I was treated fairly and welcomed, I think I played on easymode.

I actually lurked around for a few months before really posting. Spam, OT, and every other forum in the history of the internets have the same rules. Be cool, don't demand acceptance, and learn how the social dynamics work before plunging in and scream for attention. People will gradually become familiar with you and you won't be such an outsider, thus earning a foothold. Or show your tits, either way.