for all the wonderful support from everyone, but especially MumstheWord , Brooke  and Alexandra Jones for all their support! 
Responses from Maryann  Lornda  eyestar~*
Maryann
1. What is/are the question(s) that newbies most often ask?
Well they want to know what they need to do to become a red case (staff member!). Kidding! 
Usually newbies contact me with hopes of joining the "WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group" . They want to know everything they'll be doing in the group. I find that most of their questions are technical. For example, they'll ask about how to post a link on a forum, or how to use an image.
2. What has been your most rewarding experience with a newbie?
I really love to see the newbies grow on the site. They start out with the wonder and enthusiasm that we've all experienced here for the first time, and suddenly they're seen creating amazing items and hosting raffles.
I've helped many newbies with templates and how to make their reviewing experiences better. As I credit their reviews, it really makes me very happy when I see that they actually used my advice, and experiment with things like templates, links and images.
3. What is the most challenging aspect of working with newbies?
Sometimes newbies just don't get what we're trying to explain. As a coach of softball for many years, I understood that people learn in different ways. Some need to actually do it, rather than just hear it. Some need to see it done. On WDC, I like to explain the best that I can, and I also like to include a link where they might see examples of what they're asking. At "WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group" we have a Newbie Helping Link, "Helping Links" .
4. Anything else you would like to add.
Newbies always seem to want to jump right in. They see all the fantastic places and items on WDC, and they're glad to be a part of it. I love to get to know newbies, because soon, they aren't new anymore and I'll know that I was there when they started at WDC.
Lornda
1. What is/are the question(s) that newbies most often ask?
The number one question is: 'How do I post a sig?'
Followed by: posting a review link and how gift points work.
2. What has been your most rewarding experience with a newbie?
I had my most rewarding experience with my first Rising Star. It was amazing to watch him grow with his writing, win so many contests, and ultimately become a Preferred Author.
3. What is the most challenging aspect of working with newbies?
The most challenging aspect for me is taking the time to walk them through the most basic steps. I have to always remember what it was like when I first joined four years ago - it's overwhelming and you can feel lost. Many feel stupid in asking the questions, but I always try to reassure them first, then ease into the question step by step.
4. Anything else you would like to add.
If I could give one piece of advice to new ones, it would be to take your time in learning what Writing.Com has to offer for their work. Rely on the information found at "Writing.Com 101" . Scan through the topics in the order YOU want to come familiar with because every new one is different in what is important to get their work posted!
Most of all, keep it fun for yourself -- have a sense of humor if you get stuck and remember, we've all been a newbie!
eyestar~*
1. What is/are the question(s) that newbies most often ask?
The most asked question seems to be about the bitem thing, whether how to post on a forum or use a sig!! I also find they may not even know what to ask!
2. What has been your most rewarding experience with a newbie?
The most rewarding is when I see a newbie run with what I've taught and fly! (esp. if they have struggled with it,) They are so excited and appreciative and having fun! I get inspired!
3. What is the most challenging aspect of working with newbies?
The most challenging thing is not being in the physical realm when helping non technical type newbies who are struggling with the cyberspace tools. Sometimes trying to explain and what they understand you to mean can be difficult. We finally get it but it can take time. It might be easier just to be in the same room!!
So - dear newbies - please join a group, ask a million questions, participate, respond, have fun!
- Sonali |
By Our Authors!
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Thanks to those who responded to "Noticing Newbies Newsletter (February 9, 2011)"
E.J. Apostrophe
Good Morning Sonali, Bravo on an excellent piece on your addiction with Writing.com. I am looking forward to participating more and encouraging others to be their best. How lovely is the Internet that allows us as newbies to become crafted and forged into powerful writers who can make a difference. Very enchanting!
Thanks! - Sonali
JACE 
Awesome newsletter, Sonali. These are words not just for Newbies--we all need to be reminded about such things. Thanks. Jace
Glad you like it, Jace!  - Sonali
LeBuert
I hope this is one of your only addictions - they can be so time consuming and sometimes destructive
Hey - Writing Dot Com is the most constructive addiction I know of! - Sonali
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Noticing Newbies: June 01, 2011 Issue [#4423]
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