Posting & Instant Messaging

How do I post a topic in a forum?

Click the ’new Topic’ option on the Forum screen. (Remember, you need to be registered before you can post a message). Write your message. Click ‘preview’ to see how it will look. And if you’re happy with it, send the message. If you are not happy with the Preview, scroll down the page and go back into your message to tidy it up. Preview it and send it when you’re ready.

How do I edit or delete a post?

Unless you are the Board Admin, Global Moderator or Forum Moderator, you can only edit or delete your own posts. You can edit a post by clicking the modify button. If the Administrator or Moderator edits your post, they should leave a message saying what they altered and why.

I’ve posted into a thread and I can’t find it, what’s happened?

It’s probably been deleted. We try to keep the Artists Forum strictly on-topic because it can be irritating for people to have to wade through waffle and distractions when they might be seeking information or trying to follow a discussion. Feel free to go into the Corporation Arms for general chat, banter and putting the world to rights, but stay on-topic in the Artists’ Boards, please.

How do I add a signature to my post?

To add a signature to a post you must first create one. Go to your ‘Profile‘ and click the option to Edit the Forum settings. Go to the space for your signature and insert the details. Click the option which confirms the updated Profile. Your signature will appear on all your posts until you change or delete it.

How do I post a date in the Calendar?

Errrrr…..

How do include pictures and links in my post?

This is covered in the 'How To' section, but there are a couple of simple rules:
Don't link to a site with conversional content, or pop-up advertising.
Don't post images that are more than 400 pixels, on the longest side, as not everybody has broadband.

Why can't I access a forum?

You’re probably not a registered user, are you? There are parts of the Board which only members have access to.

Why can't I vote in polls?

Only registered users can vote in polls (so as to prevent spoofing of results). If you have registered and still cannot vote then contact the Administrator. You only have one vote. Don’t lose your vote by opting to preview how others have voted. Once you’ve taken a look at the results, you won’t be allowed to vote. So vote and wait for the result to be displayed automatically. The next time you visit, you will be able to check the up to date results.

How do I search for something?

You may search for specific posts based on a word or words found in the posts, a user name, a date, and/or a particular forum. Just click on the "search" link at the top of most pages.

Formatting and Topic Types

What are Smileys?

Posts can be ambiguous, but smileys can give a clue to the writer’s tone of voice - serious, chuckling, teasing, questioning and a whole range of nuances. When you are writing your post, click on the smiley which best describes your mood and tone.

What are Announcements?

Announcements often contain important information and you should read them as soon as possible. Announcements appear at the top of every page in the forum to which they are posted.

What are Sticky topics?

Sticky topics appear at the top of the Forum. They take precedence over other topics because they are usually topical, important or they need to be seen and read by members. Moderators and Administrators decide what’s sticky, but you can ask them to stickify (I just made up that word) your topic if you feel that it is important.

What are Locked topics?

Locked topics are set this way by either the forum moderator or board administrator. You cannot reply to locked topics and any poll it contained is automatically ended. Topics may be locked for many reasons.

Instant or Private Messaging

I cannot send private messages!

There are three reasons for this: one, you are not registered and/or not logged in; two, the Administrator has disabled private messaging for the entire board; or three, the Administrator has barred you from sending messages. If it is the latter case you should ask the Administrator why, if you have not been notified.

I keep getting unwanted private messages!

If you receive unwanted private messages from someone, inform the Administrator. They have the power to block a user from sending private messages.

I have received a spamming or abusive email from someone on this board!

Email the Administrator with a full copy of the email that you received, so that the appropriate action can be taken.