I'm a relative newbie, both to digital scrapping and to this board. I can't really say I'm coming out of "lurk" mode since I've posted a few times, put up a few layouts, and left some praise. I'm pretty message board savvy and I knew about the "view new posts" option but I think I agree with pesto in that there is SO much going on around here that it's very difficult for a newbie to figure out what happens when, who's who, etc. I have to say the calendar helps a bit in that respect. But I agree completely that a more streamlined message board with more organization within larger categories would make navigation much nicer. And perhaps help other newbies feel at home more quickly.

I completely sympathize with the board owners though. This place has a LOT of members to keep happy and it must be very difficult to accomodate everyone. I'm really liking it here, so you're doing a LOT of things right!!