Welcome to the Q, as many of us affectionately call the
QuitNet website.
I thought I would post some general info. So many members
sign up and jump in and start posting without finding their way around the
site.
There are 8 different forums here that are available to
everyone. The QuitStop is probably the most active, where new quitters hang out
to get help and support in quitting smoking.
There is also a Milestones Forum, where people post about
anniversaries or
celebrations of quitting. You may post there for one of your
friends or you may just reply to posts that others have put up. Take some time
to congratulate other Q-sters who are fighting this battle and winning.
To see all the forums listed, click on the word 'forums'
listed in the community box on the left side of your screen. There should be a
description of each forum and what purpose it serves. Feel free to drop into
any open forum and read and make yourself acquainted with what goes on there.
Also on the lower left of your screen, (you may need to
scroll down) you will find links for 'Help', 'Site Map', 'AUP' (acceptable use
policy) and other useful information. When you have time on your hands, you
should read through the AUP at least, and familiarize yourself with the Help
process.
At the top of the screen on the right, is an envelope and a
buddies icon. When the envelope turns yellow, that means you have Qmail. If you
have already designated some friends as buddies, the little guy with the red
hair will show up if your buddy is online.
If you are a new quitter here, try to find some quit
buddies. For most months, a club is started for those quitting during that
month. Just watch the posts in QuitStop and you will see it. You do not have to
join, but you will find a supportive group of people with the same goals as
you. You can be as active or as passive as you like about your quit. You can
read, read, read and never post. If that works for you, great. Others need to
be out there posting for help, or giving help. Sometimes just giving a pat on
the back or saying 'I hear ya!' means a lot to someone suffering. It's nice to
know you are not in this alone.
Also, try to remember the QuitStop is a busy forum and not
each post gets
answered in 3 minutes. Usually a general post gets passed by
if someone posts a plea for help. How many responses you get has nothing to do
with how popular you are or someone else is. Some days we all post stuff that
is ignored. Some days you will post something you think is truly worthwhile,
right before a flame war breaks out and no one reads your post. Don't get
discouraged. The important thing is to learn how to quit, to ask for help when
you need it, and to offer support to other quitters whenever you can. Try not
to be too demanding of attention, try to be patient and caring with others as
many of us are in withdrawal and a little bit touchy, to say the least, and
please try to be understanding of what others are going through.
The best 2 pieces of advice I can give you are: 1) Take what
you need from this site, and leave the rest. 2) Use the 3-post rule. If you are
about to give up your quit and smoke, come to the QuitStop and post using the
word 'HELP' in your subject line. Then, WAIT for 3 responses before you do anything.
It won't take long, but odds are, either your craving to smoke will have passed
or the people here will convince you to stay quit. It really works. Give us a
chance to help you.
This place is a miracle. You must work hard to quit and stay
quit, but there are so many people here eager to help you and tell you what
worked for them. This is QuitNet...the best place on the Internet to help you
quit smoking!! I know, because 3 years ago, this place helped me kick a 35 year
habit! I'm happier and healthier than ever, and it can happen for you too! One
day at a time!
Leejay