Sorry you had such a rough introduction to TER.  I would highly recommend that you visit and post your questions on the newbie board. It's a much better environment to get answers to questions than the regional boards.  

I would then suggest using the regional board to help guys get to know you better and get comfortable with you. That includes posts here and there, and pictures.

Good luck.

Re: Just an update for my helpful friends here in Philly

I am looking forward to your debut and thank you so much for the pics you sent me. Why dont you put some on here so the comments about you stop and everyone sees how beautiful you are?

Billie,  it is unfortunate that your first experiences here have not been as forthcoming and cordial as you might have expected.  I am sure that many of the ladies and gentlemen here would be more than willing to help once they are more comfortable with you (after you have established some footing on the board and elsewhere).  Please understand that we are a community bound together by one overlying element: trust.  This is not freely given, but earned in this community.  We guys have to post on the board and in the reviews in order to create a baseline of credibility. Getting that first appointment to a newbie hobbyist is challenging. Ladies have to create an identity (get pictures, website, and reviews) to gain their credibility.  Once again, it is not easy to do so without some guidance.  Later in the week, when you have your stuff up and running, post on the newbie board.  Good luck!