I had to edit my Ignore List to read all of the posts in this thread.
Some folks apparently get offended when others do not take their free advice to heart. I believe that Colorado Luckydog has a very valid point in his observation. As a group we sometimes take a "Holier than thou" attitude that probably turns away new participants.
NOTE TO OP: The Ignore list is in the User CP section located at the top left of your screen. It makes life easier.