[stevem]

Welcome to the Forum

Firstly, thanks for checking out the forum, there is plenty of worthwhile information here , and a lot of Board Members who can offer advice.

Here are a couple of tips to help you find your way around and make sure you get the information your looking for.

1. Post a quick introduction - It is always nice to get some idea about who new members are. Also , different nationalities may be able to provide specific tips regarding accommodation/food/sports etc.

2. Try using the "Search" function, make sure that use the forum search and not the thread search, this will at least point you in the right direction. Board Members are always willing to help , but , why not explore the site first , to see if others have asked the same question. When searching, try not to be too specific at first

3. If you post a question , look at the bottom of the page , there you will see "Similar Threads" . Click on them and you may find a thread that covers the question you asked.

4. Humour is not International , misunderstandings can happen due to language differences and a different view of what is funny and what is not.
Comments that are intended to be a "joke" can be taken the wrong way, this can cause problems.

5. Threads can "wander" off topic , this is only to be expected but please don't jump into the middle of a thread with a post which bears no relation to what is being discussed. Try checking back a few posts and you will see how things are flowing.

6. Yes, there is a lot of craziness going on. Board Members who know each other or who have met up in Phuket do enjoy having a bit of fun . Some of the humour is "Off the Wall" and may seem childish , just have a read and a good laugh.

7. The Moderators do a good job , keeping the forum running properly and will step in if inappropriate or offensive messages are posted. Most of the time, they act as normal board Members, posting their views and experiences.

8. If you have a question, or wish to start a thread, try to post it in the most appropriate forum. this will help you get the best answers and also, it will be seen by Board Members with knowledge of the specific area.

9. The BEST source of information is found in the MTB (Mai Thai Bar), if you are in Patong pop in for a drink. You will usually find a BM or two , or more (maybe 30 at New Year) and Nicke is a great host. Then , you will be able to "put faces to names" which will make reading posts all the more interesting.

Hopefully this will help you find your way round the Board , and will stop you feeling like the "Dumb Newbie", remember, we were all Newbies once.

Once again, "Welcome to the Forum" and don't be afraid to ask questions , we won't shout at you (Well not too much).