Newcomers to Dreamwidth

Once upon a time, before the Internet, fans found each other through fanzines, clubs, and other means. Among the most famous was the Star Trek Welcommittee, which helped people find ways to participate in the fandom. The National Fantasy Fan Federation, which started even earlier, still has one going. The idea spread to other fandoms and beyond. A welcommittee is basically a group of volunteers who enjoy reaching out to new people and helping them connect with a given organization or subculture.  Many organizations have them, and so do some towns.

I'd like to encourage something similar for Dreamwidth. It's a way for more experienced bloggers to participate in newcomers. We need folks who can answer questions, explain how the platform works, and help new users find things they like in hope they'll stick around. It doesn't have to be official or complicated -- just a few concepts and resources for folks to use when they meet a new user. It helps support the platform we love.

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Today is Shop for Good Sunday. This holiday highlights businesses whose goods and services support values, not just making money and shuffling junk around.

If you know what your friends and family value -- whether that's fair trade or sustainability or women-owned businesses -- then you can buy treats they might not ordinarily get because the good, responsible stuff tends to cost more. Pay attention to packaging: some companies just slap on a seal or few and call it good, but others really highlight the values aspect of their goodies with text or illustrations so your recipient will definitely notice it. The same goes for cards or gift wrapping in companies that offer that service.




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Today is Giving Tuesday. This holiday is about charity in all its forms. You can give money, time, goods or services, whatever you have to share.



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Celebrate Small Business Saturday. Shop small, shop local! What are you doing for Small Business Saturday?




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