Hi, '''USERNAME''', and [[Wikipedia:Welcome, newcomers|welcome to Wikipedia]]! The size and scope of this project can sometimes be daunting for newcomers, so I thought I would say hello and offer you a few helpful links that might make contributing easier (and I do hope you will continue to stay and contribute).
* For a good quick introduction to Wikipedia and how it's used, check out '''[[Wikipedia:Introduction]]''' and the '''[[Wikipedia:Tutorial]]'''. There are also some tips for [[Wikipedia:Avoiding common mistakes|avoiding common mistakes]].
*'''[[Wikipedia:Contributing to Wikipedia]]''' gives lots of good suggestions for things you can help out with around the encyclopedia, if you're looking for ideas!
* '''[[Wikipedia:How to edit a page|How to edit a page]]''' and the [[Wikipedia:Manual of Style|Manual of Style]] offer some tips and guidelines to formatting your work here on Wikipedia; if you're looking for more help, check out the '''[[Help:Contents]]'''.
* While [[Wikipedia]] is many things, there are also many things it cannot effectively be. Try and familiarize yourself with the [[Wikipedia:Policies|policies]] regarding '''[[Wikipedia:NPOV|writing from a neutral point of view]]''' and '''[[WP:NOT|what wikipedia is not]]'''.
* Hesitant to begin? '''[[Wikipedia:Be bold in updating pages|Be bold!]]''' Wikipedia relies on editors like you to succeed, so if you see something you feel needs work, go for it!
If you've still got questions, the [[Wikipedia:FAQ|FAQ]] and the [[Wikipedia:Help desk|Help desk]] are good places to start. Listing yourself at the [[Wikipedia:New user log|new user log]] will likely guarantee a response from friendly fellow editors as well. If there's anything I can help with, don't hestitate to '''[[User talk:MC MasterChef|drop me a note]]''' on my [[Wikipedia:Talk page|talk page]] -- just remember to [[Wikipedia:Sign your posts on talk pages|sign your comments]] with four tildes (like this: < NOWIKI >~~~~< /NOWIKI >) and your signature will automatically be added.
Again, '''welcome'''!
~~~~
