HowTo A basic introduction to Message Boards like Fresh Hope

[Cindy]

I wanted to do a basic intro to message boards for those people who have never posted on one before. The number one thing to remember about message boards, is not to let them overwhelm you! It is not anywhere near as difficult as it looks at first. In fact, it's very similar to an email program, so if you can send an email, then you can post on a message board. Trust me! I started out not knowing anything either, so if I can do it, so can you!

Ok, first things first. You need to register to participate: As you can see on the screen shot, all you have to do is click the "register" link at the top of the board. To make sure you're human and not some "bot" trying to spam the board, you'll be asked a simple question. something like "what's 2+2? They aren't trick questions or hard ones so don't worry.



Once you have done that, simply fill in the blanks. When you're done, the board will send you an email with a link to click on to activate your account. You must be able to receive the email and click on the link to join Fresh Hope. Once you click on the link, it will bring you back here and will automatically activate your account so you can then go on to customize your profile, pick your avatar etc., post or do whatever you'd like. When you sign in the first time, you will sign in at the place the second arrow is pointing to. I strongly recommend that you check the box that says "remember me". That way you won't have to sign in every time you come here, it will be done automatically for you.

This first graphic shows the main page of the message board. It's called the Index page. Just like the index in a book tells you what the different topics are, the index page on a message board tells you what the different topic areas (called forums) are on the board.



So look over the Index page and see what the different topics are. Find one that looks interesting to you and click on the title of it. Each red arrow you see on the graphic, is pointing to a different topic area of the board. Each one of these different areas is called a forum. You could think of it like different folders in your email program for different subjects. (like your inbox, outbox, saved, etc.) Only here each folder is called a forum. Each forum contains a different type of topics. When you see one with a subject matter that you would like to discuss, you click on the title of the forum. In the case of this next graphic, I have clicked on the End Times Chat forum.




As you can see in the above graphic, each forum will have a list of different conversations. Each conversation has something to do with the subject matter that the forum is about. In this case it's the End Times Chat forum, so this forum will have conversations about the End times in it. Read the titles of the different conversations to find one that sounds interesting to you. Each conversation is called a thread. (I have no idea why!) The title of the conversation (thread) will tell you basically what it's about. In the above graphic the red arrows are each pointing to a different conversation (thread) title.

On the right hand side of the above graphic, you will see a red star over some numbers. The numbers are page numbers showing you that there are many pages of threads (conversations) that you can choose from to read.

Let's assume for a moment though that you don't want to read a thread (conversation) but that you instead want to start your own. How do you do that? Look on the upper left hand side of the above graphic and you will see a red circle around a button or link. It says simply "new thread". To start your own conversation, you simply click that button and type away.


Now, let's say that you do click on another thread (conversation) to read it. The next graphic shows you what it looks like inside a thread. (conversation).



Notice in the above graphic, the red star on the right top of it by the numbers? Those numbers tell you that there are more then one page to read in this thread already. How let's say you have read the thread and you want to reply to it and let others know what you think about the subject. To do that, you would click on the button that the red circle is around at the top left of the above graphic, or you could click on an identical button that would also be located at the very bottom of the thread. When you click on the "reply" button the following graphics show you what you will see:



In the above graphic, the small empty box at the top is for the subject line. Normally you will only see this if you are starting a new thread. If you are just replying to a thread that already exists, that is usually already filled in. You type your message in the large text box, just like you would type an email. To use one of the smilies on the right, all you have to do is click on them. The small empty box at the bottom is for "tags". You can ignore this is if you want to. Later when you're more experienced you can use that box to put words in it that will help others find your post when they are searching the board for a specific topic. No need to worry about it now though as it's not necessary. Just leave it blank.

Now go to the next graphic which shows the bottom of the reply box



At the bottom of your reply, you can also choose a smiley to use as a topic icon. If you scroll back up to the second and third graphics in this post, you'll see the topic icons on the left hand side. Each icon represents a new thread or topic. after choosing one by clicking on it, you can then click on the "preview post" button which is the button on the right at the bottom of the above graphic. When you click this button it will show you how your post will look so that you can change anything you don't like or a misspelled word or whatever before posting it. If you like what you see, then simply click on the "submit" button which is the button on the bottom left, and you're all done.

Ok, a quick review:

the main page of a message board is called the Index Page
The Index page lists all the Forums that are on the board.
Each forum has many threads (conversations) to choose from to read.
You can choose to reply to a thread in order to add to one already in progress, or you can choose to start a new thread on a new topic.

When you are reading a thread, notice that the person who wrote each posts has their name on the post. If you click on their name you'll see a drop down menu:



Click on any link in the drop down menu to do particular things.

