by Mandrake » Sep 12th, '06, 17:31
Whoa, hold on a second here! Firstly, TM isn't intended to be a teaching site and never has been. The founder of the Forum was very clear about that aspect as teaching can be so close to exposure that there's only a blurred line between the two - especially if it involves tricks you've bought where copyright restrictions are involved
If you've hardly received any replies, it all depends on which questions, how they were phrased and how long you waited for a reply. Since you only registered on September 7th, less than a week ago with all of 9 posts to your credit so far, I doubt you've given anyone sufficient time to read let alone respond to questions - most of us have a day time job, some have a professional magic career, family and other activities which take up our time.
Nobody is seriously suggesting newcomers be isolated, if you get that impression then please let any of the Mods have the links and we'll sort it out. I'm concerned that you then go off on a tangent about being surprised you're not being asked to pay. None of that is relevant and there is no reference anywhere on TM to paying so please don't make things up then complain about them.
Yes of course many of us needed tips and help in the early days but most of us went out, bought books and learned that way. For advice and help on a personal level, magic clubs and societies are invaluable and a great deal is passed on and learned in that way. What we didn't do is throw a temper tantrum after a short period of time because nobody handed everything to us on a plate. TM is a two way process so it's important to understand that members need to join in and give rather than expect to take right from the word 'Go'.
Finally, nobody has suggested a secluded forum, if we did it wouldn't be possible for anyone to register and join - just like you did all of 5 days ago. There are restricted areas but those are for members who have shown that they can contribute and have fulfilled the criteria which is clearly set out in the stickies. From time to time, you may find mention of a lot of strange things including lemons and aardvarks but it doesn't mean it's part of Forum policy.
I hope that straightens the record for you.