One thing is certain--you have already found the Google Earth Community BBS or you would not be reading this tip. But have you joined as a member?


Be anonymous if you want, but why not join in the fun?

Membership has low risk to you: admission is free, does not subject you to unwanted emailings (just an initial verification email and a welcome Private Message), and does not expose your email address to others.

Membership is rewarding to you and others: your comments are attributed to you, your posting status increases with each interesting contribution and alerts others that you are someone to be heard, and you become a resource for other Google Earth Community members. You are a resource because others can click on your (made up if you prefer) Google Earth Community user name and send you a private message. This is common. You post or comment about a place and then people may send you a note asking about great restaurants or boat rental advice.

MEMBERSHIP F.A.Q.

Is there a charge? NO
Are credit checks required? NO
Must I have prior experience? NO
Is there a medical examination? NO
Will Keyhole send spam emails? NO
Will a salesman call? NO
How do I join? Just click on "New user" above and enter your real email address.

A confirmation email will be sent to the email address that you enter. Just click on the link provided in that email and your account creation process will be complete. When you log in, notice that you have a Private Message from the BBS Administrator. (Flashing icon at upper left) Click on that to see what Penguin Opus has to say, reply if you like (he will read it), and you are then installed as a full member.

Oh, there is one more benefit. Once you sign up and sign in, several additional features of the Google Earth Community BBS will be made instantly available to you through an expanded MENU BAR at the top of the Google Earth Community page. See who else is online right now. Revel in your new-found powers!

Once you join, the next step is to join in--review older posts to see what is there, learn the tone of the community by following conversations, and take note what you don't see ("Buy shoes from me!", "I hate candidate X", "Member Y is a jerk", "People from that country are anteaters", "For a good time, call this number", or, "Use my competitive product instead."*). This last is important; it is the 'fit' part of 'fitting in'.


Be brave. Come out from hiding and join us.

Welcome to the vibrant Google Earth Community. Once you've joined and toured the various forums, please return here and learn more about adjusting the Google Earth Community to suit your style.

* A few posts have crossed over this line, but so far they seem to be related more to inexperience than aggression. Let's hope for the best and presume they just need extra time to develop their social skills.