[Brad]

Good job Cindy. While you're at it, you may as well do a how-to thread on PMs too.

[Susie~Q]

This is really good Cindy. If I did not know what to do, it sure would help me, so, I am sure it will help others.

[Cindy]

LOL I thought of that Brad but didn't have time to do one today. I'll have to get to that at another time.

Thanks Susie, that makes me feel really good if you think it was easy to understand, because that's what I was aiming for!

[Pathwalker]

Our new members should breeze through your class with flying colors . Fresh Hope 101 Great Idea Cindy

[Cindy]

What is the Public Profile Page?

Every member has a publicly viewable profile page. This page includes information provided by the member, either during the registration process or later on via the User Control Panel.
There are a number of ways to view a member's profile. Whenever you see a member's name, clicking on it will usually take you to view their profile page.

The members list allows you to browse all registered members, and quickly click through to public profiles.
When logged in, you can also view your own public profile by logging into the forums and clicking on your username shown in the header at the top of the page.

You can also go straight to a profile if you know the username of the member by typing in the following into your web browser: http://www.example.com/member.php?username=<username of the member>

What's on the Public Profile Page?

The public profile lists information about the member under the 'About Me' tab. It also includes statistical information, such as the number of posts they have made and their registration date. This information is shown under the 'Statistics' tab.
Other information includes a list of Friends, their profile picture (if set by the member), and a list of members who have recently visited the profile page.
A list of the members' albums and social group memberships are also shown.

What are Visitor Messages?

Visitor messages are publicly viewable messages posted on member profile pages. To post a message, click on the 'Visitor messages' tab, and use the form at the top of the section. You will only be able to use certain formatting in these messages, as described underneath the edit box. This message will be viewable by all visitors to this profile, including guest users and search engine robots if the administrator has allowed this. To communicate privately with a member, send a Private Message instead.
Visitor messages can be edited or deleted by site moderators or the member who owns the profile. If you see a visitor message that is not appropriate, you can alert the moderators by clicking on the 'Report' link. The 'View Conversation' link allows you to view all visitor messages between the member and the owner of the profile.

The User Control Panel (also known as the User CP)

The User Control Panel (also known as the User CP) is where you control your personal settings, options and preferences. To visit the User CP, you must have first registered on the forums. Once logged in, click on 'User CP' in the header bar near the top of the page.
The User CP main page will list any new notifications, including new private messages and pending friend requests. Additional pages and forms allow you to control:

• Your email address and password
• Custom public profile settings
• Private messages
• Subscribed threads and forums
• Contacts and friends
• Social groups

How do I change my user details?

You can change your account information using the User Control Panel. For basic profile details (including your email address and password), click on the 'Edit your details' option from within the User CP. This page allows you to set a number of required and optional details, some of which will be displayed on your public profile. With the exception of your email address, do not enter information that you do not wish to be publicly viewable.

What are signatures?

'Signatures' contain information that you want to include at the bottom of all your posts. This might include pictures, links to your site(s), quotes, etc.

What are avatars?

Avatars are small images that people use to identify or distinguish themselves to other forum members. In some cases the administrator will not allow avatars or only allow them for specific members. The administrator can also provide some stock avatars people can use, or they can allow members to upload their own custom avatars from their own computers. These avatars will be displayed as part of the user info in posts, as well as in the public profile.


What are profile pictures?

Profile Pictures are photos members can upload that will display in their public member profile. This option may or may not be enabled by the administrator.

How do I set signatures, avatars and profile pictures?

You can set and change your signature, avatar and profile picture in the User Control Panel (providing the administrator has made these options available).
For signatures, click on 'Edit Signature' under the 'Settings and Options' area of the navigation bar within the User CP.
To select an existing or upload a new avatar, click on 'Edit Avatar'.
To upload a profile picture, click on 'Edit Profile Picture' in the 'Your Profile' section.

What do the other settings do?

In your User CP, there is a section under Settings & Options named 'Edit Options'.

