Well, I'm (relatively) new. The only welcome I got was from Susan (WYSIWYG), which was greatly appreciated. The only other acknowledgement was from someone who was apparently concerned that one of my posts would be confused with him because we have the same first name. Those of us who are immodest will enjoy being noticed, because that offers the opportunity to engage in some sparkling repartee (define that as you like). Those who would just as soon not be noticed won't respond, and the thread will die quickly. My vote would be for individual welcomes...as an alternative to "welcome John, Sue, Fatcat, Bluebird, and all the rest of yuns".