RootsChat.Com
Beginners => How to Use RootsChat (Please don't post requests here) => Topic started by: KathMc on Thursday 28 February 08 01:20 GMT (UK)
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I went to the chat room a couple times today. I've never really gone there and now I know why ::) (It's a tad addictive, eh?). but, I was in common room 1 and couldn't move to another room. What do I need to do to move to the other rooms?
Kath
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HI Kath Mc
Yes , addictive :) at the top of the screen in chat you will see Common room 1, click on there and the rest of the rooms headings will drop down from it, click on the one you want, most newbie's to the room , myself included wandered through the other rooms. There will probably be no one in them as Common room 1 is used mostly.
regards
lil
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Hope you don't mind if I hijack your post Kath, but can anyone answer a few questions for me please?
I went into the rootschat chatroom once and someone spoke to me, so I left immediately :o. Never been in any other chatrooms ever ....
It is mainly family history discussed in there, or anything and everything?
What is the busiest time? (I'm in Australia)
How many people are usually in there?
Are they the same people who post on the boards / different people, or a combination?
Why are there several rooms? Is there usually just one conversation per room going on, or many? (I believe this can get confusing?)
Thanks for any answers and thanks Kath ;).
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Hi Ruskie
I can't answer why the other rooms are there and it is common for new people to leave with out answering those who speak to them. Common Room 1 is mainly used.
It's a genealogy room, where people will advise and if can search for information for you. Sometimes due to making friends in there the conversation roles on to general chat. The members are combination of board users and people who use mainly chat. I am mainly in at night and many Aussie's are in then. I'm a Kiwi and we are on Daylight Savings Time.
Do Try to come back in again. Type in the box at the bottom of the screen and enter. There are some lovely friendly helpful people in there.
Regards
lil
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Thanks for the explanation lil .... I actually DID answer the person who spoke to me - I said I had to go (which was half true) ;).
I'll give it another try.
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I know how Ruskie feels. I went there once, and was barely in for a second when I was 'pounced' on, before I could even work out what was the routine. It took me by surprise so I came straight out.
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Hi Silvery,
Do go back in there as the people in there don't bite and are really friendly ;D. I know what you mean when you say that you were "pounced upon" as soon as you entered as it tends to happen like that at times, as it did with me when I first ventured into the chatroom and, like Ruskie and yourself, I disappeared quite quickly but returned later. You, or anyone else who ventures in the chatroom for the first time, can always say your hello's as you enter and "sit in the corner" so to speak and watch the proceedings for a short spell so that you can get the idea of what is happening. It can get a bit daunting when there are many in there and the lines just keep on coming but if you follow one thread in a certain colour then you will soon get the hang of it.
old rowley
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I know how Ruskie feels. I went there once, and was barely in for a second when I was 'pounced' on, before I could even work out what was the routine. It took me by surprise so I came straight out.
Hi silvery, people in the chat room do not mean to scare people away , it is just that we try to make folks welcome as soon as possible. Plus some folks don't know what to say or how to use the chat room , so we try to help them. there are people from all round the world in there at differant times. Some people who go into the chat room never use this side of Rootschat and the same can be said of some people in here, they never use the chat room. I think to get the most out of Rootschat, it is best to try and use both places. You will find we do talk about family history most of the time but when no one needs help we just talk about anything and everything. Also, if you need a "LOOK-UP " it can be much quicker to use the chat room as it is live and you will get your answar much faster ( hope that does not up set any one on her :( ) As all "LOOK-UPS " in here have to be of your own work , this means you have to write every thing down and can not copy and paste it like you can in the chatroom. I hope you both find time to call back and give us another try, we are a great bunch in there.
Migky ;)
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Well said old rowley and miggy.
Silvery Ruskey , pleased that you have explained how you feel. It is over whelming but intentions from those in the room are friendly.and to make you feel welcome.
lil
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Hi
Can I just echo what mig, lil and old rowley have said about the chatroom.
Sometimes it can be a little overwhelming particularly when the room is full, but we all make everybody feel welcome.
Im amazed sometimes at how quick a response you can get to a query, some brilliant people in the room, who have a wealth of knowledge and are only to happy to help
Please do find time to try the room again
Jo :D
Be warned the room can be very addictive ;D
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Very encouraging replies and thankyou to you all. I may venture in there again then. :)
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I agree with Ruskie and Silvery. I felt that way and jumped out and just went back yesterday, out of curiousity, I guess. It was kin dof fun, but a little overwhelming trying to follow through, but I think with practice it will get easier.
Thanks for all the advice and tips.
Kath
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Thanks to all for the reassurance. I did actually pop in earllier (accidentally) - it might be less daunting if you were able to go in wearing an "invisibility cloak", so you can observe before participating. I'll have another try soon ...
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:oI was very overwhelmed, It sort of HIT out at me. But I stayed for a few moments to responed to the welcome I receved.Thankyou.I shall return later.
SOPHIEDOG.
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I didn't realise the chatrooms existed until I read about it on a post on here. I thought I'd give it a try, everyone was saying hello as soon as I went in, they were all very friendly. I must admit I found it very fast moving and I was getting a bit confused about who was answering who. I liked it though, will give it another go some time.