• Login: set your privacy
  
  • 'Invisible Mode' - sets whether or not other members can see if you are online and what page you are viewing
  • 'Show Reputation Level' - shows your reputation level on posts if this option is enabled by the administrator
  • 'Allow vCard Download' - sets whether or not to allow other members to download a vCard containing your email address and username.
• Messaging & Notification - options include:
  • 'Receive Email' - whether or not you want to receive emails from other Members and administrators
  • 'Default Thread Subscription Mode' - how you want to be notified about new posts in threads to which you have subscribed
  • 'Private Messaging' - control how you want Private Messaging to work for your account
  • 'Visitor Messaging' - control how you want Visitor Messaging to work for your account
• Thread Display Options - these include:
  • 'Visible Post Elements' - whether or not you want to be able to see Signatures, Avatars and Images in posts
  • 'Thread Display Mode' - how you want to view threads by default
  • 'Number of Posts to Show Per Page'
  • 'Default Thread Age Cut Off' - the time period for threads to be displayed - threads older than this age will be hidden
• Date & Time Options - these include:
  • 'Time Zone' - your local geographical time zone offset from GMT/UTC
  • 'Start of the Week' - for the Calendar.
• Miscellaneous Options include:
  • 'Message Editor Interface' - This option allows you choose what kind of editor you will use when posting messages. Your choices include a basic text-only editor, a standard editor with clickable formatting controls, or a full WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) editor that will show your formatting as you type.
  • 'Forum Style' - only available if there is more than one style (or 'skin') available and the administrator has enabled this selection
  • 'Forum Language' - only available if there is more than one Language enabled. This will change the language in which all controls and board messages will be shown. It will not translate members' posts

How do I customize my profile page?

You may be able to edit the design and styling of your public profile page (if this is enabled by the board administrator) via the 'Customize Profile' section within the User CP. You can adjust the color scheme, fonts, borders and layout of elements on the page.
You can also use images as background for various sections of you profile. First you will need to upload the background images to an album you have created. Background images can be sourced only from albums defined as public, or 'profile' type. Images in private albums cannot be used.

What is a social group?

A social group is a group of people usually with a particular interest or something else in common. It provides a way of communicating between members as well as sharing photos or other images.
You can get to the list through 'Group Memberships' section on your public profile (?).

The Social Groups list page displays all groups that have been created. You can list the groups by the number of members, messages or pictures, the group name, when the group was created or by the date of the most recent message posted. You can use the controls provided to search for a group.
How do I join a group?

To join a group, click the group title then click 'Join Group'. When you have joined a group, its name will be shown in your public profile. You must be a logged-in, registered member to join groups.

Can I create my own social group?

As a registered member, you can create your own social group (providing the administrator allows this). Go to the groups page and click 'Create A New Group'. Complete the title and description for your group then select the type. There are three types of groups:

• Public - open to everyone. There is no restriction on who can join or who can post messages to it
• Invite Only - require an invitation to be sent to join them. Invitations can only be sent by the group creator or forum moderators and administrators. Invitations are sent by clicking 'Pending & Invited Members' at the bottom of the page for that individual group
• Moderated - open to everyone to join but messages need to be moderated before they will appear. They are moderated by the group creator and the site moderators and administrators

Friends and Contacts:

What is the difference between a friend and a contact?

A friendship is a mutual, two-way relationship between two users. It is initiated by one user and accepted by the other.

A contact is a one-way friendship. This could be where the other person does not accept the friendship, a friendship request is pending, or you do not wish to be friends at this time but want to show them as a contact only.

Where is list of friends and contacts displayed?

Your friends and contacts are displayed on the 'Contacts and Friends' page in your User CP. Your friends are also displayed in your profile page and in the contacts and friends popup.

How can I request a friend, accept a friend or break a friendship?

There are two ways to request a friendship with someone.
The easiest way is to view the profile page of the person you want to become friends with and click the 'Befriend' link.

The other way is to add the person to your contacts first. Then from your 'Contacts and Friends' page ask to be their friend by checking the box next to their name labelled 'Friend'. Next, save the page.
If you know the username of the person you want to be friends with you can send a friend request using the box provided and clicking 'Add Friend'.

To accept a friend, go to your 'Contacts and Friends' page. At the bottom of the page you will see a list of pending requests. Check the box for the requests you wish to accept then check the 'Accept' button and save the changes. If you do not wish to be friends then select 'Reject' instead.

Breaking a friendship can be done in three ways.

• From your 'Contacts and Friends' page, uncheck the box for friend for the particular person and save the changes. If you no longer wish them to be a contact either, uncheck both boxes for that person.
• In your 'Profile Page', click 'Friends' and then click 'Break Friendship' next to the user's name.
• In the other person's profile, click 'Friends' then find your username and click 'Break Friendship'.

How do I use albums?

As a member, you can create Albums of images that are linked to your public profile. Albums can be created by visiting the User CP, and clicking on the 'Pictures & Albums' link, and then clicking on 'Add Album'.

Each album can have a title ('Joe's Holiday to Nepal'), a description ('A bunch of photos from my recent adventure') and can be of three different types: Public, Private or Profile.

• Public albums can be viewed by anyone
• Private albums can only be viewed by site staff (moderators, administrators) and your Friends and Contacts
• Profile albums are viewable only by you. However, you can use the images to customize your public profile

How do I upload pictures?

