Some Thoughts and Information for Newcomers to the Cafe
Firstly, welcome to the Cafe. Whether you come our way by of word of mouth, a link from another site, advertisement or flyer is not important. We are just glad you took time out of your day to join us.
We’ve been up and running since October 2005. Our subject matter, for the most part, is all things Woodstock. We have many readers - some comment, some just read. Of those who comment, many have been on the site for more than a year - some comment often, some only occasionally and some just once or twice.
Whether or not one decides to use their own name or a nom de plume is a personal issue. Some people wouldn’t comment without the option of anonymity. Others would never think of using anything but their own name. Some do both.
Should you decide to comment, we would ask you to choose a name not currently being used by someone else on the site. Obviously, we don’t expect you to review the names used for every comment in the archive, but please understand if someone challenges your usage of a pen name. Don’t worry too much - this has happened only a couple of times. Pen names can be fun and allow you to exercise some wonderful and creative energy in defining who you are or who you want to see yourself being. Some pen names are tongue-in-cheek, some declaratory, and the some are used to be unobtrusive.
When entering a comment you will be asked to enter an email address. This information is neither shared nor recorded. It is part of the program we use and the template will not enter a comment for moderation without it.
We generally do not edit comments. However, we do reserve that right. We prefer comments stick to ideas, opinions and substance rather than personal attacks. As a newcomer, you may have some questions in regards to some comments that seem to contradict those guidelines. Well, the short answer is that over a period of time the administrators of this site have come to know certain individuals and their behaviors on the site - we had enough experience with certain individuals that we have come to trust their understanding of the limits on this site. Others, using their real names, are given more latitude because of that - though we will edit when necessary.
As a newcomer, you may not necessarily be allowed the same amount of leeway. It isn’t fair, but we are trying to maintain the Cafe so that it continues to have discussions that progress toward a better understanding of all parties. We do not want the discourse to devolve into pettiness and rancor. So, while almost everyone who comments on this site is open to being corrected, it’s more appropriate to correct the information than it is to question the motives of the person posting the comment.
When you become part of the commenting community here at the Cafe, you join the ranks of many thoughtful people. Our commenters have access to a huge span of research and knowledge in each other. However, most everybody here is following their own paths of research about the different topics that come up. Often, a question is asked that is easily answered. Sometimes, the question is much more intense. In any case, those on this site (or the Cafe administrators) will often respond with the answer or provide the best direction to go to find your answer … and there is a mountain of information out there.
We are also very receptive to articles submitted to us for posting on the Cafe. You probably have some area of interest that hasn’t even crossed our minds. Go for it. Just check your facts, because they will be challenged if inaccurate. You never know, you may just find a new niche in your life.
Once again, welcome to the Cafe. We are looking forward to finding out what you think.
