I have sought but often not found new members' intro essays, especially when initial posts are lacking in consideration or otherwise severely off-base.
A required first-post introduction that cannot be deleted for 14 days might engender more reflection and less cavalier cannon-balling in the Nursery.
Thank you,
L

This does not seem like a bad idea, but it may deter some new members from joining.

I do not mind that moderators and administrators promote certain new members - some of whom may not have an introduction essay yet - after getting to know them better.

More rules I believe are not necessary, as if there is a problem with a member, it seems like it could be easily handled. Trouble makers are obvious on a site that strongly supports a mature, factual discussion. Although we might try to poke fun at each other, sometimes it comes off in a different tone to those reading our unemotional text.

^scruffy seconds this motion.

we dont want to become an elitist wasteland like the collective.

I agree, we do not.
My proposal is not elitist, it would not make membership exclusive. I think it would encourage members to pause and think as they present themselves for the first time on the forum.
My opinion is that a paragraph or two with a 2 week permanence is not simply "more rules", but a policy that might improve the forum and discourage intrusive, thoughtless entrances. To be clear, I'm not crusading for this change, and don't want to grind away at this. I am interested in seeing a discussion here, if others have perspectives to offer.
Thank you,
L