Once you've created an album you can upload images to it. Simply view the album and click on 'Upload Pictures'.

You'll have the option to give each picture a caption, and to set one image as the Album cover, which will be displayed on the public profile. To delete an album or edit the title, description or album type, click on 'Edit Album'. To delete an image, or to edit a caption or change the album cover, click on 'Edit Pictures'.

All members who have access to your album images can comment on them, in a similar way to Visitor Messages. You can delete any image comments from your albums, and report inappropriate messages to moderators.

When you have uploaded a picture, you can place it in your posts by using the BB code text that is displayed below the image when you view it at full size.

Private Messages:

If the administrator has enabled the Private Messaging system, registered members may send each other private messages.

How do I send Private Messages?

Private messages work a little like email, but are limited to registered members of this forum. You may be able to include BB code, smilies and images in private messages that you send.

You may send a private message to a member of this forum by clicking the 'Send A Private Message' link in the private messaging section of your user control panel (more info), or by clicking the 'SendPM' button in a member's posts.

When you send a message, you have the option to save a copy of it in your 'Sent Items' folder.

How do I work with Private Message Folders?

By default, you will have two folders in your private message area. These are the 'Inbox' and the 'Sent' Items folders.

The 'Inbox' folder contains any new messages you receive. It allows you to view all the messages you have received, along with the name of the person who sent it, and the date and time it was sent.

The 'Sent Items' folder contains a copy of any messages that you have sent, where you have specified that you wish to keep a copy for future reference.

You can create additional folders for your messages by clicking the 'Edit Folders' link.

Each folder has a set of message controls which allow you to select messages, then either move them to one of your custom folders, or delete them. Once you have selected your messages, you can choose the following options in the 'Selected Messages' box at the bottom of the list:

• Move to Folder
• Delete
• Mark as Read
• Mark as Unread
• Download as XML
• Download as CSV
• Download as TEXT

You will need to periodically delete old messages, as the administrator has probably set a limit to the number of private messages you can have in your folders. If you exceed this number, you will not be able to send or receive new messages until you delete some old ones.

If you would like to keep a record of your messages before you delete them, you can use any of the 'Download as..' options listed above to take a copy and store them on your own computer.
Whenever you read a message, you will have the option to reply or forward it to another member of the forum. You may also have the ability to forward that message to multiple members of your contact list.

How do I track messages?

When you send a new private message, you may have the option to request a read-receipt. This lets you check whether or not a message has been read by its recipient. To do this, go to the 'Message Tracking page.

This page is divided into two sections: unread and read messages.
The unread messages section shows all messages that you have sent with a read-receipt request, that have not yet been read by their recipient.

The read messages section shows all messages you have sent with a receipt request that have been read and acknowledged by their recipient. The time that the message was read is also shown.

You may choose to end the tracking on any message you choose by selecting it and clicking the 'End Tracking' button.

When you receive a message with a read-receipt request, you may have the option to read the message while denying the read-receipt request. To do this, simply click the 'Deny Receipt' link rather than the title of the message, if it appears.

Subscriptions

What are subscriptions?

Subscriptions are a way of keeping track of different threads or forums. You can choose how you are notified about updates - for example by having them listed in your User CP and receiving email updates for each one.

How do I subscribe to a thread or forum?

To subscribe to a forum, click the 'Forum Tools' link above the list of threads then select 'Subscribe to Forum'. You will then have the option to choose the subscription mode for this forum. If the forum that you are subscribing to has any child forums (forums within a forum) then your subscription will be extended to these automatically.

To subscribe to a thread, click the 'Thread Tools' link at the top of the list of posts then click 'Subscribe to Thread'. You can then choose the subscription mode that you wish to use for that thread.
What subscription modes are available?

There are a number of different forum subscription modes available.

• No Email Notification - lists the subscription in your User CP only. You do not receive any notifications about new posts or threads in the forum.

• Instant Email Notification - sends an email as soon as a new thread is added to the forum.

• Daily Email Notification - sends one email a day with the new and updated threads in the forum and any sub-forums. If there are no new or updated threads in the forum or its sub-forums then you will not receive an email.

• Weekly Email Notification - sends one email per week in the same way as the Daily Email Notification.

Thread Subscriptions have the same options as forum subscriptions with the following additional option:

• Instant Email Notification - sends an email as soon as a new post is added to the thread. This is not sent for every reply and will only be sent once until you revisit the forums.

How do I manage Subscriptions and Folders?

