I've been reading and infrequently posting on Daily Kos since March of last year. My first visit to Kos' site coincided with the beginning of the Iraq war. I came here for war news (as you might remember the networks' coverage sucked badly). Oh yeah, it still does.
Anyway...
When Kos transitioned to Scoop I didn't care for the new format at first. I thought it was way too busy, and I enjoyed the straight-down comments of the posters. Also, like so many of us here, I think I was a little intimidated by the sheer intellectual firepower that hangs out here.
Time goes on, I get used to Scoop and diaries and comment ratings, and what-not. I finally break through to "trusted user" status in February, when I make some posts reporting on my experiences working for Dean at the Washington state caucuses in Longview.
Now that I have little more understanding of the way the forum works, I've decided to become a bit more active, even if I don't post very often. Again, this is because of the sheer intellectual firepower here. I find myself often echoing others or not really having very much to say.
So, once a week, I'm going to be the mojo fairy. Like a happy scourge, I will descend upon one or two threads and hand out nice comment ratings to obvious Democrats and lefties of good faith whose handles I recognize. That way, more people get good mojo and can actively participate in the forum.
Also, for those of us who lack the rhetorical brilliance of some posters here, it may be one of our only chances to keep/maintain mojo for the ever-coveted "trusted user" status.
I kind of see myself as a good witch or that silly raver kid who hugs everyone he meets, or if you've never been to a rave, just imaging someone like that at a cocktail party.
At worst it should be mildly annoying, but maybe I'll make someone's day or something.
If others want to do the same, I don't see how it can hurt. The simple fact is that wider participation will make Kos work better as a shared forum, once you understand the Scoop model.
And maybe some of you will remember me fondly the next time I shove my foot in my mouth, and refrain from beating me too badly.
Silly raver hugs for everyone-
Oregon guy.