First off, welcome to theyo.com forums, and to the Yo I'm New forum in particular. I hope you find the information you are looking for here. And as you become more familiar here feel free to contribute as well. That is what this is all about. Over time you may even develop some on-line friendships.

I would like to present just a few tips to make your life here a little easier. Probably the first thing you should do is to read the FAQ page that is listed in the top tool bar of all pages here. There is a lot of interesting and useful information there as to how to use the various functions of this board.

We've all been in the newbie category, some of us still are, some of us always will be. While it has been said that "Their are no stupid questions.", you need to realize that there are some irritating questions. Some questions are repeated time and again, and the answers are usually here in one form or another already. You just need to look for them. Note that there is a Search button on the tool bar at the top of each page. Use it a lot. In the majority of cases you will probably find the answer to your question. If you don't, you will at least gather enough information to narrow down your question to something people can give an intelligent answer to. We hate giving dumb answers to stupid questions!

For example, "What yoyo should I get?" is a popular (and sometimes irritating) question, you just have to phrase it right. It is also one that there is generally no simple answer to. Before you ask that question, evaluate your skill level, look at some of the reviews in the Yo Reviews forum, narrow your choices based on the style you want to play, etc. Then ask the question and include that information. Be prepared for 10 different answers as well - we all have our opinions of the "Best YoYo".

That said, "Ask, because someone else is probably wondering the same thing". There are a lot of knowledgeable people here that are very willing to give advice.

Also keep in mind that how you ask a question has a lot to do with the type of answer you get. Ask politely, and don't demand, and you will no doubt get a reasonable reply to your question.

Some other points:
Flames should be avoided, particularly in this forum. As Daman once said, "Remember, this board has very few rules, but common courtesy is expected." A good rule to follow in general. This is not to say you have to agree with everyone here, just keep your differences polite and respectful.

Also, this board is sponsored by TheYoStore.com. While this board does not ban the mentioning of other on-line yoyo stores, it is bad form to suggest to someone that they can get a particular item at another on-line yoyo store. Likewise, flaming of other on-line yoyo stores will not be tolerated. It serves no useful purpose. Most people here have dealt with a number of the stores and already have formed their own opinions.

Note that the board is divided into a number of different forums that deal with topics in specific areas related to yoyoing. Please try to make any posts you make in the appropriate topic areas. If you put something in the wrong forum, ask the moderator to move it for you. Sometimes they will move it on their own as well.

Sometimes everything falls apart, and you either get flamed, or no one has an answer to your question. Life's a b____ sometimes. Blow it off and trudge on.

OK - enough of that. Start browsing the forums and enjoy yourself.

-jhb-