It has been so long since I first joined the forum that I can't remember the exact process, but when you first sign up, are you not sent an email message that:

a. verifies the email address you gave
b. gives some kind of welcome message

If this is the case, could the welcome message be modified to include a couple of links that would direct new members to the rules section, and some "how to post/get your questions answered" sections?

If this is already being done, then:

a. Ignore this post
b. Delete it altogether