656902 Sun Oct 04 06:09:27 -0700 2009 6 30 Site Talk 0 5077756 Hi Foodies Im Nick, and im posting here cause basically i dont know where to begin? Im 28 from Belfast, NI and after reading the book Eat My Globe, i thought i would join a foodies forum. This site looks good so hopefully its got the biggest online forum ect... Thanks! Nick Sun Oct 04 06:09:27 -0700 2009 1113790 Nickpop 1 5077961 welcome! I joined not too long ago myself. Just jump right on in to a conversation! Sun Oct 04 08:21:07 -0700 2009 5077756 285186 Popkin 1 5078075 welcome, I just joined yesterday and put out a question on a topic and another person answered my question in less than 2 hours. People on this site are friendly and have a lot of info to share - so don't be afraid to ask. Sun Oct 04 09:25:18 -0700 2009 5077756 1113641 turtle mom 1 5105268 Hi Nick Start by scanning the list of board locations and topics on the "Chowhound" dropdown on the banner across the top of the main page. Say you're planning a trip. Find the area you're interested in and drop it down. Scan down the posts and read some threads. I'll give you a good idea of how the forum works. THEN, read the "sticky" threads at the top of each board. "New to the France Board..." These sticky threads will explain the posting ettiquette, how to search for a topic, how to best word and inquiry, etc. It 's not about rules, but how to have the best experience here. MUCH VALUABLE INFO. Don't skip these posts. If you have a question in mind, use the search function first before posing it. Chances are it's been covered many a time. Mine that gold already existing on Chowhound! Say, search for "Cheap Chow in Belfast" and see what turns up. Tip: the search seems to be set for a timeliness default, so you may need to reset for "relevance" if the search returns are too vague. If you want to talk about things other than dining options, there are the other general topics to the right side of the Chowhound boards listing page. "Home Cooking" is the place for recipes and food prep discussions. Etc., etc., you get the idea. Have fun, and have at it. Waiting to read your posts! tj from california Thu Oct 15 09:27:37 -0700 2009 5077756 11234 toodie jane 2 5105823 Good suggestions. I'd also add be as specific as possible in asking questions. Asking, I need a casual restaurant Saturday night isn't as helpful as asking, "I need a casual Chinese restaurant, price xxxx-yyy range in xxx neighborhood." The same goes for home cooking--asking for the best dessert recipe is too broad. Thu Oct 15 12:10:40 -0700 2009 5105268 39874 chowser 3 5109290 yup! that's why I recommended reading the STICKY NOTES AT THE TOP OF THE BOARD FIRST... "It 's not about rules, but how to have the best experience here." Their advice works! Fri Oct 16 17:35:44 -0700 2009 5105823 11234 toodie jane 1 5109328 I love this board as well... Careful when asking 'dumb' questions or giving 'silly' opinions as the sharks will move in, haha. Also, you're not a tru CHer until the chow-police nix one of your posts, again haha. WELCOME! Fri Oct 16 17:51:58 -0700 2009 5077756 176627 porker