Post by moderator on Mar 4, 2009 3:19:30 GMT -5
LOG IN AND REGISTRATION ISSUES
Why can't I log in?
Have you registered? Seriously, you must register in order to log in. Have you been banned from the board? (A message will be displayed if you have.) If so, you should contact the moderators or board administrator to find out why. If you have registered and are not banned and you still cannot log in then check and double-check your username and password. Usually this is the problem; if not, contact the board administrator -- they may have incorrect configuration settings for the board.
Why do I need to register at all?
You may not have to -- it is up to the administrator of the board as to whether you need to register in order to post messages. However, registration will give you access to additional features not available to guest users such as definable avatar images, private messaging, emailing to fellow users, usergroup subscription, etc. It only takes a few minutes to register so it is recommended you do so.
Why do I get logged off automatically?
If you do not 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. This is not recommended if you access the board from a shared computer, e.g. library, internet cafe, university cluster, etc.
How do I prevent my username from appearing in the online user listings?
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/invisible user.
I've lost my password!
Don't panic! While your password cannot 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.
I registered but cannot log in!
First check that you are entering the correct username and password. If they are okay then one of two things may have happened: if COPPA support is enabled and you 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 need activating. Some boards will require all new registrations be activated, either by yourself or by the administrator before you can log on. When you registered it would have told you whether activation was required. 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.
I registered in the past but cannot log in anymore!
The most likely reasons for this are: you entered an incorrect username or password (check the email you were sent when you first registered) or the administrator has deleted your account for some reason. If it is the latter case then perhaps you did not post anything? It is usual for boards to periodically remove users who have not posted anything so as to reduce the size of the database. Try registering again and get involved in discussions.
USER PREFERENCES AND SETTINGS
How do I change my settings?
All your settings (if you are registered) are stored in the database. To alter them click the Profile link (generally shown at the top of pages but this may not be the case). This will allow you to change all your settings.
The times are not correct!
The times are almost certainly correct; however, what you may be seeing are times displayed in a timezone different from the one you are in. If this is the case, you should change your profile setting for the timezone to match your particular area, e.g. London, Paris, New York, Sydney, etc. Please note that changing the timezone, like most settings, can only be done by registered users. So if you are not registered, this is a good time to do so, if you pardon the pun!
I changed the timezone and the time is still wrong!
If you are sure you have set the timezone correctly and the time is still different, the most likely answer is daylight savings time (or summer time as it is known in the UK and other places). The board is not designed to handle the changeovers between standard and daylight time so during summer months the time may be an hour different from the real local time.
How do I show an image below my username?
There may be two images below a username when viewing posts. The first is an image associated with your rank; generally these take the form of stars or blocks indicating how many posts you have made or your status on the forums. Below this may be a larger image known as an avatar; this is generally unique or personal to each user. It is up to the board administrator to enable avatars and they have a choice over the way in which avatars can be made available. If you are unable to use avatars then this is the decision of the board admin and you should ask them their reasons.
How do I change my rank?
In general you cannot directly change the wording of any rank (ranks appear below your username in topics and on your profile depending on the style used). Most boards use ranks to indicate the number of posts you have made and to identify certain users. For example, moderators and administrators may have a special rank. Please do not abuse the board by posting unnecessarily just to increase your rank -- you will probably find the moderator or administrator will simply lower your post count.
When I click the email link for a user it asks me to log in.
Sorry, but only registered users can send email to people via the built-in email form (if the admin has enabled this feature). This is to prevent malicious use of the email system by anonymous users.
POSTING ISSUES
How do I post a topic in a forum?
Easy -- click the relevant button on either the forum or topic screens. You may need to register before you can post a message. The facilities available to you are listed at the bottom of the forum and topic screens (the You can post new topics, You can vote in polls, etc. list)
How do I edit or delete a post?
Unless you are the board admin or forum moderator you can only edit your own posts. You can edit a post (sometimes for only a limited time after it was made) by clicking the edit button for the relevant post. If someone has already replied to the post, you will find a small piece of text output below the post when you return to the topic that lists the number of times you edited it. This will only appear if no one has replied; it also will not appear if moderators or administrators edit the post (they should leave a message saying what they altered and why). Please note that normal users cannot delete a post once someone has replied. Ask a moderator to do it for you.
How do I add a signature to my post?
To add a signature to a post you must first create one; this is done via your profile. Once created you can check the Add Signature box on the posting form to add your signature. You can also add a signature by default to all your posts by checking the appropriate radio box in your profile. You can still prevent a signature being added to individual posts by un-checking the add signature box on your profiles. Signatures with excessively sized images may be removed at the discretion of admin and the moderators.
How do I create a poll?
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. If you cannot see this then you probably do not have rights to create polls. 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. There will be a limit to the number of options you can list, which is set by the board administrator
How do I edit or delete a poll?
As with posts, polls can only be edited by the original poster, a moderator, or board administrator. To edit a poll, click the first post in the topic, which always has the poll associated with it. If no one has cast a vote then users can delete the poll or edit any poll option. However, if people have already placed votes only moderators or administrators can edit or delete it; this is to prevent people rigging polls by changing options mid-way through a poll
Why can't I access a forum?
Some forums may be limited to certain users or groups. To view, read, post, etc. you may need special authorization which only the forum moderator and board administrator can grant, so you should contact them.
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 you probably do not have appropriate access rights.
What are Smileys?
Smileys, or Emoticons, are small graphical images which can be used to express some feeling using a short code, e.g. means happy, means sad. The full list of emoticons can be seen via the posting form. Try not to overuse smileys, though, as they can quickly render a post unreadable and a moderator may decide to edit them out or remove the post altogether.
