...is that with a forum, we're a community. they don't expect you to stop in, go through the mandatory one msg intro, get your stuff, and then you're on your way.
it's about getting together and sharing ideas on the blinky.
that one post requirement wasn't a loophole, it's to get you to start talking on here. after you build something and it works, make a post (like here, in the porch) I'm sure you'll at least get a few congrats!, or way to go!
if things don't work, post in the troubleshooting area. many of us have had trouble getting something to work, and some might even had the same problem you're expierencing. no one has ever been ridiculed for the way they soldered something. And there are so many people that can help, that you should have a faster response than PM'ing an individual person.
most of us, got involved with the blinky flashy (either halloween, or christmas light shows) that they saw someone else doing. Participate in the many conversations that go on here, and you won't be disappointed! hey, just b/c you're new, and haven't done this before, doesn't mean that you don't have great ideas for a display. everyone has something to offer.
maybe you want to try something, but aren't sure how to do it. Step on out of that 1 post shell, and see if someone can offer advice!