The banner up top says, "The friendliest online community for ALL your herping needs!" But that hasn't been my experience. Why do many of the outspoken members and moderators have to behave like they are in high school, and not be welcoming towards new people? Do I have to come across as an unknowledgeable and new keeper, in order to get friendly posts or positive interactions?

I should remember this is an online forum and jerks are everywhere, but this is the first site I've come across out of more than a dozen others, that is at such a high level of clichy-ness and is this kind of unwelcoming. I do believe I've encountered more unfriendly people here than friendly people.