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o love it Migky
reminds me of the Royal Mail sorting process for the post. 8)
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I've only been in there a few times and I'm rubbish at it .. but that's my fault because I'm a slowcoach .. ;D
Have to say Migky was an absolute star and made me very welcome .. there are some lovely people about .. ! :) :)
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Maybe the easeyest way would be to change your statues to away or busy as you came in the chatroom, but if we don't try and make folks welcome right away they feel like new kid at school and every one is looking at them.
All are welcome and would not be much of a chat room if we didn't have people to chat with ;D
and it beats trying to figure out how this thing works ;D
(http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/4151/lostwhichismydotwe1.gif)
I think this is called 'A woman's brain' ;D
Jennifer
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Please keep to the topic - there is a danger of moving away from a valuable discussion to something that belongs on the ToTb.
Thanks
Arranroots ;)
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Apologies :'(
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I love the chat room. If you've ever seen the show "Cheers", it's like that, when Norm walked into the bar, everyone said "hello".
You meet some great friends in there.
I enjoy the fast pace of the look ups, you can help a person with their brick wall in quick time so to speak.
Karen
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It sounds like the regulars in the chatroom understand us pokey people. Be patient with us newbies to the chatroom and we'll come back, I am sure. ;D ::)
Kath
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I always loved the chat room, I have made some great friends through it and have met up with many. In March I am to meet a lovely Candian lady and her sister and one of the lads from Wales with his wife. I used to love the look ups, walls were demolished in no time!!
Have fun chatting
Jane ;D
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Only 4 weeks :) :)
Karen
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29 days LOL ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Is there a room there for slow typing newcomers to say hi and practice answering quickly I found by the time I'd typed Thank you for the warm welcome the conversation had moved on several topics and I was just floundering so left .
Trees
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Me too Trees ! ...... I'm a two finger typist and so I felt like a dodo ....... and it was dark and spooky ... I didn't like it at all !! ::) ::) ::)
No ! I'll stay outside and do my damage out here !! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
I know .... before you say it .... I'm a wussy !! :P :P :P
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Oh Annie, it's not that bad ::) ;)
You can use colour for your name and in the beginning just follow along the colour to have a conversation till you get more familiar with it.
Karen
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And ya no you have your own Mankie man to look after you Annie ;D
Would i ever let any harm come to you ;D
Migky ;)
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I can assure you that my twin, Migky, will look after you. It's fun in the Chatroom :D
Gadget
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Thought I would put my tupence worth in. I tried it once and like the others was overwhelmed at first but i started talking to one person and we moved out of the main conversation to have a more one to one conversation and I found that helpful. But I must say everyone was very friendly.
Evelina
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[And ya no you have your own Mankie man to look after you Annie ;D
Would i ever let any harm come to you ;D
Migky ;)/b]
That's what worries me !! ::) ::) ::)
One of these days I might give it another go .... ;D and I do know you all thats a plus ..... ( though I don't know is it ?? :o )
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I need to get quicker with the abbreviations and not worry so much about capping things. Then I might be better in there.
K (see, I'm trying :D)
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Right I'm taking a deep breath and diving in to see if it's still scary come on Annie see you there we can shake in a corner together just grab a coffee and in we go ;D
Trees
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Right I'm taking a deep breath and diving in to see if it's still scary come on Annie see you there we can shake in a corner together just grab a coffee and in we go ;D
Trees
There, Trees - you did Ok ;D
Gadget
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We promise not to sit on yous and hold you down ;D ;D ;D
You will find with more and more time in the room your typing improves ( mine has ) and if a conversation is going and your asked a question , people will wait and look for your reply, or ask if you heard them.
If you feel comfortable sitting back and watching for a bit, do so, people in the room will be understanding.
regards
lil
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Not a bit scary after all I got a bit flumacs but if you ask what to do they soon put you right . my computer is on go slow just now so will try again after it finishes scanning and compacting. I think I'll write a question out on a note pad so I can just copy it in next time to save time and I must look up those abbreviations Sapling suggested
Thanks for making it painless. If an old gal like me can survive in there anyone can ;D
Trees
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But how does it work with lookups then if it's so fast paced? It can take time to go off and do a lookup, and by the time you return, the conversation has moved on .... Has anyone had queries solved in there that haven't been solved on the usual boards?
I'm not a great one for abbreviations either, and I do like to check and double check what I've written to reduce mistakes (and saying the wrong thing) ;)
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It's quicker with look ups because you don't have to do the niceties ;) but people wait for them. You just follow the colours that the people choose andwatch for your name.
There's also a personal messaging system so that you can chat in real time to just one person :)
Gadget
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Thanks Gadget ;)
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and I do like to check and double check what I've written to reduce mistakes (and saying the wrong thing) ;)
Don't worry, we read typos and make typos, no big deal :)
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To all newbies to rootschat chatroom, we have just painted the place out , have a fresh pot of coffee on , swept th room out and put a viewing gallery for you to just come & site / watch us while you get the feel of the place.We will try to re-frame from rushing in and hitting you all with 20 questions , but if one or two do please do not rush out , it is only because they are egger to make new friend and to offer as much help as they can.
