PJPSYCO

Truthfully you shouldn't be embarassed. Just treat it like a graduate level course in (insert forum here). Contribute, and if your wrong then learn. If you know your ignorant than you have nothing to loose. I tend to contribute there, but I do talks on philosophy and science all the time. I always enjoy a nice analytical disscussion on something or another.

Another thing is to watch out for very 'topic specific' threads. A "I have no clue, but would like to contribute" post will get you books (can be expensive) and the like (websites, etc.) that you need (Also I know evolution/creationism has a book list in the sticky post at the top). Also, a lot of the needed material can be found here on the secweb. Just go to the front page, and into the articles. They tend to be well organized. The only other thing you might need is a dictionary (though most of the words tend to be defined in their use).

Soyin Milka

quote:
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Originally posted by Soyin Milka
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2) I think many of these scholarly types are really over-compensating for perceived lacks in other aspects of their lives.
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Originally posted by Gurdur

Naaaaw, I do it just because I like to be a vicious bastard and it's less strenuous than mugging people on the street.
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Peh.
That's exactly what I was expecting an over-compensating book nerd like you to say.
Don't make me unleash my strawmen now!

Soyin

Gurdur

Easiest way to get a woman to like you is simply to say what she expects you to say.

I never like to disappoint.

Born Free

Me. I can count on one hand the number of times I've posted up there. I make an ass of myself quite happily down here where I don't need to think of big words to accompany my humiliation thank you very much!!!

Yggdrasill

Just post where you think you have something to contribute; there is always a few threads where people are asking for opinions, or help with something. These threads are a nice starting point for the higher fora.

Heathen

I feel the same way, actually I don't mind reading other people's discussions, they're pretty interesting, but I don't think I could ever participate in one for the fear that I'll look like a dumbass I like to come here, though, because I feel better being around like-minded people, but as far as discussions though, many people here could debate circles around me, so I stay out of them.

Secular Pinoy

I actually prefer to post in the upper fora and I only recently (relative to my joining this forum) started posting a lot down here. I lack certain social skills and I am not very comfortable with personal discussions. Besides, I only discovered the Secular Web from their very stimulating online library. I am a perpetual novice in the subjects on the upper fora, but that doesn't stop me from voicing my shit. Sure, it can be embarassing being stumped by the pros, but why even join the IIDB if you have thin skin?