Welcome!

Thank you for writing this; a perspective of a newcomer is important data that we couldn't get otherwise.

There seems to be both good advice and bad advice on LessWrong.

Sounds likely true, but specific examples would be more helpful.

I keep running an is-this-a-cult check script in my mind.

You definitely should (as a general strategy, not just specifically here).

I have appreciation for people writing long-form posts that I don't have the attention span to read without strain on my brain.

:D

I'm concerned about the (few, but worrying) post(s) I've read about abuse in the Rationality community.

I hope you understand the dilemma we find ourselves in: if we don't warn you, we can make a better impression; but if we warn you, we decrease the chance that something like this could happen to you (or someone else).

Perhaps it would be useful to get your perspective on this topic while it is fresh, if you don't mind?

On a deeper level, I worry about a public association with the Rationality community because of (4) and because I don't really understand what it is.

Yeah, you should not publicly associate with something you don't understand. What if we are a dangerous cult, and you post that we are okay, and then your friends will see it and join, and...

I'm only interested in the Rationality community insofar as it contributes to real-world change in neglected fields.

I consider rationality itself to be a neglected field. :D

Photo by Drew Easley on Unsplash

Am I doing something wrong? I don't see any photo.