Migky also know as chatroom janitor ;)
NOTE*
slip me a quid on the way in and i make sure you get a good seat and a cup without any chips in it, but that just between me and you ok ;) ;) say no more. Please read terms and condition as we have Big Jed working the door if there any trouble ;D
Images removed as it may infringe copy rights
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Hi everyone,
I have been using the chat room for exactly 12 months and life as changed since I have. I was made to feel part of a large family of people all interested in the same subject and I now always try to be the same to anyone new who enters. I have also been to meets arranged by the chatters and also met up with people when visiting the areas where they live.
I am now totally addicted and go in some afternoons and always on a night. I have have friends all over the world and when I am away from home I go to the internet cafes or use my wifi to still keep in contact and take part in the searching.
New people dont be frightened just say you want to be quiet and just watch everyone will understand. Sometimes we just chat so if you need any help with your research just shout out and help will be with you.
Please come back all you people who were put off with the speed I will watch out for you and if I can help make you feel at home I will.
Val
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Thanks to all for the reassurance. I did actually pop in earllier (accidentally) - it might be less daunting if you were able to go in wearing an "invisibility cloak", so you can observe before participating. I'll have another try soon ...
Hi there,
That's exactly what I thought when I first ventured into the chatroom. Never having had so many pairs of eyes turn towards me before was a shock to the system and made my heart jump into my mouth. :o
Being a wrinkly, my fingers weren't up to speed when I first went into the chatroom, except to click on a smilie. The next time I went into the room I had a cunning plan and prepared some typed words of what I wanted to say plus some questions on a blank "Word" document before I went in, which I could copy and paste into the conversation, eg. "I live in Lancashire, England", and ... " I am looking for .... " etc.
Pop in any time of the night or day, there's usually somebody living somewhere on another continent of the globe willing to lend a hand. We've even got a "Save" button in the room so you don't have to miss any of the information other chatters give you.
Sith thee
Rena
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Help...... I need a cure for my addiction..... I can't stay out of the chatroom..... I feel alone when Im not in there.... lol only joking. But seriously come in, don't be shy, and if it seems like we all shout at once and jump on you its because we are eager to meet you and help you.
Dee
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how do i get into the other rooms i always appear in common romm 1 but cant seem to get into the other rooms!
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You click on the drop down arrow at the top of the chat room and choose a room, but you will find cobwebs, dust and ghosts in there. No one enters them apart from by accident.......and you may never come back...
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We did use Room 2 over a year ago - went in with Sarah, et. al. We switched off the light and I think only Rena pops in occasionally to dust ;D ;D ;D
Gadget
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Help...... I need a cure for my addiction..... I can't stay out of the chatroom..... I feel alone when Im not in there.... lol only joking. But seriously come in, don't be shy, and if it seems like we all shout at once and jump on you its because we are eager to meet you and help you.
Dee
Stay out of the Chat Room and aim for the stars Dee 8).
Christopher
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I though it worth adding my two penneth to this topic.
I started genealogy about 8 months ago and found this site.
First thing I did was look on the Lancashire Board and found all these people asking for look ups.
After a few days I posted one and fantastic, someone replied. Not wanting to appear pushy by asking for too much I waited a week before asking for another.
After a couple of weeks I got a little more adventurous and tried the button at the top marked "chat" to find out what it did.
Wallop!!! I was in a chat room for the first time in my life with about 15 people screeming "Hi Dave, Hey Dave, Hello Dave"
PANIC
I was in there and people I didn't know were all asking me questions.
I look back now and chuckle to myself it was the best accident I ever had.
After a few minutes I think I manged to type "its my first time here can I just watch" I sat there and watched I was asked "If you need help just ask"
After about ten mins I was asked if I needed a lookup and a few minutes later tentatively posted one, WOW within minutes the reply was there.
I sat there for a few hours and just watched and left typing "goodnight and thanks for your help"
I returned the following day at the same time and was greeted with the same barrage of Hi's
I answered "Hi All" because thats what I'd seen the night before and was amazed that most people remembered me.
I posted an odd line or comment that night slowly getting braver and braver.
I returned the third night and I was one of the gang it was like I had been there for years.
The people in the room are some of the friendliest most helpful people I have ever met.
I am now addicted and in the chat room nearly every night.
Rule 1 - Don't panic, take things at your own speed, everyone in the room will know you are new and what you're going through.
Rule 2 - You don't have to type anything - Just be polite and type "Hi All" when you arrive and "Bye All" when you are going. If you have had help a simple "Thanks for your help" is enough.
Rule 3 - Don't worry about typing errors. Most people make errors and spelling mistakes and there are no spelling police watching you. Some people who have been on for years make errors on almost every word. No one cares and most we can figure out anyway.
Rule 4 - Do not post your text in capitals this is taken as shouting and is bad mannered. Use capitals to emphasise one or two words or for a surname to make them easier to read.
