How to establish legitimacy as a new member?

[jmm5699]

Hey there! As stated in my intro, I'm pretty new to bitcoin and honestly want to get into buying some on the board as soon as I get out of the newbie zone. I can only really exchange USD via Paypal, Moneypak, and CIM right now, but really prefer MoneyPak. Are there any dangers with MoneyPak that would hinder a trusted member from trading their bitcoin for my moneypak if I sent the code first? Just kind of want to get an idea of how things like this work for a newbie around here so I don't embarrass myself in the Currency Exchange section

[TheStig]

Sending first or using escrow.

[RodeoX]

By posting literate, topical and friendly material; I'd say your off to a good start.
Welcome fellow peer.

[jmm5699]

By posting literate, topical and friendly material; I'd say your off to a good start.
Welcome fellow peer.

Thank you

I got registered on bitcoin-otc's wall of trust, though I don't think I show up until I make a trade. GPG looked kind of confusing, but really wasn't. Waiting for a PM back from someone there regarding a MP-> BTC trade, thanks guys

[Kush]

be respectful.

[senbonzakura]

many are offering free escrow services, so if you are buying from newbie like you, escrow is good.