Well, it is day 3 for me on here and let me say, thank you--it is a great site with interesting folks who are willing to engage and look at things from different points of view. The points and levels thing was a little off-putting initially (do I have to get a golden sword to advance to the next level), but I now see that it is a useful way of nudging participation--with this posting I believe I hit level 4 and I have been just doing what comes naturally for me. I have yet to see anyone in a chat room, and notice that one group I am in, gardens, has a designated time period--perhaps this approach might bring new life to chat rooms for other groups.
Glad to have you with us! Check out all the groups and see where you ''fit''....you'll get it--with or without the golden sword.