I have been a kos lurker for a long, long, time and was in fear of even signing up to make comments until last week, and now to make my first diary.
As a mutli-day kos lurker, I enjoyed reading diaries and comments, but did not believe my voice mattered to anyone.... that was until about a week ago when a post came up inviting all readers to register and add our voices to the discourse.
Although I am a rabid democrat, raised in a very democratic family (my mother once said that I could marry any one of any religion or any race, but if I married a republican I would be disowned!), I am a bit intimidated to shout out my convictions to total strangers. I am also apprehensive to add my voice to comments sections when I have seen and read how mean-spirited and down-right rude some posters are.
Over the last two days, I have read a few diaries from 1st time writers that were literally taken to the woodshed for mis-understanding the "posting rules" such as not using all caps in a title or checking the search engine to see if there has been any other diaries. Diarists have been vilified for bringing a new light on a subject and condemned as trolls (when I know they aren't). They don't even know what a troll is.
I know that it is important for us all to examine diaries for accuracy, but is it possible to help the newbies learn how to post good diaries instead of turning them away from kos altogether?
The greatest thing about this blog is the ability to read honest and varied opinions on just about any political subject. Please try not to turn off the first timers from ever adding their voice to this diverse community.... we may lose some very valuable insight.