netochka,

:)Welcome Katie, yes that is the case now, introduction obligatory. I am sure there is some good reason for it. At anyrate, make yourself at home and consider making a post on something of interest to you or, post a new topic. See you on the boards!!!

Welcome Katie. Actually introducing yourself isn't really obligatory but responding to a post (reply) is, before you can start a new thread. This can be overidden by an introduction. This is good because everyone can be properly greeted as well as it has cut down on a tremendous amount of spam and redundant threads.

Hope you enjoy the forum as well as the community.