Abbreviations are a puzzle at first so here are the most common.
WB - Welcome Back - usually someone has left the room for a short time and returned
BRB - Be Right Back - some one is going away to make a brew, visit the loo are take a phone call.
BBL - Be Back Later - The person is leaving but will be coming back later.
TC - Take Care - this will usually be posted when some says goodbye.
LOL - Laugh Out Loud - Indicates a statement was made as a joke or that someone found it funny.
LMAO - Laughing My A*** Off - as above but funnier
ROFLMAO - Rolling On Floor Laughing My A*** Off - even funnier.
TY - Thank You
YW - Your Welcome
If one comes up you don't know just ask, nobody knows them all, they are used to cut down on the amount typing.
eg. if you see BBIAB
type "BBIAB??"
someone will reply "BBIAB = Be Back In A Bit"
If you are aiming your comment or question at a certain person you don't need to use the full name. eg. for DaveH1953, Dave will do. Watch the others and copy what they put.
What do we talk about, well it is a genealogy chat room so thats the main topic.
Apart from that anything that is not offensive.
For example news of the recent UK earthquake was around the world before The BBC, Sky or Reuters knew about it.
There are people in the room who have been doing it for years and have a lot of experience in most parts of the world. They will give you links to web sites, search census or BMD sites for you and give advice on almost anything.
Don't be frightened to ask for help, we have little competions between ourselves to see who can get the information first and take pride in having found it.
I will add if someone is looking up information for you don't just leave. Let them know you are going and tell them how they can get the information to you. The easiest way is to give them an email address by PM.
PM = Private Message and is a conversation that can only be seen by the person you are talking with. You are not giving your email address to everyone in the room.
One other thing sometimes the room software has a little hiccup and kicks you out. Don't worry just hit the refresh button and come straight back in. It happens to us all.
REMEMBER we were all new once and understand what it's like, so come and join us.
Hope this helps
Best of luck
Dave
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Wow ... what a brilliant description of the Chat Room, Dave.
The place is bound to be packed from now onwards.
By the way ... the same could apply to the queries with a 0 beside them on the boards. Don't be scared to answer a question. It's not a life and death issue. You may occasionally give an incorrect answer but usually if someone sends the first answer others tend to start posting too and most errors can be corrected with no problems.
Christopher
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Yes agreed, excellent, thanks Dave.
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Hi Pops
You've definitely come along way, that's the most you've ever said in one go.......Social chatting can boost ones confidence :) :) :)
lil
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how do i get into the other rooms i always appear in common romm 1 but cant seem to get into the other rooms!
Hi Toni, this should help you find the right room but mostly we only use common room one. but migh have a party in the Ireland room on the 17th march ;D or maybe, a hagis 25th Jan in Scotlands room ;D
Migky ;)
Images removed as it may infringe copy rights
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thanks Migky it was curiosty really
have always appeared in teh first chat room and had many a good chat tehre but wonder what was going on inthe otehr rooms,
nto alot you guys have said!
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Hi MIGKY,
What about St Andrew's Day, St David's Day and St George's Day ???
Christopher
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Is there a room there for slow typing newcomers to say hi and practice answering quickly I found by the time I'd typed Thank you for the warm welcome the conversation had moved on several topics and I was just floundering so left .
Trees
This is exactly how I felt; I went in there first - on my first day - and it scared me to death - I thought no, this isn't going to work :-\ Like Trees said, I was floundering after a couple of minutes :'(. I've been following this thread with interest - I never went back in the chatroom - maybe I'll pluck up the courage one day - but the memory is still quite vivid :o
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Mum
let me know when you want to go in and I'll come in with you if you like :)
Gadget
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There was a slow typers room for a while. If you pluck up the courage to go back in (it's great fun when you get used to it ;D) ask if some of the chatters will come with you to set one up.
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Migky IT IS ST DAVID'S DAY we should get free entry and free tea and biscuits tonight ;D
Trees
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But Trees, i am only the janitor , not up to me what days we have special events on. I just do the cleaning up after you lot have partyed ( That is if i am still sober )
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Migky IT IS ST DAVID@S DAY we should get free entry and free tea and biscuits tonight ;D
Trees
I agree with your Trees.
Do they not make whiskey in Wales ???
Something stronger than tea is required for celebrating St David's Day.
Christopher
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There is certainly Welsh Whisk(e)y. I've had the odd bottle over the years.
Gadget
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Indeed we do have our own whiskey and very good it is to but not very plentiful :'( If I get some I'll raise a glass to all our Celtic cousins and friends everywhere.
I'll get some Welsh cakes on the griddle for all the exiles and any guests that would like to join in but I'm off to St David's Hall for a NOW concert to celebrate so will see everyone in a post St Dewi tomorrow
Trees
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There is certainly Welsh Whisk(e)y. I've had the odd bottle over the years.
Gadget
Scotish = whisky
Irish= whiskey
How do the Welsh spell it?
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I deliberately wrote Whisk(e)y.
