Post by mzfit on Dec 3, 2008 12:31:49 GMT -7
So, most of us aren't naturally accustomed to Proboards or how it works. That's OK! Below are some frequently asked questions to help make your experience here all it can be. From understanding how to modify your profile to linking videos or posting images, this list is for you!
- Q. How do I join the forum?
A. Click the "Join" button at the top of the front page. It's located under the main banner next to all the other pretty buttons. Once there, you'll be given a form. Fill it out, agree to the terms of service, press the submit button and you're in! It will not automatically log you in, you'll have to go through and do that manually after you join. Remember everything is case sensitive, so make sure you type things in exactly as you will remember to use them in the future! - Q. I registered but cannot log in!
A. First check that you are entering the correct username and password. If they are okay then one of two things may have happened: it's possible COPPA support is enabled and you accidentally clicked the "I am under 13 years old" link while registering then you will have to follow the instructions you received. If this is not the case then maybe your account needs activating. If you were sent an email then follow the instructions; if you did not receive the email then check that your email address is valid. One reason activation is used is to reduce the possibility of rogue users abusing the board anonymously. If you are sure the email address you used is valid then try contacting the board administrator. - Q. Uh-oh! I've lost my password!
A. Don't panic! While your password can't be retrieved it can be reset. To do this go to the login page and click "I've forgotten my password." Follow the instructions and you should be back online in no time. - Q. Why do I get logged off automatically?
A. If you don't check the "Log me in automatically" box when you log in, the board will only keep you logged in for a preset time. This prevents misuse of your account by anyone else. To stay logged in, check the box during login. You can also choose a certain amount of time you are logged in before being automatically logged out by pulling down the drop down menu before logging in. - Q. How do I prevent my username from appearing in the online user listings?
A. In your profile you will find an option Hide your online status; if you switch this on you'll only appear to board administrators or to yourself. You will be counted as a hidden user. - Q. How do I change my profile?
A. Simple! You'll kick yourself later, but all you need to do is click the "Profile" button at the top under the banner. It will take you to a page that shows you what others see. Click the words "Edit Profile." This takes you to the place where you can change your avatars, add social contact information, and overall what you'd like displayed in your profile. When you're done, click "Save" at the bottom of the page, and *poof!* It's all done! - Q. Why does it say I'm a Virgin Stagger? I'M NOT A VIRGIN!!
A. The titles you all receive when you join the board have nothing to do with your status on the playa and everything to do with your activity on the board. So, the more active you are, the more posts you make, the higher your rank will be. Below are the post requirements to reach the next level.
(default) - Virgin Stagger 10 posts - Surviving Stagger 100 posts - Veteran Stagger 200 posts - Professional Stagger 500 posts - Almighty Stagger - Q. How do I get an avatar?
A. Changing avatars is done within your profile modifications. So see how to get there above. Thing to note: Proboards doesn't do in-house hosting of images, so you will need to use a url address to have a custom image. ImageShack, tinypic and photobucket are great places to store your pictures. It's free and easy to use. Just sign up for an account with them, or search their random pics to use for your own avatar. - Q. How do I add a signature to my post?
A.To add a signature to a post you must first create one; this is done via your profile. Signatures may be plain text or even images (BBCodes permitted). You can still prevent a signature (or even smilies) from being shown in posts by un-checking the box on the posting form. - Q. What is BBCode?
A.BBCode is a special implementation of HTML. BBCode itself is similar in style to HTML: tags are enclosed in square braces [ and ] rather than < and > and it offers greater control over what and how something is displayed. - Q. Can I use HTML?
A.Short answer: no. This is a safety feature to prevent people from accidentally (or on purpose) messing up the board by using tags which may destroy the layout or cause other problems. - Q. How do I create a poll?
A.Creating a poll is easy. When you post a new topic (or edit the first post of a topic, if you have permission) you should see a Add Poll form below the main posting box. You should enter a title for the poll and then at least two options -- to set an option type in the poll question and click the Add option button. You can also set a time limit for the poll, 0 being an infinite amount. - Q. Why are the times different from my own even when I set my profile to my time zone?
A. The times are almost certainly correct; however, if you are seeing times displayed in a timezone different from the one you are in then be sure you set your time zone properly in your profile. Also check if it's daylight savings time or not as the seasons change. Additionally, if you aren't logged in, the times you see will be those of the board's default setting. Keep in mind it will only be on your time once you are logged in. - Q. What is a PM? How do I send one?
A. A PM is a "Private Message." Everyone who joins has their own mailbox and you can send and receive messages within the site. To send one to a member, you can very easily click on their name and view their profile. On the left side under their avatar, there are icons. If you click
. Simple! To read your messages, you can access your mailbox at the bottom in the Forum Statistics area. (Soon I'll put a button at the top under the banner alerting you when you've got mail.) - Q. Why can't I email another member when I click on their email icon?
A. Only registered users can send email to people via the built-in email form. This is to prevent spamming by anonymous users. So simple solution is: log in! - Q. How do I start a topic?
A. Easy -- click the "New thread" button inside a board screen on the lower right hand side. You may need to register before you can post a message as none of the boards are guest friendly except the Tech Stuff board. The facilities available to you are listed at the bottom of the forum and topic screens (you can post "new topics," vote in polls, etc.) - Q. How do I edit or delete a post I make?
A. Unless you are the board admin or moderator you can only edit or delete your own posts. You can edit a post by clicking the edit button for the relevant post located in the upper right hand corner of that post. If you edit a post, there will be text at the bottom saying you did so and when. Please note that normal users cannot delete a post once someone has replied. - Q. What do all those buttons do above my post window?
A. Proboards is all about icons. Most of them are fairly self explanatory but just so you don't have to ask and look stupid, I'll lay a few of the more important ones out.
- If you would like to embed a youtube video in your post, simply paste the url address and highlight it, then click this button. So easy it should be illegal.
- When you want to use a hyper link to some text in a post, simply highlight the text then click this button. It adds the tags for you!
- To post an image, copy and paste the url of the image (from your off site hosting station) and then click this button. Wallah!
- If you want to quote something someone else said, these are the tags for you!
- If you want to tag someone in your post so they are notified that you are talking about them, use this handy-dandy tool. - Q. Do I have to be logged in to the site to use the cbox?
A. No. - Q. How can I put an avatar in the cbox?
A. In the email/url part of the form at the bottom of the cbox, simply paste the url of the image you want MINUS the "http://" and your image will magically appear with the next message you post. - Q. How can I keep anyone from using my name in the cbox?
A. The option is available to you to password protect your user name in the cbox. All you have to do is type in the name you want then click "Profile" in the bottom right hand corner of the box. Choose your password and your name is all yours and only yours. - Q. Why can't I see a couple of the boards until I log in?
A. In order to keep some things private from the general roaming public, we have made a couple of the boards, Helpful Links, Chit Chat and Pics specifically, so that they can only be accessed by members of our community. The things you can't see before you log in will most assuredly be there when you do!