HI Rachel, that was a very interesting introduction.
 Rusticchef
                                                
                                                Level 6
                                                Nov 14, 2018
                                            
                                                
                                                    Rusticchef
                                                
                                                Level 6
                                                Nov 14, 2018                                            
                                        Hi, Welcome - even though I've only been on the site for about a week it's interesting to have good and honest exchanges with people and I like. Nice big group of online friends who mostly appear to be well informed and good at reasoning.
What's it like living where you are?
 Stig
                                                
                                                Level 5
                                                Sep 29, 2018
                                            
                                                
                                                    Stig
                                                
                                                Level 5
                                                Sep 29, 2018                                            
                                        Welcome aboard. Hope you enjoy your journey.
 NoMagicCookie
                                                
                                                Level 8
                                                Sep 28, 2018
                                            
                                                
                                                    NoMagicCookie
                                                
                                                Level 8
                                                Sep 28, 2018                                            
                                        Hi, Rachel, and welcome to the website!
By the way, this website has a bit of a learning curve, so here's some info, in case you need it.
For members who are open to dating, certain thumbnails and profiles have a heart symbol on them with a percentage. This identifies which members are open to dating, and the percent shows approximately how compatible others are with them.
You gain website points by answering all the profile questions and writing a bio, which also earns website points, and helps other members get to know you.
You have already done most of this!
Commenting on posts and writing your own posts earns more points. At level two you can private message people, and at level eight you get an agnostic T-shirt.
If you want to date, the website uses profile algorithms to find member matches, so the more details one includes, the better the match.
Many people prefer to see a written profile talking about interests, hobbies, and backgrounds that can be quickly perused to find others with similar interests..
In case you didn't know yet, to find members near you, click on the "Browse" button at the top of the page, then on "Members," and enter your preferred search parameters.
Click on the "Discuss" button, then "Nearby" to find members near you also.
Or click on the "About" button at the top left of the page to find links to FAQ or the website tutorial.
Points are now being given to level 3+ members who chat. You can see chat rooms on the group main page. 
 birdingnut
                                                
                                                Level 8
                                                Sep 28, 2018
                                            
                                                
                                                    birdingnut
                                                
                                                Level 8
                                                Sep 28, 2018                                            
                                        Welcome,peruse the selections in categories on the far right of this page,take your computer cursor to the Discuss pulldown for groups, chatrooms,and events,up in the mountains of California? Quite pretty up there,the recent fires have not left much untouched,sadly.
 Mike1947
                                                
                                                Level 7
                                                Sep 28, 2018
                                            
                                                
                                                    Mike1947
                                                
                                                Level 7
                                                Sep 28, 2018                                            
                                        Hi Rachel and welcome to the site! It's a pretty friendly place on the whole and most regulars here (best way to spot them is if they're Level 8 or more) will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have. There's generally some interesting discussion going on somewhere or other, plus a whole lot of less-serious stuff when you need it. See you around - and your hair rocks!
 Jnei
                                                
                                                Level 8
                                                Sep 28, 2018
                                            
                                                
                                                    Jnei
                                                
                                                Level 8
                                                Sep 28, 2018