If you have turned up at this page, then it is most likely you have just become or hoping to be a new ace.

There are many different views on what makes a good Ace, therefore the views on this page are mine (vegiman) and may not fully comply to the views held at the Towers or any other Ace.

I have written this because the Towers does not give out very many firm rules and regulations. Although this gives everyone a greater freedom to do what ever they want, most people would like some guidelines from the experienced Aces. So here goes.

First of all - you need to know how to find the newcomers to the Guide. At the mo, there are two ways of doing this.

1) The Who's on line link found on each page shows who is currently on line. The newcomers who are currently on line and have registered over the past week are marked as such. The problem with this, is you cannot tell if they have activated their pages which as you know is required before you can post a message to them.

2) The newusers page. This page supplies information on Newbies who have joined recently and you can search back many months.

Now we know where to go - What do we do?

There are no hard and fast rules but older Aces will tell you to read the newcomers page and if you have a standard greeting, remark on something you have read on their page, which will be more likely to get a response. Check to see if they have written any guide or journal entries. In other words try and get to know the person you are about to contact before doing so.

To save posting a load of links in your introductory greeting, which can be quite boring to read, make up a page with all the links you think newcomers will find of interest. A previous ACE, Taliesin put all his links on his My Space using drop down list and thay are still there for you to see. Mel also has worked hard on her page of links and she offers it for you to use. This way when greeting, all you have to do is post the one link to that page. Many Aces have made a links page and often offer the use of their pages until you have made one of your own. I hope to make up a starter page for you to copy in the near future.

Having a standard message that you cut and paste to the newcomers forum can help you contact a lot of newbies, but be very careful, it can read like an automated posting. Newcomers do not respond to these because they feel no need to do so, so make it friendly and sincer. Perhaps ask a question only they can answer. One such question could be what part of the world do they come from? Do make sure they have not already told you on their My Space.You could make up a list of questions you could ask even when not knowing anything about the newbie.

The aim is to make them want to stick around and enjoy this great site. How you do this is up to you, use your own style. The tips on this page are only guidelines and not rules.

Never make or answer a posting in anger.

If you find that a remark on the persons page or postings offend you or you find it in anyway upsetting - Do Not Post A Message Your emotions will show through and instead of being A friendly ACE you could find yourself turning into a ranting, evangelistic nutter.

The best thing to do is go away - calm down - chill out - relax. When you have done this, go back and make your posting. If you find you cannot do this without the emotions, then report it via the Ace Forum and ask Natalie or a more experienced ACE to check it over. Some people have a weird sense of humour which is close to insulting. Sometimes it is not intentional and a light hearted posting can clear the air.

Peace keeping is also a part of ACE duties but dont get into anything that you feel you cannot handle. If such a posting gets to be a slanging match with you in the middle then its best to get out. There are some situations you just cannot win. Bow out gracefully. Above all don't resort to threats or warnings as you cannot back them up. Report back to the Ace forum and let the Italics handle it.

If you find a page is really offensive do not 'Yikes' it without confirmation from another ACE or the Towers. Its best if two ACES agree than trying to do it single handed . What you find offensive may not be seen as offensive by others. If it breaks the house rules then that is another matter. 'Yikes' it but if the moderators put the page or posting back up again, do not 'Yikes' it again - have a word with Natalie about your concerns. Remember your job is to be friendly and it does not seem very friendly to yikes a newbies efforts even though you may not like them. Be sure, before sending it to the moderators.

How many people you greet is also up to you, but do remember it is the main job of Aces to help the newcomer to settle in.

I myself do not get to greet as many as I would like but I am around to help Aces in many other ways. Always remember I may be an older Ace but that does not make me or other Aces any better than you - Just be yourself.

If you come across a page that has already been greeted, that does not bar you from also greeting the newcomer. The More The Merrier, If the newbie is already talking to another person, join in like you would any other forum. If the other Ace is still waiting for a response, it may be better if you post to a new forum and when the newbie returns they will be tickled pink to find two messages waiting for them.

Although this is not compulsary could you please put three dots in the subject of a new forum - this way other visiting Aces can see without having to open the forum that an Ace has greeted the newcomer. This is extra handy when checking pages on the Welcome Mat, it makes for easier checking. Three dots is easy to do and saves time later.

ie

Subject: Hi Newcomer...

This page is in progress and will be updated on all suggestions and comments from any Ace who has a great idea on how to do this voluntary job.

Thats all I can think of for now an I am sorry for any spellos.

Now checkout:
Emmily's Bits'n'Pieces Page
It is full of useful tips for new ACEs.

all the best

vegiman