Hey Jerry
Sorry, what I meant was ‘ahead’ in time, as here in Aus, we can be anywhere around 18 hours ahead of the US but I usually end up posting on Page 2 [or later] of an introduction and as I posted here, miss the greeting party and responses and sometimes not posting until the next day after the new member has joined.
I simply said what I said because I literally was, late to the welcome party.
For me, it is about greeting the new members and making them feel welcome. No race or competition with other greeters or games going on; I do this because I enjoy greeting the new members and do not care if I am first or last.
Personally, I read the introduction and make notes and draft my response accordingly. I also try and make each response personal and with a reference to something the new user has mentioned.