how long before a new member can post

I think you just did. Welcome

A little over a week for me, and that was last month.

I remember being somewhat aggravated because I got my egg and had questions that I wanted to ask, but could not obviously.  I did find its better to ask within Google search engine on your requests first.  Usually the top searches are from this forum. 

He should be able to PM anyone. I think that there must be someone who approves requests at the mothership for new sign-ons. Sometimes it's immediate, sometimes longer. Mine took 4 days. I suppose it depends on if the administrator is checking the forum. Sometimes threads disappear and I bet it's because it doesn't meet community standards while being on the front page. Otherwise, they'd never see it.

tarheelmatt said:

I remember being somewhat aggravated because I got my egg and had questions that I wanted to ask, but could not obviously.  I did find its better to ask within Google search engine on your requests first.  Usually the top searches are from this forum. 

Great advice. You can find anything on google, which is why I waited 6 months to sign up. And ya directed here constantly, even before egging. Constant great advice, thanks all. But I think they don't want spam, 36 hrs before I could post.