A Message To All First Aid Members
Words cannot express how grateful I am that you have taken the time to join First Aid, where we put firstitis first. Hundreds of chess.com members have suffered in silence for too long. Well no more, I say! Let's rip the curtain of shame away and let the world know about firstitis and its sufferers. Please take a moment to read the FAQ below to understand how YOU can help a firstitis sufferer today, and help spread the word.
Q. Where can I learn more about firstitis?
A. Although little is known of the disease, there is still some limited information available on this site. See the group news section for an interview with sufferer Caractacus Johnson, and keep up to date with the latest medical advances in the area of treatment and, dare I even mention it, possible cures.
Q. If I meet or play someone with firstitis, how should I treat them?
A. Firstitis sufferers are different to you and me. In today's age of tolerance, acceptance, understanding and equality, this may be a controversial statement, but it is true. Their minds work in a manner completely unfathomable to the "second pagers", as the community derogatorily refers to the unafflicted. For this reason, you should treat them with caution. Do not allow yourself to be alone with them, avoid using the words "tragic", "pathetic" or "laughable", and always nod convincingly if they start talking about how they are, were, or will be first. We are here to help them, but to do this, we must first gain their trust. Listen to them. Talk to them. But never deride them to their face. Save that for when you get home.
Q. How can I help spread the word?
A. You can help by getting others to join the group by passing them the link below, and target the daily puzzle forum to get straight to the people who can help the most. Urge other puzzlers to join the cause, and let them about the important work that we do here at First Aid. If you see anyone posting about firstitis, let them know about us.
Q. Are there any group events?
A. At the time of writing, the inaugural Firstitis Awareness Day is scheduled for 1st March. On this day, all First Aiders will be asked to flood the daily puzzle forum with the word "first", to show solidarity for our sick brothers.
Q. Can anyone be a First Aider?
A. Yes. Absolutely. Only together can we make a difference. Let's make firstitis history...
Link to join First Aid : http://www.chess.com/groups/join.html?id=10588
Link to the group home page : http://www.chess.com/groups/view/first-aid
