I define these words for clarity, so you know what I'm talking about when I use newb/n00b when talking about newcomers.
*Difference in terms is bolded.
Newb(s). - A newcomer, typically inexperienced but willing to learn and usually tries to learn, even if they fail many times.
I don't mind them. They stumble, fall, get back up, dust themselves off and tootle along again, avoiding the collision again if they can. We've all been a Newb before...you can't have come online without learning the basics. We're all still learning anyway, and for some the learning curve is not sharp. Tolerating these is usually no problem. They tend to be aware enough that they're still new and don't forget it about it long enough to get complacent. Usually they're pretty down to earth people, and I'll gladly socialize with them if they strike up a conversation with me.
n00b(s). - A newcomer, typically inexperienced but completely unwilling, from the very start; to learn, read anything important or otherwise show EXACTLY ZERO interest or attempts in/at improving. A n00b may refuse to type properly or show any respect for readability when making their own posts, and is often impulsive. They may have just joined to download that one file, or to post to participate in a few trades. Overall their intent isn't to stick around, they're just here to get something.
I mind them a lot. These are the ones who get the mild or stern treatment from me. They make me groan. I know the mods feel a lot worse about it than just groaning, but they've got methods to deal with that. Some are rougher than others. XD
Oftentimes experienced members can be a tad intimidating to newcomers. It's not that they intend to be...it's just that what they see to be "Common Sense" is not "Common Sense" to someone who is new. Like anything, "Common Sense" is not instinctively known. It's learned, and learning it sometimes takes time, trial and error. Sometimes even Common Sense can't save you from being human. Most of us realize that even if we seem to bark loudly. At PC, the rule is typically "Bark is worse than the bite", with a few minor exceptions.
I do admit to being a bit wary of a newcomer's ideals when it comes to suggestions for the forum. Not because I don't value their input, but because I know they weren't here when X or Y happened, which might have been pertinent to whatever is being discussed. But outside CQ&F, where there are topics where that might matter, I leave that at the doorstep, because what does join date have to do with anything outside of CQ&F?
Usually I can take a respectful, well-written by a newb post more seriously than I could ever take a n00b's post. And I generally expect the same from others.
Rule of thumb is simply: If It sounds like a newb, please listen. If It sounds like a n00b, please ignore. XD