Are we doing enough to encourage newcomers to participate?
I've noticed that most newcomers definitely receive thoughtful answers to their questions.
But I've also noticed a tendency to forget to add a "Welcome to the Forum."
And, even more important, to vote "up" if the question merits it.
I try especially hard on that last one. I follow one fundamental rule: if the question - no matter how poorly phrased - leads me (or others) to something I (or they) didn't know, it's an "up" vote.
Perhaps, though, my criteria are broader or more generous than they should be?
37 Answers
I've been part of the forum since the end of November. I felt welcomed and taken seriously even when I asked less than brilliant questions or gave responses with careless errors. It is very gratifying to see my questions and answers commented upon and voted up. I truly appreciate the feedback. As a "newbie", I thank you very much!
The only thing I dislike are the obvious "do my homework for me" posts. I think some of the responses to those are very polite and others sound a bit harsh. Maybe someone could recommend a standard response to these requests that we all could use?
I think we should all remember one thing. Unless we were blessed with bilinguil parents every one of us went through the "stupid question" phase not to mention not even being able to string one sentence together without grammatical error. If we remember this next time a newcomer posts, we will answer them with all of our experience behind us.....the experience of knowing right where they are coming from!
If someone is new and I notice it, I always welcome them. I also usually vote for their question if it is at least half way decent. I do this to encourage them to become active in the forum. I would hold those who have been here to a higher criteria though. 
However, it is difficult to get to all of the newbie posts. That is why I think it is important for all of us to take turns doing it.
Great reminder, Volpon! This is one of those topics that bears repeating.
After all, this is a free site where the members are unpaid and are here just because they like to be. That means at any given moment when new member asks their first question, who knows who will be around to answer and Welcome them to the Forum. And since there isn't a little flashing sign that says 'new member' or 'Welcome Me!', it takes a conscious effort to pay attention to the little numbers by the user's name to see that this may be their first question.
So the more people that keep this in mind then the more 'newbies' that will be made to feel welcome! 
And regarding Mando-man's comment about being welcomed:
I was not either
Mando, I looked at your profile and see that you haven't asked a question yet. That is generally when 'newbies' are Welcomed, since that is the first opportunity for other members to address them directly. But since we've brought it up, why not now! And Drakus, too!
¡Bienvenidos a SpanishDict! We look forward to seeing you around!
It's so nice that someone would even consider if they are doing enough to encourage newcomers. I've been on Spanishdict.com for about 6 months now and people are sooooooooo wonderful. I've asked some pretty stupid things but I've really learnt from those stupid things. Thank you to everyone.
I don't post much-and not in Spanish because I am worried about my mistakes. I'm definitely discouraged to post when I read harsh comments, even though I see the reasoning behind them.
To wrap up: I'm feeling very negative about my progress right now but coming across this thread makes me want to be a bit more active in getting involved, posting, practising and getting better...because judging by this thread, there are people who are willing to help. I hope in time, I'll be helping others.
After one encounter with a newcomer who totally treated me rudely for HELPING him....I admit I'm kind of reluctant towards greeting the newbies in fear that I'll be cussed out again....
I do though sometimes when I see a new person...just not as often....I try to vote up good questions....Or answers...
UPDATE:::
I welcomed someone today so yay!
How many mistakes are you allowed before you are kicked off?
You are not kicked off as you call it for misspelling
It iis true, Valpon, I actually checked on your posts and you were never welcomed.
I am welcoming people forever...even those who post those obvious homework questions, but then...lately I have seen many people do the same.
I would like to add here:
Please welcome newbies whatever your reputation points are. Sometimes I get the feeling that people think only "oldies" can welcome people.
Well, you see a person with 0 rep points? Please welcome them!!
As a newbie I made several mistakes such as posting in the wrong place and not correcting my Spanish. Since I was feeling my way around I felt that some consideration should have been given to me instead of being taken to the woodshed. I was afraid to post anything for several days after that. How many mistakes are you allowed before you are kicked off? I probably deserved what I got though.
Everybody is capable of learning something from the newest or most experienced of forum members. I am continually amazed about some of the interesting, and nuanced usages of the Spanish language which one can obtain on this site. I can't tell you the times my learning has been enhanced by simply repeating something I've learned and sharing it with a member who asked a question.
We all share, and from this sharing comes knowledge! Viva SpanishDict.com!
I agree that good questions should continually be voted up and this is something that I practice. I also try to always greet newcomers when I can
I don't think that this is being done on a regular enough basis. I pledge to do better in the future
Hello everybody, I have something to say in here, if you allow me. I do not know if I am the only one who feels these comments or not.This question was a good window for me, thanks 0057ed01 .
I have joined the forum since a couple of months. I was advised about it through a friend, I joined only to learn Spanish through the lessons, my friend did not know about the other activities and neither did I. I spent some time working only on the lessons and I do not remember how I started participating in the other activities like answers. My comments are:
1. There should be some way to acknowledge the new participates of the forum activities.
2. I want to start chatting because I am sure it will be the fastest way to learn Spanish but really I do not know how to start. I think an explanation method for participating would be better for all the activities.
3. I was flagged once for a post I thought it was funny, I might have misjudged my post. I changed it. My point is, a principle instruction to clear the main rules could have helped. Also I think to flag a new participate is a little bit hard, I would have changed my post if I understood the other point of view in any way.
4. I wanted to know about some points, but I did not know how and whom should I contact to help me, IndianaChris offered me the help through a message (and that was very nice of him). I still think that there should be a clear way for all to follow.
Finally I like to say that I like the forum too much, I really feel like family that is why I thought of what I presented.
Regards for all the admins and all participates and wish you all best of everything.
Good point, Sarahjs. Maybe we could take "all zeroes" as an invitation to read their profiles as well?
Totally agree! When I see all zeros I immediately want to know how old, where and whatever. Sometimes it make the question itself more understandable.
I too was never welcomed to the site but have always felt welcome here. This is a fantastic group of people, new and old. As an administrator to a scuba board I always welcome newcomers and try to keep them coming back, that's how we grow, so it stand to reason I would continue that here. Aside from the administrators and moderators on Spanish Dict, there is a core group of people who I see constantly going all out and you should be commended. I'll start with Nicole and simply include everyone on this post so far to make it simple.
I was flagged twice the first week I started posting 
- There should be some way to acknowledge the new participates of the forum activities.
Please have a look at this beginner's guide, it is pasted on the rules of this site, and is a good starting point for beginners
And to answer almost all your other comments, like where are the resources or how to gain points etc, these are the FAQ
All of the above clearly visible when you join the forum
- I want to start chatting because I am sure it will be the fastest way to learn Spanish but really I do not know how to start. I think an explanation method for participating would be better for all the activities.
The chat function is under the more tab...
- I was flagged once for a post I thought it was funny, I might have misjudged my post. I changed it. My point is, a principle instruction to clear the main rules could have helped. Also I think to flag a new participate is a little bit hard, I would have changed my post if I understood the other point of view in any way.
This was adressed in private
- I wanted to know about some points, but I did not know how and whom should I contact to help me, IndianaChris offered me the help through a message (and that was very nice of him). I still think that there should be a clear way for all to follow.
Oh, nice, Chris is one of our superstars here
Finally I like to say that I like the forum too much, I really feel like family that is why I thought of what I presented.
We are happy you like it here