It's a long time since I had a bottle ;D
Gadget
Added - like our Scots Cousins ;D ;D ;D
http://www.welsh-whisky.co.uk/index.html
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How about 'wiski' ;D ;D
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No K in the Welsh alphabet ;D
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I knew there was something -
wisci ?? ;)
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Should it be wisgi Gadget? I'm a pretend Welsh person being born in Brum but I've lived here since 1947 so just about accepted ;D
trees
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Not sure about that, Trees. To be really Welsh you not only have to have been born there but be able to recite you ancestors back to Adam ;D
Gadget - born in Wales 8)
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;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Well there is no J either but an awful lot of Jones families ??? ??? ???
Ta borch rwyn mynd i'r Caerdydd nawr hwyl y flag (hope thats right)
Trees
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Strewth Trees - that worse than the chat room ! ;D ;D ;D
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Beatha agus slainte means ‘Health and long life’
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Beatha agus slainte means ‘Health and long life’
Maybe - but that's not what Trees wrote - ??? ;D
Abbreviations is one thing, but abbreviations in foreign are completely beyond me!
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Tis Irish galic ;D
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Well - that's my something new leaned today ;D ;D
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Tis Irish galic ;D
Migky, Twin ;D
Tis Uirish Gaeilge
:D
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Polite reminder: This topic is supposed to be helping people to use the chatroom.
;)
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Sorry pardon just said ta ta I'm off to Cardiff to salute the flag ,well sort of wonderful concert.Mum44 didn't mean to scare you come on its not that bad I've been back a few times this weekend and it IS very friendly and the offers of help are quick too You ask if any one can help and when someone comes back you just keep following their colour it is strange having several conversations going on at the same time but following the colour seems to work and fair play they wait for you to type in the next answer to any questions extra information and so on. If I get stuck I ask and the answer is back pretty quick so I now know where to get a colour for my text,how to make the text big enough for me to read and not to apologize for bad spelling , grammar and typing errors They are happy for you to stay and follow the threads but don't mind if you chip in either Come on in and meet the chatters
Trees
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Hi mum
It can be quite daunting when one first comes into the room but do try to come again with someone you know or if on your own you recognize some one from this thread , do stay as they or I will help you ease into conversation. If you don't recognise anyone, just briefly explain your concerns and someone will help. Another option ( and I don't know where your from ) is to find a time that is quieter and the room has only a few people in. This may not be as easy to do as it sounds but someone form your area may know when quieter times are. Whatever you will be comfortable with.
For those that are concerned about their typing speed, you will be amazed at how fast you pick up the pace. Alternatively for starters, small statements, comments etc, should suffice. Everyone works at there own pace.
Regards
lil
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Hi Lil
Everyone is urging me to go back in there! I'm not worried particularly about my typing speed - remember I was only in there once for about 10 minutes - but as I recall it was my reading speed that was the problem :'(
The page filled up so quickly and all the conversations seemed to be intermingled - I couldn't work out which was the conversation I was having ??? or supposed to be having ??? and I couldn't get the hang of all the different colours and people kept saying hello and goodbye to everyone so at some point all the posts were hello or goodbye and yet there still seemd to be loads of people in there - I couldn't find what I'd just said, never mind discover whether I'd had an answer ??? :'( :'(
So you see - the lingering impression it left is total confusion ! ! ! ! !
But I expect I'll go back - gadget has said she'll hold my hand - but my previous experience suggests that if she were to let go ..........oh my -
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You can scroll back up to read the conversation at a more reasonable pace I found that taking my eyes off to type a reply i missed a few people speaking to me and then felt rude until i found I could scroll back to see what I had missed
Trees
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Well, I did try that - and then when I got back to the end it was in a different place, if you see what I mean - it had moved and while i was catching up on the previous I then had to catch up on the more recent etc.etc.etc. I went home while I felt I still knew the way home !
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The chatroom can get very busy - evening UK time are the busiest. Trying to follow several converstions when there 20 people in the room can be very confusing although following the different colours does help.
Try going in during the day when it is quieter. It's a good way to "find your feet".
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The afternoons are quieter for the uk so try that I am sometimes in and will look out for you and help you through your ordeal. In no time you will have loads of friends and will on on an evening when all the ozzies and usa people come in and keeping up with no problems. Please dont give up its so much fun. Hope to see you in the room soon.
Val
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I must say some of the conversation can get slightly surreal and I'm involved a lot of the time.... please feel free to ignore me.......
I love the chat room apart from the fact it makes me tired because I stay up too late..... certainly an addiction!
I've only being going for a few weeks but definitely feel like one of the family....
Claire
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Hi Chatters
Now I know that it is quite common to back out and not say 'boo' I have to admit I did the same. I'm quite chatty but I was well out of my league being a real newbie at the time and having 'accidently' opened a darkroom with lots of coloured speech. All I could focus on was the 'Hi Mare' straight away and not knowing what to do. I looked up a couple of tips, one of which said you had to log off when you leave so that got me into another tizz, so I went in for another peek and still didn't say anything or see what to do... so I gathered perhaps I wasn't logged in being speechless???....or perhaps I'm still in there..I haven't been back to see :D
Mare
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Hi Mare
Love your description. :) :) When you enter the room, down the bottom of the screen you will see a box ( the width of your 3/4 of your screen ) you can type in there and enter. if you feel like being adventurous you can also change colors in case your worried we wont see you ;D Stick with the lighter shades of color though as it can be difficult to see dark colors against the blue background. Just above the box is
HERE OPTIONS box here for changing colors SAVE ? SMILEYS B ( bold ) I ( Italic )
Here lists busy , away or brb ( be right back ) if you click on any of those, it will come up against your name and people will see that you are occupied with something else.
