For several NNs now, as I understand it, the registration information records who is a first-timer. That detail triggers a code to the registration folks that the newbie should get -- at least -- a button indicating that status.
But frankly, I'm not sure what else is in place to help newbies feel comfortable at NN. It's a big event, and as many have already mentioned, it's easy for folks, whether first-timers or veterans, to feel overwhelmed.
I'll quote myself from an earlier diary:
For some of us, there are reasons why we're online so much; large groups of people are just.too.intense. (This applies to people who HAVE been to other NNs, for that matter.)
It's a fun event if you feel like you know what's going on. It's a fun event if you have people to connect with. Not as fun if neither of those is true.
So how can we continue to help?
We have come up with a few ideas. One excellent idea emerged from a discussion in a recent Connect! Unite! Act! diary, in which belinda ridgewood suggested that someone post a diary with PHOTOS of Kossacks who are very willing to be approached by folks who might need some direction, or maybe just a moment to chat. In belinda's words:
the idea being, if you see one of us, come up and say hi and we swear we will be friendly and receptive and not at all scary.
That's idea #1. Who's willing to have a
photo posted in a diary to go up on Sunday, 7/13, to advertise him/herself as part of a Daily Kos Welcome Team?
I am; belinda ridgewood is; I'm sure there are others. Volunteers?
Idea #2, also from belinda: Buttons, for the "Daily Kos Welcome Team." We're working on that now, and we'll be able to distribute said buttons starting at the Cheers and Jeers dinner on Wednesday night. Also fun!
So those are two ideas to prime the pump. After the Koslique I'll supply some others--including some pieces of advice to newbies to help them become more acclimated. In the comments, please feel free to offer your own.
We among the Host Committee here thought it might be a good idea to generate a kind of tip sheet for newbies. (It could be a FAQ, I suppose, but the tip sheet format might be more helpful.)
I have a couple of suggestions to make right off the bat. Well, three, at least.
First: Offer to volunteer. Many of the volunteers are veterans of the event, and they can help fill you in about what to expect. Besides, volunteering itself is fun. You get to see people in a more casual way (especially if you arrive on Wednesday early enough to help with the Lounge set-up, or with the swag bag stuffing). You don't have to give up your whole convention to get a lot out of the experience. If that tickles your fancy, drop an email to volunteers@netrootsnation.org
Second: Attend a caucus or two. The caucuses, organized by interest group, are intended to be a place for conversation and interaction to a much greater degree than most panels (and even most trainings). As a bonus, you get to make connections that will endure beyond the event itself (and isn't that an important factor in attending, anyway)?
Third: Take a break. It is impossible to do it all. I've tried, and it doesn't work. If you can, and the weather permits--an excellent possibility, given July in Michigan--take a little walk outside. Either the RiverWalk or Hart Plaza (just east of Cobo Center) or Campus Martius (a couple blocks up Woodward) or somewhere else nearby will help you clear your head so you can plunge back into the commotion newly refreshed.
We have also considered (we meaning the NN14 Host Committee and Motor City Kossacks) staffing a Newbie Orientation during Thursday's opening day events. At this juncture, I'm not sure it will happen. But all of this is stepwise progress, no? Perhaps we'll be laying groundwork for next year.
Please feel free to add your suggestions in the comments. They might be in the form of "What I Know Now that I Wish I'd Known Then" about how to survive an NN with your enthusiasm stoked.
I'm looking forward to seeing folks in a little over two weeks!!