Paul, please don't feel intimidated. I firmly believe that on this thread everything is said in the spirit of fun! I know that sometimes things can get out of hand (mostly because we can't "see" people's expressions when they are typing!), but all are absolutely welcome here.
I think people get to know each other's personalities a bit when they participate in Friday night chat, or in a face-to-face meet where it's more interactive. This will result in a few more "inside" jokes. But we don't want to make anyone feel left out. Or make anyone feel that they have to be careful of what they say. Trust me, if you want to see flames, just bop over to the debate board occasionally. It's always good for a laugh!
As to posting during the day, right now, I'm in a down cycle at work where I'm waiting on inputs from others before I can proceed, so it does give me a lot of free time. Trust me, this cycle will turn around (probably by next month!), and I'll be limited to noontime and weekend posts (most weeknights are too full to DIS)!
Juli: I second Mary's comment about on-board booking. If there's any change you'll do it, go ahead and book. You can always cancel later, but that on-board credit never comes again!