OOC - Joining Existing Games

So I have a question that may have been discussed before. I am currently running a new game, and writing in another game (or two - one is stalled a bit). But all of these are newish games.

I might be interested in joining some games, but how do I decide how I can fit in? I know, just read the game info and such, consume the character profiles, and read the last several posts and such. If a game has the plot summary feature, read that too.

But outside of that, how can someone get in to an existing game and feel comfortable? I'd love some recommendations.

Two things that might help:
* Games could do a monthly OOC update post?
* The proposed reports might help on this front?

Thanks for the discussion!