Poor newbies, it is VERY CONFUSING to actually HAVE TO READ
Where was it for me to read? Was it in the giant box of terms & conditions when I signed up?
I don't see why a little notification for newbies ("Newbies: Read this to post and reply") is a bad idea. I came here today and didn't even remember when I had created an account, but there I was, logged in. When you visit multiple forums every few weeks or every couples months it's not easy to remember something like that. Why not give new visitors a little extra welcome?