CAS--
Anytime you have more than 2 or 3 folks assembled, darn near anywhere, you're going to have bonds form at different rates and to varying degrees, between different personalities. The secret is to stick around long enough to find your own niche. Asking questions and then really reading the answers and thoughts conveyed by others helps you to see where and with whom you'd be happiest. Most important is to put your own thoughts out there to be read by others. In a group this size, there is bound to be a good fit with some folks. It's also a good idea to make threads and then reply to those who've posted on it. Don't be afraid to send folks you find especially interesting a PM. Some may not respond, but that's ok too. You can never assume that someone is just ignoring you on a forum because sometimes they just haven't been here that day or were distracted with something else.
I have a coma-patients basic, easy-going nature and am very accepting of diversity. I never get crazy if someone doesn't answer a PM or post. It's busy world we're living in.
I'm better in, the forum, e-mail and PM because I'm always painting or doing other things while I post so I'm not good in chat, I tend to be a bit too flighty to just sit and type for any amount of time. Also, I'm more of a "one-on-one" type person than a crowd type. I feel more at ease communicating with one person at a time.
I don't even know which of your groups I'd fit in! I live in the "Nina" world and rarely "measure" things like popularity. I've been accepted, ignored, someone even messaged me a few weeks back and told me I was a spoiled, do-gooder ***** with too much time on her hands. It bothered me for a day or two but the person who said it never came back. *shrugs* Who knows what climbed up his/her butt and died that day. I'm still here and they're gone....
I read here for quite awhile before I decided to join and post anything. When I finally did, I poured my heart out and folks were very kind.
I'm sure you can find the same kindness. They really are a awesome group!
All except the nasty one who called me a name!!