Hey everyone

[Ilyanna]

Different styles, I guess. I don't like researching new social settings in advance; no preconceived notions going in.

You don't read up on a few people when you enter a new scene? That's cool. I admit I'm too insecure to go in completely blind, although I do limit the stuff to that of those interacting with me in the beginning.

I haven't seen anybody having problems with shaking off social structures, but doesn't mean I didn't miss it (happens sometimes) or maybe just a matter of differing perspective.

I'll give you a few examples I've noticed on a variety of boards to show what I mean:

• Everyone's more or less respectful of the host. There are ppl who aren't, but they are either very familiar with said host or they don't get very far community-wise.
  
• There are always a few "alpha's", that is, those whose opinions will count just that tad bit more than others. The mechanism of how those alphas are determined, or how strong their influence is, varies.
  
• There are usually the same few people who will welcome the newbies. It's not set in stone, but it applies often enough.
  

Personally, I embrace the diversity. What a bore without it, right?

Oh, most definitely!

Make that a gold toe ring

Toe ring or RG, toe ring or RG... DAMMIT!