How to join an existing forum

[DukesDucks]

When I joined BYC I was just checking out the forums for chickens, ducks and peacocks. Now with more time on my hands, thanks Covid Lockdown, I have been exploring other forums especially under Random Ramblings. It is more than a little intimidating to see that I am 1,000s of posts behind. I've tried reading the first and last ten pages to get an idea of how a thread started and current postings. Often find members have been chatting for years so it is hard to catch or get the inside jokes.
Any advice? Should I start out by saying something like, This is my first post here?

 

[KingD]

Generally if you read back 2 or 3 pages you get the idea of the rubbish that's being talked about.
No one's polite on here so just go with the flow.

 

[casportpony]

I would read the first few and the last few, if it seems like a good fit, join in the conversation.