Welcome to DU Newcomers!
I and quite a few others here have pretty much been at DU since its inception, Inauguration Day, 2001. DU has seen lots of changes through those long years, but has always been a welcome home for so many to catch up on the latest news from all kinds of sources outside the main stream media and to discuss politics (as well as nearly any other subject under the sun).
When DU was much smaller (and even as it grew explosively through the years), we had a member, Newyawker99 who took it upon herself to welcome new members and to identify and commemorate the milestones for others (major post count tallies, birthdays, anniversaries, etc.). She was (and is) much beloved, even though she can no longer be here to perform this wonderful function--and DU has grown too large to make it possible.
I think this forum is a great opportunity for members to check in with newcomers who post here and of course for you to get help on issues related to posting here--or pretty much anything else to do with DU.
Welcome! 
hlthe2b
= new reply since forum marked as read
I wish those in the know could update we "old-timers" on what became with some early "legendary" members that we remember fondly and miss today. NewYawker99 was definitely one of those.
to all the doggies!