Hi Kib ( @kiberkli ). The degree of technical knowledge within this group is indeed daunting. But the technical stuff is only one part of this great site. We can post photographs, tell jokes, welcome newcomers, etc. I found that the more you join in, members start seeing your username popping up and start to interact. Give it a try.
Hi Tim ( @timb64 ).I agree that knowing and using members 1st names makes interacting more friendly. Before responding to new members or replying to a post, I usually check a members profile for their real name. If they have it listed, I will use it. Some people prefer to remain at arms length, which is OK. They only want to be known by their username. For the others though, just put it in your profile so we have the choice which name to use. I always assumed your name was Tim, but as you know with me, conclusions I have made in the past have been very wrong !!!
Hi David ( @Riggomatic ), I started this thread for exactly the reason you stated. I was going to join @UncleVanya's thread ( Long gone users ) and stopped. Self confidence ( or lack of ) is something we all have to deal with sometimes. But I have realized something by reading all the varied responses to this thread, that we are all equal members here. Sure, some ( most !! ) people take much better photographs than I ever will, and some ( more than most !!! ) will know more technical stuff than I ever will, but I can contribute in other ways. It is just up to me to find out how.