I appreciate that the Nexus has a chat room.

Some other entheogen-oriented forums don't and so people treat them as not only forums but also chat rooms. It's hard to have a focused discussion when you ask a question about let's say a mushroom cultivation tek and someone jumps in with "Hey don't worry, smoke a joint! I'm totally stoned rn hahahaha" followed by flashing animated gifs and signatures that take up half the screen.

On the Nexus, the lighthearted nature of the chat room offers a counterbalance to the focused discussion on the forum. A place to socialize, unwind, vent etc., and thanks to the fact everyone on the chat is a forum member, it's still free from immature language, personal attacks etc.

The chat allows us to keep the forum the treasure trove it is.

From the perspective of the long standing members, you are new. Like you, I am also a "new member". However, I don't see it as something negative. Participating in the chat area has helped. It has given me the opportunity to interact with other members and feel like I am a part of this community a bit more.

Time, and time alone, is the only way I'll shed my new member status. It's worth waiting for since I want to earn my place here, as well as, the respect of the site's long standing members. Hopefully, my perspective helps you gain some optimism concerning your place here.

Peace.
DD.

EDIT: Did I mistake full member status?