Options, I just ignore
Save, you can save the room chat, this is wonderful if someone has provided you with information, saves you writing it down.
? is your help page which you must have found
Smileys, you can pull faces ;D helps you express what you are wanting to say, as we cant hear your tone, this can help others understand you. Bold is to enlarge your print and I italic is to make it fancy.
lil
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Yes - Lil - that all makes perfect sense from here - but it's very different viewed in there , where it all seems to be happening all the time, and there isn't time to look for buttons and things! ;D ??? ;D
There ought to be an ante-room for people like me (and Mare ! ) to get acclimatised before the real thing ;D Bit like the shower before the pool ;D
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Hi Mum and Mare I went in this morning and just said Hi I'm new and trying out a few things Then lil bless her said OK ask if you need help so I did first tried colour then smilies going bold and italicwhen I couldn't sort it Lil gave me help with it then some one used an abbreviation I didn't Kno Wso I repeated it with ?? and some one explained it was great do give it a try it is really friendly after all I think I could get to like it ;D Now is a good time to start with several newbies like me around they are a patient lot
Trees
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I wish I had time to go in now. I am actually a little worried to get too comfy in there, but I will be back in in the next few days.
Kath
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Kath
Come for a visit now, only 3 of us in
Jo
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Many thanks for starting this thread Kath I for one would never have tried again I've been missing a lot of fun Thanks from this lill convert :)
Trees
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Your welcome Trees. I didn't realize it would generate such interest.
JoJo, I shouldn't even be online right now. I need to get my kids breakfasts and lunches made, get dressed and get out of the house in 40 minutes. But here I sit at the computer. Maybe tomorrow morning, when my life will be a little slower.
Kath
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Kath
Hope to see you there sometime ;D
Jo
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Well, I did it - and it wasn't so bad after all - at least I'm not scared of it it now, although I did have rather a job trying to get out - a bit like being in a revolving door - press the red button to exit and then the only option seemed to be to log back in ??? ;D So I did and they said press the x, so I did and rootschat vanished altogether. >:(
I'll get the hang of it - somehow ;D
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Hi Mum
And I didn't hold your hand :o
I usually have at least two tabs open for Roots - one of which I use to go into the Chatroom. That way you are back on the main pages when you exit :)
Gadget
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Hi gadget - sorry I didn't mean to be rude and spurn your offer, but JoJo said there were only 3 people in, so I thought - now or never, and there wasn't time to go look for you before I changed my mind!
2 tabs - now why didn't I think of that! Didn't know what was going to happen, but now I do - so, next time.
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Hi Mum
And I didn't hold your hand :o
I usually have at least two tabs open for Roots - one of which I use to go into the Chatroom. That way you are back on the main pages when you exit :)
Gadget
There ya go again Twinny, giving away all our trade secrets ;D
but it seems to be bringin them flooding in the place, it's getting full during the day at times now
Migky ;)
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Well, I ventured in as well and intend to go back.
It is a bit confusing and I had the same problem as Mum44 when I came out. But it will be easier next time.
A big thanks to Migky for the handholding ;D
Barbara
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Your welcome barbra, migky good at " the blind leading the blind " 8)
The more people feel comfortable the better. In the end we all came on rootschat in the beginning to find our own family tree, but like almost every one ells who does this , we end up helping each other. I spend a lot of time trying to find any sort of records for Manchester/Salford and the surrounding areas, just to help others.
Migky ;)
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i've tried twice and FAILED.... too fast... it's too scary...i dont get on with it at all ...very confused ::)
Debz
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I'm sure it won't be too much of a nightmare once I've had a little go, though also a little concerned it could become too time consuming .....having trouble saying night Mare as it is. 4 30 am here, woke early! Resisted so far logging into rootschat at work though have had a few peeks and looks quiet then. One day if I get some time off I'll give it a try and you'll probably see the whites of my teeth instead of the whites of my eyes.. Mare enters room grinning instead of Mare enters room startled and makes hasty exit. ;D ;D
Perhaps I should have paid more attention when the family were home using chatrooms. OH has joined a firefighters one recently but it is quite clear to see each message in little blocks and most have a thumbnail mugshot alongside so I can glance across to his screen and follow what is going on.
I have been using skype at work and even started using abbreviations.. thought I never would, tend not to text on cellphone either ;D
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Hi Debz You know what an old technophobeI am but I've been in a few times this weekend and so far have survived let me know when you are free and we'll go together it really is painless and fun when you start to relax
Trees
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Ah thanks trees, .....i'll have a go again soon...i'll let you know...i don't think i type fast enuf or think quick enuf !!! ::)
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I was in there for a bit this morning DJ and I certainly don't think fast enough, but everyone was great and it was fun. Then mom called. :D
Kath
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DJ (and anyone else thinking of coming into chat)
Don't be worried by the speed - it isn't always fast.
