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FantasyKisses -> RE: Hellooooo everyone :) (4/21/2012 11:31:55 PM)
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quote:
ORIGINAL: FrostedFlake
Hiya, Balck Rose.
Worry not, the onslaught only lasts until you fall off the newbie list.
I'm told that takes a month.
Then, we can discuss that demon within...
I hate to tell you Frosted Flake, but the onslaught never ever stops....
Welcome blackrose! Be prepared for a trip into the realm of epic stupidity at times here, but other than that, it's a decent place with some good people. Just go slow and be cautious. Unlike a dungeon, you can't actually see/hear/interact in a way that allows you to gauge body language, words and inflections, and talk to O/others about a P/person's reputation.
There are some fantastic conversational opportunities though! I have gotten the opportunity to meet some our our community Elders (who's reps I'm versed enough with outside of CM) that have not only furthered my belief in this Life, but also enlightened me in a number of ways. That alone, to me at least, is worth wading through the craptastic factory.
If you get overwhelmed, turn off the monitor and go back to the 'real' world. It helps. I've hidden my profile from time to time. Find another subbie pal, or if you can, a Mentor Who can guide and advise you through the process--to help you keep grounded.
The very best advice I can give you though is to stay away from IM, texting, phone, or anything else of that nature and stick with e-mail or CM mail for awhile. First, if the One you're speaking to will not invest the time, then that tells you a lot. Secondly, IM/text/phone moves things very quickly. If you're celibate (which I am), hormones and desire can override what should be common sense. (I'm guilty of that myself.) Red flags that might have deterred you in mail may well be missed or ignored due to the situation. Also, I've noticed that Those I've chatted with end up having some form of 'emergency' in their world -- now that might be some strange coincidence (or I may bring really bad luck, who knows?), but it hits the emotional heart strings of a girl and her desire to take care of and comfort the One she's talking to. (Again, guilty.)
Keep your guard up and remember that anyone can type anything they want to. Pictures can be stolen from websites and presented here. In fact, I've heard more than a few Dominas talk about guys pretending to be girls. (I don't get that trend myself, but .....?)
Don't send money, gifts, or 'tributes'.
And ..... I think that's it. Use common sense here. Trust your gut feeling. If something seems wrong, it probably is. Be a bit paranoid, and most of all, stay safe hon. Oh, don't put a picture of your face on here. Partly because there are computer programs designed to cross reference pictures online and you could be fired from your job, loose your kids to DHS (I've known more than a few couples that's happened to--and the software is called biometric recognition software), but most of all, if you start talking to Those in your local area, you could be identified easily. (I study criminal justice in college btw, if you have any questions on legalities, let me know. I'll find the answer.)
Oh, and just to warn you, I ran into an incident where One was stalking me through several side accounts while speaking to me. (As far as I knew, it was platonic and friendship-based, but I might be wrong....) Given that he is local to my area, I thought I'd pass the word that stalking apparently happens on CM.... who knew?
Personally I've just been concentrating on finals and my cats, but that's me....
Again, among the nut jobs, there are some great and groovy people. You just gotta go slow and take the time to find them. It's a process and it's sometimes draining emotionally.
If there's anything I can do, let me know.
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