When you are able to stop asking if you are a newbie.

In truth everyone is a newbie and even a green newbie can contribute.

The best mentor in my business told me that there is no such thing as an expert, and anyone who tells you otherwise is blowing smoke up your wazoo.

We all come to this with different angles and experiences and the sharing of same is the best part of this board.

but still a tenderfoot...  I think if someone thinks they are an expert, it's time to take up a new hobby.  
skb
(10 TER reviews)

when you are giving advice regularly and learning less as you go forward.

Seriously, we are all still learning.  I still am a newbie in certain areas of the hobby.  So, don't worry about being considered a newbie.  I still ask for advice and I get guys asking me for advice.  You will never have all the answers.

I have over 30 reviews with close to 100 dates, and I still learn stuff about this wonderful lifestyle.
So, just relax and have fun.  Some guys would call me a newb since I have so few reviews, and some would call me a vet because I have so many.  

Who really gives a shit?  Just relax and enjoy.

Swim

Someone (Maybe Mr Fisher?) said that you are no longer a newbie when you have enough experience that you no longer feel like one.

I felt that I was no longer a newbie when I got over being extremely nervous and began to relax and enjoy my appointments.  After a year of participation, I had more of a feeling for what was going to happen.  

At some point, you start to get the hang of what is customary in our little subculture. You know what you should or should not say and what you should or should not do.

There is always something new to learn from others, which is what makes TER so valuable.

Without the information and advice on these discussion boards informing and preparing me, I would have been too chicken to ever call any of the ladies.