Edge_ said:
Yes, a thread for general chit chat would be good.
And maybe do something so that you can quote someone else.
Also instead of just stating "no drama" say something more like "no trolling and no flaming" (trolling here meaning picking on someone no end. And flaming, picking a fight on purpose and putting that person down.)
I don't see a reason for criticism unless it has some substance and in that case let it be. No one is going to criticize like that unless it's for a good reason.
And last but not least make a newbie forum guide. (not just for new member's but for all that have never been in a forum before). i.e. No double posting. It's not a chat a room. And so on and so forth.