Have You Lost Your Blogging Virginity Yet?You Will Remember Your First

Barbara, I have taken a few lessons from you and several others here in the Rain. You and Lenn Harley have been mentors from day one and Roger D. Mucci holds part of my heart. Thank you for doing what you do, some new members need a voice or push from a helpful standpoint to continue participating!

Whether you knew your A$$ from your elbow or not, you offered to help me, and that's what I appreciated so much. 

Hi Barbara - Nothing makes me quite as angry as someone being rude to a newbie on this site. If you need any help kicking some butt (yeah, that'll be the day), just let me know.

BarbaraT- I can remember who made the first comment on my first post and I am forever grateful to her (it was Cindy Edwards ) It takes a lot of courage to post your first post and if they are hit with poop, then it can make us all look bad. 

Barbara unfortunately through my years on AR I have seen a few of those members you write about.  Early on I had more than one encounter.  They picked on the wrong person, and soon found out.

I too remember my first blog. I was shocked that someone actually commented on it. Seems like forever ago. I"m glad that it wasn't a negative experience, or I might not be here today.

Oh no, did a certain AR Ambassador from Ohio take out his bad day's karma on a newbie? I hate to see when that happens. Sad thing is, his temper tantrums and fits of rage are so intimidating, most people run far far away.

Good morning Barbara Todaro ,

I missed this post but caught it when I read Kathleen Daniels 's post! You are a champion of keeping all rainers playing in the sand box to playing nice. I's a shame some have to spoil it!!

If only I have my ways, I will always be tagging along with you... you mighty you.

I commend you for doing this BT. Very upfliting and motivating for the newbies. They will feel more courageous and powerful once they read this.

Excellent job.

Surprisingly - unless I'm thinking of someone else - they are climbing swiftly in the most followed list - now well into the top 100 - Top Bloggers.  Hmmmm...

There will always be the pigtail pullers...I had one years ago...I think he fell off the radar into the ocean off the coast...and that works for me...Blog on...read lots, write a bit, learn more.

Barbara Todaro - Your words ring true! They are spoken in the manner of  true sportsmanship! Lenn Harley is a great lady and she did you proud! "Write what you know," is good advice! Good advice is a gift that keeps on multiplying! 

No one should ever underestimate the talent of a person who is new at something, such as ActiveRain. We are all here to help one another. We are a diverse group with many different life experiences and talent. There are no stars for bullies or pigs who put people down. 

Writing is a form of communication. Everyone should practice what they know best, learn from others, and grow. Entering contests is a great way to get outside of ones comfort zone. Each post that is written on ActiveRain has its own intrinsic impact which sends a message. It can be in the form of written words, photos, videos or personal stories.

Learning how to playing nice in the sandbox reaps big rewards, friends, and referrals too!

Good Morning Barbara Todaro , May 10, 2010 I wrote my first blog, no one left me a comment that day. It was not until May 16, I even got a comment on any blog i wrote. On May 20, 2010 I got my first new customer from a blog i wrote about a new listing. Seems like back then i didnt know what the schedule button was for and when i had ideas, i wrote them all at once. It took until July that I really got my first advice when i learned what Active Rain was really about, and that is not just for writing blogs, 

Barbara Todaro - You're a breath of fresh air and a ray of sunshine! I am so proud to know you! Honestly, my life gets better the more people I know as a result of ActiveRain!

Thank you for compliments. You are an outstanding lady!

I agree with you Barbara, there are a few (very few) active members on the rain who have left rude comments on my blogs or answered a question in a not so nice way. I typiclly just ignore these memvers knowing they will dig their own grave!

I know exactly who and what you're talking about. I try and welcome first timers every morning I log in. I was very warmly welcomed when I first joined Active Rain and I want to pay that forward. 

Barbara, what a great advice Lenn Harley gave you, it was true the, still is today. Some simply don't know how to be nice and encouraging, I truly feel sorry for them as they lose out a lot in life. In all the years, only one person left a nasty comment on one of my posts, I will never forget it.

Good news Barbara Todaro is - there are only a few members who may end up writing the comments worth deleting.

We are fortunate to have members - and experts like you - who have been not only encouraging newbies, going out of way to help them.

I am for sure indebted to you for all the encouragement you have given me. But for you I would not have been where I am. Thanks a lot.

Great words of encouragment Barbara, it pains me when I see this happen too, both in the first bloggers section and in the Q&A.

Thanks for sharing your experience and your positive memories.