There are a lot of times that I try to post something in a certain forum (like to post a pic for HOTM) and the website wont allow me, I get a "only special users are granted access to this post"....Im still trying to get the hang of this website, but i want to be part of the community and it wont let me! what do I do?

You need to have 100 posts before you can enter a pic in the HOTM contest, that's why you can't post in that forum. But you can post a pic in the HOTM chat for fun.

ohhhh ok thank you! What else can I do in the mean time to better become part of the community?!?

Simple, just participate wherever you can. This community is a give and take and we all have something to offer just like we can all learn from others.

Troll and post on topics that interest you and/or you have experience in. Make posts similar to this one seeking help from others. Post on your experiences with your pooch. Lotta people have a scrapbook thread for their dogs and photos/videos etc... That's what I do at least.

The Holiday Hijack is a great way to become part of the community as well. We post nonsense in it everyday about how terrible or good are days are.

We generally don't even talk to one another in it... Just share experiences

There is a new one everyday, for the most part, and can give you a general idea of how weird most of us are

~Chris~

Thanks everyone! youve been more than helpful