Thread subscriptions can be sorted into folders for easy management. You can create as many folders as you wish by going to 'Edit Folders' in the 'Subscribed Threads' section of your User CP. To add a new folder, enter the folder name into one of the blank boxes and save the page. To delete a folder, delete the folder name. Editing a folder is done by simply editing the folder name in the list.

You can also manage your individual subscriptions by clicking 'List Subscriptions' under 'Subscribed Threads' in your User CP. Here you can select which subscriptions you wish to manage and delete them, move them to another folder, or change their subscription type.

Forum subscriptions are not managed through the List Subscriptions page and are shown on the User CP page where they contain the option to unsubscribe from the forum.

Reputation:

What is reputation?

Reputation is a way of rating users depending on the quality of their posts. If the administrators have enabled reputation, then the reputation icon will be visible in posts.

Reputation may be positive , negative or neutral . Negative reputation may only be given if the administrator has enabled this. Neutral reputation is only given when the person giving reputation does not meet the criteria set by the administrator to affect someone else's reputation.

How do I give reputation?

To give reputation, click on the reputation icon in the relevant post. This will reveal a form to complete with the reputation type and the reason for giving the reputation. If negative reputation is disabled then it will not be displayed in this form. You may not give reputation for the same post twice.

How do I know what reputation I have received?

You can view the reputation that you have received in your User CP (User Control Panel) where it is displayed at the bottom of the User CP page. Here you will see the latest reputation that you have received and whether this is positive, negative or neutral. Your total reputation will be shown as series of reputation indicators in your posts and profile. The more positive your reputation, the more positive icons will be shown. The more negative your reputation the more negative icons will be shown.

How much reputation is given? What is reputation power?

If the administrator has enabled this, the amount of reputation that each user will give (or take away if negative) is shown in the user's posts as 'Reputation Power'. The value of the reputation power is determined by the administrator and may increase over time depending on the settings they have applied.

What if I don't want anyone to see my reputation?

You can disable the display of your reputation by going to your User CP and selecting Edit Options. On this page you will find a check box labelled 'Show Your Reputation Level'. Un-checking this box will remove the display of your reputation and replace it with the Reputation Disabled icon. You can still give and receive reputation while your reputation display is disabled.

[GG.Terre]

thanks for this information....I do have problems in the afternoons with comprehension due to health issues and do appreciate your patience with me.

[Cindy]

To Fresh-Hope GG.Terre!
Glad you joined us!!!! Here's your complimentary big box of chocolates! I hope you enjoy your time here with us!
Hide the chocolate though, it's my weakness!!!

My name is Cindy and I have 5 grown kids, 8 grandkids and an awesome hubby! I'm disabled so I spend most of my time posting on here. Jesus is my all in all and I'm His forever so He's what I enjoy talking about-- a LOT!!! LOL

I sure hope you're blessed by your time here at Fresh-Hope!

[revtami]

Hey Welcome aboard GG!! We're so happy to have you with us. If you need any help just holler, someone will come arunnin!

[Brad]

[Pathwalker]

Welcome to Fresh Hope! We are glad to have you here with us.

[Gen12:3]

Originally Posted by GG.Terre

thanks for this information....I do have problems in the afternoons with comprehension due to health issues and do appreciate your patience with me.

Welcome Terre to FH
I hope you feel better
I hope you enjoy the forum
Hugs
Gen

[Lee]

[Fearnot]

How do I read someone else's reputation....or is it just only, for the individual memeber, to read?

[Cindy]

Well what you can see is the number of thier reputation and you can see the green or red boxes under it right? The higher the number, the "bigger" or "better" the reputation. Also if you hold your mouse over the green or red boxes, it will tell you something about the person's reputation. For example, right now, if I hold my mouse over the green buttons on your reputation, it says: "Fearnot is a citizen of Heaven!" If I hold my mouse over Brad's green buttons, right now it says, "Brad is standing fast and watching for the Lord!". Try it! It's fun to see what the different reps say and watch for it to change!

[Fearnot]

Nothing happens when I roll my mouse over the green boxes.
Oh well, don't try to explain it....you work to hard Cindy!
I hate to make more work for you....
Maybe it will work tomorrow.

[Cindy]

no hon, don't roll the mouse over it. put your mouse on it and hold it still for a minute. It take a second for it to pop up. Just put your little arrow anywhere on the green boxes and hold it still for a minute and wait ok?

[Fearnot]

Yup! You are right!
Surprise surprise...................OH!

Of course you are right LOL

Thank you, it does work perfectly, just like you said!

[Cindy]

Have fun Fearnot!

[Cindy]

[Fearnot]

I decided to reread this, sort of like reviewing....and I learned some new stuff, I missed in my first reading.

So thanks for the bump!!