Welcome
@Bmh534 !
Agree with the above if you are new, it's easiest to get wrapped into active cases by looking at the newest posts.
Once you find a case you want to follow, click to subscribe by clicking on the "watch thread" words in blue that are right above the first post. You can then come back to the site and look at your "watched threads" by clicking on those words next to/vs. "new posts" in the header of the pages. (NOTE: If you ever comment within a thread, it automatically "enrolls/subscribes" you on that thread as a "watched thread".)
That's how I evolved in my use of the threads.
If you are most interested in missing persons and cold cases, click on those after perusal in that specific forum and start doing a "watch thread" there also.
It takes time to learn to navigate. Just be patient with yourself in learning such.
Again, Welcome!
ETA: There is also a thread here somewhere that is specific for newbies. BRB if I can find it to link for you, or perhaps if I don't return, someone else here can throw up that link.
I'm back...Here are links:
Newbies ask questions
Getting started - for newbies in this case - Q & A
General Questions, discussions, briefings, newbies, etc.
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...s-stop-in-and-say-hi-freshman-mixer-2.561153/
Oh, and you may need this one also. It explains shorthand we use at WS.
Websleuths Lingo
Oh, and here is visual of area of what I was referring to as screen to have to find "watched threads", "new posts", watch thread". Also, you have an "inbox" so if someone pm's you or does an @ symbol before your name like I just did, it appears in your inbox.
NOTE: If you ever see something small like this, click on it and it will expand visually to full screen.
HTH!!