You don't have to be able to type quickly. Just take your time to do what you feel most comfortable with. Just remember everyone who goes in there at some point was new and it takes time. We've all been there and fully understand it can phase people a bit.
We love having new folks join us in chat and we fully understand typos (I make plenty myself !).
Why not give it a go!
Best wishes
Ann
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It is great having new people in and helping them or watching others help as in my case. I am not as quick as Ann. She does do typos but so does everyone else. So please come in and say hi and just watch what we do and what others do to help.
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As others have said earl;ier in thread we will all say hello when you arrive! Don't be put off - we want you to feel welcome.
The regulars will know if someone is new and we will look after you - promise! There are a lot of people who don't use the boards who come in who are excellent genealogists and you will learn loads - I know I have!
I have had some fantastic help from the chatroom and also have made some great friends. I am so glad I went in!
Ann
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Hi All,
I went in to the chatroom the other day and must say i was made really welcome. There was quite a few in there at the time and the messages was coming up so fast by the time i answered they were talking about something else so i ended up not saying much. :) :) :)
It seems really fast in there and i must admit i felt out of my league but i will give it another go.
Im sure i wont be the only slow coach in there, well i hope not. ;D ;D ;D
Sue
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Sue
Don't worry at all about being slower than some of the others - they have been doing a while and you do get quicker. Honest.
Important thing is if you need help you say so and join in when you feel comfortable. Someone will help!
Look forward to seeeing you!
Ann
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I have laughed a lot at this thread. When I first ventured onto rootschat early last year I accidentally clicked on "chat" and "wham" there I was! Someone said "Hello" and I nearly died! Was this one of those terrible chatrooms where terrible deeds are done? Phew! Was I scared. Never been anywher near it since. Me and a few others by the sound of it.
I like the other chat threads where you don't have to participate if you don't want to.
Judy
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Judy
Please give it another go. You don't have to chat if you don't want to but we can do lookups for you if you need them or provide suggestions of places to look. Just like boards but a wee bit quicker. No terrible deeds done! lol
We'd love you to come in again - but I do understand it isn't for everyone. But if we can help in chat please come and visit.
Best Wishes
Ann
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Thanks Ann I may do. I am meeting brick walls with my Marshalls and Williamsons in Wigtownshire. I build em up and they come crashing down again.
I am teasing Gadget at the moment on "These Sunny Days Bring Out the Pics in Me". Shush. :-X :-X :-X :-X
Judy
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Watch it or I'll not look up anything more for you in Dum/Gal ;D ;D ;D
I'm in the Chatroom at least once a week so beware :o :o :o
Gadget
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You can't intimidate me 'cause OH has got one of those thingymee watsits too! Now I'll never go into the chatroom, Ooooh! Arrhh!
:-\ :-\ :-\ :-\ :-\
J...
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Are you still after those Marshalls and Williamsons :o .I'm not sure how far we got. Oh yes the one with 600 children - now the chatroom is certainly the place to discuss him ;D
Come in sometime - it's friendly and not at all intimidating :)
Gadget
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Yes Ankerdine come I cant wait to meet you. Go get her to come in Gadget
Val
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Come on Judy you can do it . Promise we won;t bite and I do Scottish research so there's a bribe if ever there was one
Ann
- PS love your flower avatar! very springlike
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Hi Anne
I don't think you'll get much further than we did - the Marshalls and Williamsons are in one of the areas that I've got extra resources for and we decided that a trip to the Ewart library might be the only way to go :-\
I think Judy should pop in to have a look and a general chat to see how she feels in there.
No one bites, Judy ;D
Gadget
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I don't think any of us have any problem chatting ;D
The common theme seems to be accidentally checking out the chat button perhaps without realising it is the chatroom even :o then there's no panic button while you're watching racing speech with a racing heart ;D
I will check it out again and pace myself... you too eh Judy ???
Mare
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Hi
Been there! Only problem was when I came OUT I had to log on and my user name and/or password were not recognised so I just had to shut down rootschat.
Judy
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Well done Ankerdine, you did just fine :D
and has Gadget says
I usually have at least two tabs open for Roots - one of which I use to go into the Chatroom. That way you are back on the main pages when you exit :)
Gadget
Jo
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Yeah - the exit policy catches you, doesn't it ? ???
Just when you're clapping yourself on the back for going in and staying sane - it gets you on the way out instead ;D ;D
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Yes, you read my mind completely! Ha! Ha! Mum44
Will do as Gadget suggests in future.
Tks.
Judy
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Will do as Gadget suggests in future.
Tks.
Judy
Can i have that in writing ;D
Well done, Judy.
See it didn't hurt at all did it :)
Gadget
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To Risky
went in there once, and shot out again ;D ;D ;D
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Risky
Well, I would never have thought it of you after reading about your escapades.
