The Thread for Saying Hello

- You can search for SG members in your area. Click on Members at the top of the page. Near the top of the Members page is a search function. (In the U.S. and Canada: Where it says "Within [blank] miles of [blank]", fill in a number of miles, and a U.S. zip code or Canadian postal code. In other countries: Use the Country drop-down list, but still fill in a number of miles.) See who comes up in the member search, and then start talking to them by posting a comment on their latest blog.

- Find your regional group. Click on Groups at the top of the page, then use Search By Location. Most regional groups are private groups, so you have to apply to join.

- If you've been a member of SG for less than two months, you're automatically a member of the SG Newbies group. That's a good place to meet other new members, and to ask questions about SG.

- Don't forget to check out the other, non-regional groups, and join the ones that interest you the most. It's a good way to find other members who like some of the same things that you do.

- Check back here on the Hook-Up board from time to time, to find scheduled public events that are open to all SG members.