just keep lurking for a while and read read read.
make heavy use of the search feature.
you will get to know who is who. most folks, even when they are hassling are still trying to help a bloke out.
look at the number of posts they have made, and when they joined.
and if they really get down on you don't sweat it. send them a PM to find out what rule you broke.
its just like a great big pre-school here
some run with scissors, some dont flush
some share, some dont.