Hi LariAnn!

Welcome to the forum!

> ...brought me here. I've browsed a number of
> the posts and especially the names of the
> posters; seems this board is chock full of
> seriously successful people, and some I've
> seen at other boards.

Yes, I'm also stunned at the great quality and experiences of the people who have posted here.... I've learned a LOT by following the posts here myself.... :)

I'm grateful to those who have shared their wisdom here.... It's a diverse, and very wise group....

One thing I've learned though is that we all have something we know well to share - even if sometimes we may not quite recognize what that is yet....

> So, why am I here? I'm not even started yet
> in any kind of business, but am working on
> something to sell online. So I'm here to
> learn , first and foremost. I am not billing
> myself as anything but a newbie with a lot
> to learn; obviously, since I am such, it
> shouldn't be necessary for anyone to tell me
> how much I don't know. I put that caveat in
> because I may be inclined to express my
> feelings on this board, and someone might be
> tempted to "put me in my place" by
> pointing out how much I lack in knowledge
> about the internet, or whatever I might
> discuss.

LariAnn, I think one thing which distinguishes this forum from many online is that we have a very strict "no insults" policy.... Luckily, we haven't had much occasion to delete posts because of it, but we do delete posts from time to time that break this rule.... Generally, you won't see them, because they are gone in a flash....

Everyone was a newbie at one time or another, and I personally like the friendly "atmosphere" we've built up here.... :)

So I hope you feel comfortable in sharing your thoughts. Think of it as like sitting around with some friends in a cozy cafe, sipping the beverage of your choice! :)

> Should I just continue to lurk and keep my
> fingers off the keyboard, or am I welcome to
> post?

You are welcome to post! :)

> I think I got in trouble on another
> board for posting before I lurked long
> enough to see what people were like. I'm
> hoping to find out the unwritten
> "rules" before I inadvertently
> violate them.

Yes, the "rules" here are pretty simple, just no insults, that's about it.... Just be yourself! :)

Welcome, and I'm glad you came! :)

- Dien