It has recently come to my attention that we have a large influx of new users from
GIYUS.org.
I would like to extend a warm welcome to you all, and a reminder that this website is a partisan political website dedicated to supporting the Democratic Party.
Firstly you will want to read the New Users Guide by buhdydharma.
Update [2006-7-30 22:11:30 by kraant]: GIYUS MAY BE SPYWARE!!!!... PLEASE CLICK THIS LINK AND READ THE ADVISORY FROM BOYCOT WATCH. (Hat-Tip to Land of Enchantment)
The most pertinent quote from it is.
My Advice for New Users
Slow Down. The Daily Kos is a huge place. The Daily Kos is also not just a blog, its community. The Daily kos is not just a community either, it is a culture unto itself.
As always when you come to a new culture, some of the rules, and nearly ALL of the intricacies are not apparent immediately. Slow Down.
It is very exciting here. The stimulation of reading so many good diaries and so many great comments is intoxicating.... especially when I first came here, and, haha, every time I've logged on since. I get sucked in for hours here at my virtual home. I become emotionally involved in the diaries I read here and in the exchanges of ideas and opinions in the comments. People are Passionate here and the conversation is not cocktail party fluff.
If you make a statement of fact be ready to back it up with a link.
If you are expressing an opinion make sure it is clearly indicated as such.
If you disagree with someone, consider both your facts AND your tone carefully. People around these parts often do not take kindly to people to people disagreeing with them, it can be taken as a challenge. Be aware of that before you jump in. If you see other kossaks in a heated exchange....think VERY carefully before jumping in. It might be you who ends up getting roasted!
I don't want to give you the wrong impression, though! If you do have the facts and are willing to put them on the line and defend them vigorously please do!!! That is why we are all here, to learn and discuss The Facts. But, PLEASE be aware that discussions here are 'rigorous' and discussions on topical issues quite often become 'heated.' Pick your spots wisely, present your facts well, argue for your opinions or convictions in a succinct and logical manner and you will be welcomed by this community with open arms, as I was...eventually.
Flout community standards, argue baselessly, and insists others accept your opinion as fact and you WILL be spitted and roasted by the community at large. Though we are compassionate liberals, we do not suffer fools lighty. Respect and reputation are important here. Respect others and they will respect you. Stick around, participate and contribute, and soon You Too! will have a reputation, credibility and the respect of your Kossaks. Its a good feeling.
To sum up, Slow Down. Take It Easy. Learn the Culture. But by all means, participate. We WANT to hear your voice.
Another thing to keep in mind is to not post 9/11 conspiracy theories.
Here is the relevant quote from the FAQ:
Controversial 9/11 Diaries
DailyKos accepts that the 9/11 attacks were perpetrated by agents of Al-Qaeda. It is forbidden to write diaries that:
refer to claims that American, British, Israeli, or any government assisted in the attacks
refer to claims that the airplanes that crashed into the WTC and Pentagon were not the cause of the damage to those buildings or their subsequent collapse
Authoring or recommending these diaries may result in banning from Daily Kos.
Make sure you read through the FAQ doing so will save you many embarrassments.
Please do not try and astro-turf, it will backfire and result in difficulties for commentators who agree with your position and are acting in good faith. It is also extremely stupid as one of the main things that Daily Kos does is produce far more effective and sophisticated propaganda (propaganda backed by the truth is always the most effective propaganda) than you do.
Attempting to astro-turf Daily Kos is like walking into a room full of Nobel Physicists with your blueprints for a perpetual motion machine.
So think before you post, act in good faith, and remember that this website is a partisan website dedicated to electing Democrats and you can't go wrong.
Cheers,
Update [2006-7-30 20:22:0 by kraant]: You may also want to read ek hornbeks Not buhdydharma's New User's Guide to dKos. (Hat-tip to sardonyx)