Hello JohnnyLovesCactus,

Welcome to the Nexus.  Thank you for taking the time to write an introductory essay.

Though as a new member you are limited to posting in only a few areas, once you log on you can view all the forums including the rather indepth one on cactus. 

Please take a good look around.  There's an incredible amount of information here.  The invaluable links in your welcome email are also in the upper right hand corner of the forum pages.  Great stuff there, including wiki, with extraction teks.

I'd say the best way to add to this community is just by being honest, being yourself and by posting.  This should get you promoted after a little while too.

Again, a warm welcome to you.