user24948: I've done some research and understand that I'm supposed to post in a newbie forum and wait a while, as a newly registered user.
But I can't seem to find the newbie forum.  Does anyone know which top-level forum it lives under?
In fact, no matter where I am, there's always a big banner on my screen saying I can't post.  When I click "How to Enable Posting," it says there's an error: bitcoind is offline.
I tried to find a way to contact some staff member.  No luck.  In fact, my private messaging section says I'm not allowed to send messages.
Any idea would be appreciated.

user2306: It's likely that your account has "units of evil" which require you to pay money to remove them. Bitcoin, the program used to accept these payments, is down. See also https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=953005.msg10434122#msg10434122
You also have restrictions on your account due to being a new user. See Why can't I participate on bitcointalk.org?

24948: <p>I've done some research and understand that I'm supposed to post in a newbie forum and wait a while, as a newly registered user.</p>

<p>But I can't seem to find the newbie forum.  Does anyone know which top-level forum it lives under?</p>

<p>In fact, no matter where I am, there's always a big banner on my screen saying I can't post.  When I click "How to Enable Posting," it says there's an error: bitcoind is offline.</p>

<p>I tried to find a way to contact some staff member.  No luck.  In fact, my private messaging section says I'm not allowed to send messages.</p>

<p>Any idea would be appreciated.</p>
 2306: <p>It's likely that your account has "units of evil" which require you to pay money to remove them. Bitcoin, the program used to accept these payments, is down. See also <a href="https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=953005.msg10434122#msg10434122" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=953005.msg10434122#msg10434122</a></p>

<p>You also have restrictions on your account due to being a new user. See <a href="https://bitcoin.stackexchange.com/questions/11089/why-cant-i-participate-on-bitcointalk-org?lq=1">Why can&#39;t I participate on bitcointalk.org?</a></p>
