[beardednose]

If you're new here (regardless of whether you're a computer or security noob) but can't think of something to post, here's some ideas from the "nose"...

NOTE: Obviously, your posts should be directed towards some aspect of computing and/or security. Following some of the tips are links to posts that serve as examples..

1) Write up something in your area of expertise. Even if you're a noob, you know something that others don't. Just make sure you do a SEARCH first so you don't duplicate someone else's post.

2) Post something that pisses you off. Explain why it pisses you off. Describe what you think should be done or how it should work. Again, do SEARCH first.

3) Write about what your workplace/school does well or really poor. Write about the benefits or risks of the practice.

4) Post some tips for noobs (like this post).

5) Write a tut. You don't have to be an expert to do. I'm no wireless expert. http://www.governmen...14&#entry107014

6) When you're out and about, write about something you notice that seems strange or just plain stupid (as in a stupid practice that undermines security--not stupid as in silly. /EDIT/BN)
http://www.governmen...ndpost&p=116562

7) Describe a problem you're having at work/school. Provide your thoughts and ask for advice. http://www.governmen...17&#entry117017

8) After attending a seminar or class, note an interesting statement that was made and give your opinion. Or take on an industry heavyweight and brag about how you beat the crap out of her. Or do both! ;)
http://www.governmen...ndpost&p=114824

9) Create a poll on a THOUGHTFUL question and then argue with everyone who responds. Try to keep the discussion alive for 62 days. B)
http://www.governmen...opic=14607&st=0

10) Post something you had to write up anyway for work or school or another website. Usually, all you have to do is remove incriminating identifiers.
http://www.governmen...st=0&p=114688&#

11) Write about the judgement to come (no this isn't religious!).
http://www.governmen...ndpost&p=101409

12) Become a moderator of a well-respected security forum, and when you see members posting dumb replies like "THANKS" or "I'll try it," warn them with a humorous post of your own (after giving them 10 warning points and suspending their posting ability for 15 or more days).

ENJOY!

[Jeremy]

I think this wonderful post deserves to be pinned. And in addition, I will upgrade BN from Trial member to First Lieutenant.
[edit]I manually changed your post count from 1 to 1121 so noone knows this was your first post :)[/edit]

[belgther]

Well, but becoming a moderator in a well-respected security forum is not so easy as you say. It's like the chicken and egg question. Because you become a moderator if you are respected, and as you say, you have to be a moderator to become respected :) But all the other tips are useful.
IMHO, being humble is another thing that can be done to be respected here and get higher. So no especially big effort should be done, I think. Even I became a member, then everyone else can do it, I think.

[beardednose]

Woody, thanks for the promotion!

All,
I hope everyone understands that the last one is definitely tongue-in-cheek. It comes out of my frustration of all the sad posts mods have to deal with.

b,
I agree re: humility. It's tough. I have my own struggles there. I try to remember Lord Acton's words...

Quote

Power tends to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely

Fortunately for me, I'm only a mod, not an admin (that's a promotion I don't aspire to).

Back to how to think of things to post...Anyone else have other ideas?

[Kenny]

belgther, on Jul 8 2005, 01:34 AM, said:

Well, but becoming a moderator in a well-respected security forum is not so easy as you say. It's like the chicken and egg question. Because you become a moderator if you are respected, and as you say, you have to be a moderator to become respected :)  But all the other tips are useful.
IMHO, being humble is another thing that can be done to be respected here and get higher. So no especially big effort should be done, I think. Even I became a member, then everyone else can do it, I think.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

to some point i agree with what your saying but for one thing you forgot to mention... Trust

there are plenty of members here who i personally respect , i can count at least 20-30-40 who i personally would not hesitate to promote to a moderator status...

providing i or we Trusted them.... in order to trust someone you have got to get to know them.... that could be via PM's or another forum or personal friends you have met over the years or by his posting ability for helping new members and scorning the lame... were not going to promote someone who is helping some guy hack a server or help someone with his botnets etc , ....

in the early days of GSO's boom ... there was just 3 of us Gsecur , Dissolutions and Myself... who were part of the admin team ... we were all members at another forum were we moderated before here and where friends there ... me and Gsecur officially first met at Astalavista.net ... we been mate's ever since.... how we recruit... go's on the person and personality , his knowledge and skills , his attitude and maturity , and most of all TRUST

there are plenty here that fit the above criteria ... and them who we trust ... first hurdle is being promoted to specialist.... all GSO mod's will have been specialists prior to promotion.

we know there are plenty members now thinking" hey dont you trust me" the answer is 85% yes we do... if we feel your an ideal specialist candidate... then we will promote you to that status.... it is pretty hard to get there but once you do... your on the middle rung of the ladder ;)