I'm looken fer yer suggestions on a new word ta describe new comers ta this site. What about that wonderful recent word of the day - "neophyte?"
I was a "Stranger" here once myself and I asked the very same question as you did for the very same reasons. (As I recall, I also proposed "neophyte" and also the more shop-worn "newbie".) I was welcomed as warmly as you were (and are) by all, but no-one confronted the issue directly. I can't exactly explain why, GallantTed. I guess there are 'mysteries' here that one only penetrates with time. (There aren't any secret handshakes that I know of.) For some, these 'mysteries' may enhance the allure. Perhaps being a "Stranger" is thought of at some level as an initiation period. Perhaps that's a good idea. Who knows? In any case, welcome to AWADtalk.