Who ventures outside of COJ?

there are other forums?

no, seriously - there are?

(eta: just looked at my stats - wow - me a COJ kinda guy!)

I haven't paid attention to the post counts, so I am not sure if that has anything to do with it.  

I haven't posted much at all and found that there a small few that are not very friendly and ended up making me feel that I shouldn't be in this section.  Too bad,,  I can be a fun person at least I think so.  

I will be very cautious from now on about where I post and try to make friends. I think I will feel safer being a supporter or cheerleader for others than to try to join in other discussions. 

Dee

This ^^^ is hysterical. 

I had no idea how controversial post count was. That the topic could even get to page 2 is amazing to me. Once I figured out how it worked, it became not a lot more relevant than people's signature line. It isn't hard to hang out here, read some threads and see who knows their stuff.

I hang out in COJ. I'm not exactly the most dedicated triathlete, so have little to add to serious tri training conversations concerning intervals or power meters and such. It's way more fun to debate melon presses and ponder what I've learned this week.

I thought it was really funny that some folks in the other thread wanted to seperately list (or eliminate) COJ posts from the 'real' post count. "Don't chat with your neighbor! This is serious here!!!!"  Seemed a little OCD to me. Oh wait. We're triathletes. n/m
To actually answer the questions:
Yes, I've ventured out.
Yes, mostly welcomed.
Don't think I've been shot down, but I don't always remember to go back to threads I've posted on and sometimes can't find them when I want to.
I don't remember the post count of people who have given me good info. I more recognize names. If I recognize the name though, they probably have a high post count and I've seen them around a lot.

Choke me in the shallow waters, Before I get too deep...  ~Edie Brickell.

Yes.

Generally yes, but other times....eh.

Have you been impolitely "shot down" by an elite member (and by "elite" member I mean that they may not have a high post count) ?

Actually, I have had worse run-ins with people asking for advice than from "elites".  If you ask a question then get an answer you don't like, that does not give you the right to belittle me or my advice.

Couldn't say one way or the other.  To be honest, I know names and avatars, not post counts.

Exactly right, post count should have no real bearing.  However, some people feel it does, and that is their choice.  I choose not to pay attention to that.

There are people on this site I tend to avoid.  Our personalities clash, and I disagree with either their approach or their advice.  But that's nothing more than my personal opinion of them, and I deal with it.  I do not let those individuals prevent me from posting.

I will say that I have taken breaks from this place for numerous reasons, chief among them was a general shifting of attitude towards hostility towards the more experienced people.  I post in CoJ very rarely at this point because I choose to avoid the topics here; I have lost interest in most of the debates.  Also, I think the topics tend to be far too emotional and get people upset.

I will add one more thing here.  I do not like the use of your word "elite".  I have seem that word cast around this site far too often in the past, and it almost always takes on the form of a pejorative.  Just because someone is faster than you does NOT give you the right to be dismissive of that person, just as it does not give him or her the right to be dismissive of you.  If you do not like the advice I give, speak up.  If you do not like the tone or manner in which I give it, send me a PM telling me; I cannot hope to change if I do not know I need to do so.  If you do not like me as a person, for whatever reason, that's your issue, not mine.  If you want to tell me so, fine, I will graciously accept your criticisms.  Otherwise, don't read my posts.