In an interesting twist of irony, this will equate to my 1,000 post. After what seemed like a pretty odd evening last night I happened to notice that I was sitting at 999.
I will be frank on a few things as long as everyone is willing to listen. The first few months of this journey have been "interesting". I joined having really zero understanding of what all this community was about. I came in with "guns a blazing" I guess you could say. In the midst of a regional rivalry thread where all of my local guys knew eachother very well and they didn't know me, I was the loud one so to speak. The loud new guy. I could tell people were put off by me a bit and I wasn't sure if I should keep on plowing, change things up, or leave all together. I think this may be a common feeling amongst newbies. Hell, I was even told by a certain member that (paraphrasing) "we are used to new guys coming in and blowing it up in hopes of getting free stuff. Then, once they get it they're gone. There are a lot of us who have put in their dues and it just takes time." What was most ironic about that was the fact that I had zero idea what he was talking about. I didn't even really branch out enough to understand what could potentially be won....bought or the experiences that come with either and furthermore had no clue what putting in you're dues had to do with anything. I have always understood the mantra of THP but never really fully understood how to utilize it for what it actually is. I was told by a few veterans to branch out and explore. Ironically, when you're new, that's the hardest part. I wanted to stick around where my buddies were because that's what most humans tend to do. Not to mention the fact that when you're asked by certain people to branch out, a newbie can't help but think they are using the site the wrong way.
So....I changed my forum name. No more PinSlayer (which in hindsight sounds like I was 14yrs old) Pkorf burst on to the scene a new man. A guy that sometimes rubbed people the wrong way but for the most part just wanted to be more and more involved. I branched out and have been able to understand as time goes on what makes this place tick. Sometimes it's golf related other times it's not. Either way, it has been suggested that if I disagree with someone or something I shouldn't do it in a condescending manner but with a smile on my face. That's rang true for the 2nd or 3rd time last night since joining THP. I'm an opinionated person. Right ,wrong or indifferent sometimes I come off the wrong way via text. I've gotten into deep conversations where I disagree with someone on here and it doesn't turn to a **** show. Other times I've gotten into similar conversations and it has went a way that none of us ever intended for it to go. Placing no blame whatsoever on anyone except for myself here. If one thing rings true with me, it's that I am deeply passionate about golf and anything else I love and believe in. Because so many users in here have been around for such a long time and developed a bond of friendship outside of THP, it can be a little daunting for a "newbie" to understand or even comprehend the dichotomy of that friendship or relationship. It's not easy let me tell ya. It's not easy especially when you are just trying to be yourself.
With that being said I hope to reach out to newbies often. They deserve just as much if not more inclusion and banter than anyone else who has "put in their dues." I'm certain if they give it a chance and wade their way through the various pools of uncertainty they too can enjoy THP as much as I have in my first 1000 posts. It's been different, it's been eye opening, it's been fun getting to know people and see how their forum presence is verses their in person presence. Sometimes it's the complete opposite of how they are perceived to come across in this form.
Now the fun part!!! To commemorate my 1,000th post I'd like to give away a signed Golf Digest to one of my fellow THPers. It was signed in person at Firestone CC 2yrs ago by Keegan Bradley. It would make a great piece to frame for someone (if you don't mind having my old address square on it lol) here's a pic:
How to win: Simply tell me what THP means to you and some struggles you've had since you've joined. The more I know and understand about this place and it members, the better.
I'll choose the winner on Masters Sunday! Who knows, maybe Keegan will win it! (Doubtful)
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haha lol