:o :o :o :o :o :o
Judy
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Judy
That was when I first joined roots, and I aint been back since ;D ;D
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Hi
I thought I'd try it out, and have popped in three times now ~ always friendly. Everyone says 'hello'.
All you have to do is say 'Hi' back and read what people are discussing. You can chime in ~ or not ~ depending on whether you have something to add.
And then say 'bye bye' before leaving.
So far, so simple ~ I can see why people find it addictive. :)
Hi and a big 'thank you' to those who have made me feel so welcome in the chat room ~ and for helping me out!! :)
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I used to go in when I first joined Roots but I found it addictive and never got anything done so I stopped going in.
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If you meet any addicted Irish members in the Chat Room would you be kind enough to tell them that the guys replying to queries on the Irish boards are being overworked 8)
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I can see why you don't go in. I could spend a lot of time in there. I think that's why I am not going in too much. I want to, but I know myself. :-X
Kath
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As Mumsie says ... if you start chatting you get little else done 8)
I post on several sites so haven't the time for too much chatting.
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yes
if time is limted not good idea but then you can find ways to do both. I have over time educated myself to be able to tho taken a while. Just put up busy/away sign and go off and do what you need to do.
Lol I do washing, drying and even a bit of FH searching under banner of away! - me secrets out now! My beeeping tumble dryer is a mainstay these days - just say dryer beeping and off I go. Can always scroll back when I come back 10 mins later (is long walk to cellar, folding and all that and back again)
My hardest temptation is not logging in during day at work when on lunch cos would be on lunch forever! Think them upstairs wouldn't maybe like too much.
Hey ho
Ann
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To Risky
went in there once, and shot out again ;D ;D ;D
Hey Rick, i could do with a little help at times in there ( you been the rootschat lady's football trainer and al that ) Some time there just poor me , the only male in there ( GULP! ) and as you mentioned that you " shot right out again" maybe come back and watch my back at times ;D ride shotgun ;D we need more men in there, it some times feels like the local chiken coup
As much as I would like to help you, training about 20 girls for football is hard enough, let alone walking into the lions den where there are hundreds ;) ;) ;)
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Go on with you, Ricky - I'll come in with you and we've not done much training recently. You'd be most welcome in there. You do some very fast searching on the main boards so you would be an asset ;D
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and besides , we women are harmless ;D ;D ;D
lil
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Ann I will never believe you again about the dryer!!! and your secret is not safe with me. Yes I should not be here doing this now but well I am an addict. Mig I dont hear you comlaining in chat about all the women !! I bet you would not dare anyway.
If you came on late at night there are more men on then. But we would still gang up on you anyway.
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and besides , we women are harmless ;D ;D ;D
lil
Lil
You dont expect me to believe that for one min ???
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We've even got a "Save" button in the room so you don't have to miss any of the information other chatters give you. Rena
I didn't know about the "Save" button. Whereabouts is it? I have been in the chatroom a few times and was made to feel very welcome. Some very kind rootschatter did a quick lookup for me and, foolishly, I thought I would remember the information. If only I had known about the Save button.
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Frazer
Is just abobve the box where you type - kinda in middle but be sure to save into My Docuents and not as web page cos it not work v well.
OR
You can copy and paste from room into word
Ann
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Lil
You dont expect me to believe that for one min ???
ummmmmmmm . Yes ;D .
Well we'd make you feel welcome, tell you what you want to here then put the claws in ;D ;D ;D
Does that sound about right? :)
Seriously though, it s worth trying again Ricky, people in the room are wonderful and will help you anyway they can.
lil
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Oh! by the way Ricky, it is slightly differant in the chat room from the womens football chaging room . THERS NO JUMPING INTO THE SHOWERS AFTER WITH THE LADY'S :-[
Behave yourself, MIGKY, this is RootsChat 8)
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Hi
Like quite a few others I 'accidentally' wandered into the chat room when I first joined Rootschat and nearly died when someone said 'hello', couldn't for the life of me figure out what to do so made a quick exit and never went back. However, after reading this posting I plucked up courage and went back, followed what the 'experts' advised and really enjoyed it - even replied and asked a couple of questions :) Have'nt had time to go back yet but I will.
Crystal :)
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Hi
What is good is this thread has generated a lot more folks coming into the chat room. It can go a wee bit fast at times but I hope those who have ventured in and come back are enjoying it!
We will all say Hi when you arrive cos that's what we do - don't be phased. We know you're new and promise we'll help you find you way through it. So please drop by! If there is anything you don't understand or want help with please say - we all were new to the room once so we know it can be a bit daunting.
Come on in!
Ann
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Well, I certainly seem to have lost my terror of it - I even went in, said "away" and came back yesterday - well chuffed ;D
Still haven't quite got the knack to having three different conversations with three different people at the same time - used to be able to do that when all the children were young and at home, but am now out of practise!
And all that hello and goodbye still phases me - when the room is busy there'll be a whole page of that !
But yes - I'll continue to go there - albeit still with the need to take a deep breath first!
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Mum
You're doing just fine! Glad to have you on board!
Ann