Bandwidth and Posting Images
Please DO NOT hot-link images directly from external websites. Such a practice is considered as "bandwidth theft". Bandwidth theft is the use of any file housed on someone else's web space without that person's permission. As such, we could face potential problems with the site owners.
Clearly, we all would like to have photos/images displayed directly on the boards for easy reference.
To achieve this, please save the original image onto your PC and then upload it to a photo content management/image hosting account (i.e. photobucket imagecave, etc.). Then load the image from there.
Most of us are already familiar with this practice as it is commonly done when we display pics of our motorcycle for our fellow riders to admire. For those unfamiliar with this procedure, please PM me.
As much as possible, use small (both in dimension and in file size) or low-resolution images so that the webpages load faster. Please remember, some members are still on dial-up and low bandwidth. Let's give them the courtesy of not having to wait forever just to see an image. Please limit image size to a maximum of 640 x 480 pixels. Larger sized pics may be deleted or resizing it without notice.
Also, in the event that the image/photo is not yours, please credit the original source of the image as some of these could be copyrighted.
Do not post adult-oriented or suggestive pictures and/or links to such materials. Posting of nude or semi-nude pictures or its links are strictly prohibited. We seek to maintain a PG-13 rating as there may be kids browsing the forum. These will be deleted without question and the offending member will be issued a warning. Members who insist on posting such images/materials/links will be banned permanently.
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. Whether or not you can post an announcement depends on the permissions required, which are set by the administrator.
What are Sticky topics?
Sticky topics appear below any announcements in viewforum and only on the first page. They are often quite important so you should read them where possible. As with announcements the board administrator determines what permissions are required to post sticky topics in each forum.
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 contained inside is automatically ended. Topics may be locked for many reasons.
SPAMMING
Spam posts should be avoided. The random occurrence will be tolerated, but blatant spamming will not. Message boards function much better when there is intelligent and substantive conversation. Spam posts (any post that does not directly contribute to topic at hand) are disruptive and non-productive to continued conversation.
Spamming is defined as but is not limited to the following:
- Posting random messages that do not pertain to the topic of the thread at hand.
- Posting a message that contains nothing more than a random/off topic link to another destination.
- Posting messages that contains nothing but smilies.
- Posts messages in the same thread or at different topics in the forums that contain messages with similar ideas or thoughts already stated in a previous post.
Making senseless and pointless posts just to acquire a higher number of posts is considered spamming and is not allowed.
If there is an existing thread with a prevailing idea already in use, please refrain from starting a new one.
Try to keep the number of new threads to a minimum. This will help reduce “clutterEfrom the boards.
Members found to be in violation of this rule will:
* be issued a warning via PM and/or email.
* have their messages deleted on all threads where it is encountered;
Further spamming by the member will result in that member being suspended, in the worst case, banned.
Remember, it's not the number of posts that matters - it's the substance. We prefer quality over quantity.
Also, chain e-mail, pyramid schemes, and other such solicitations are inappropriate in this Forum and will be removed by the Moderators.
USER AND LEVEL GROUPS
What are Administrators?
Administrators are people assigned the highest level of control over the entire board. These people can control all facets of board operation which include setting permissions, banning users, creating usergroups or moderators, etc. They also have full moderator capabilities in all the forums.
What are Moderators?
Moderators are individuals (or groups of individuals) whose job it is to look after the running of the forums from day to day. They have the power to edit or delete posts and lock, unlock, move, delete and split topics as well as suspend and ban errant users. Generally moderators are there to prevent people going off-topic or posting abusive or offensive material.
How do I become a Moderator?
Moderators are assigned by the board administrator. We will offer the position of moderator to certain individuals who come and give quality support to the people who come to these forums. Do not feel bad if you are not chosen to be a mod. Please do not post asking to be a mod - we will contact you if we believe you have what it takes. GT does not need an additional moderator at the moment.
PRIVATE MESSAGING
I cannot send private messages!
There are three reasons for this; you are not registered and/or not logged on, the board administrator has disabled private messaging for the entire board, or the board administrator has prevented you individually from sending messages. If it is the latter case you should try asking the administrator why.
I keep getting unwanted private messages!
Click on "messages" and click on "preferences" Just add the usernames on your Block Users List.
I have received a spamming or abusive email from someone on this board!
We are sorry to hear that. The email form feature of this board includes safeguards to try to track users who send such posts. You should email the board administrator with a full copy of the email you received and it is very important this include the headers (these list details of the user that sent the email). They can then take action.
If you still got questions.......please don't hestitate to contact me.
Why can't I log in?
Have you registered? Seriously, you must register in order to log in. Have you been banned from the board? (A message will be displayed if you have.) If so, you should contact the moderators or board administrator to find out why. If you have registered and are not banned and you still cannot log in then check and double-check your username and password. Usually this is the problem; if not, contact the board administrator -- they may have incorrect configuration settings for the board.
Why do I need to register at all?
You may not have to -- it is up to the administrator of the board as to whether you need to register in order to post messages. However, registration will give you access to additional features not available to guest users such as definable avatar images, private messaging, emailing to fellow users, usergroup subscription, etc. It only takes a few minutes to register so it is recommended you do so.
Why do I get logged off automatically?
If you do not 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. This is not recommended if you access the board from a shared computer, e.g. library, internet cafe, university cluster, etc.
How do I prevent my username from appearing in the online user listings?
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/invisible user.
I've lost my password!
Don't panic! While your password cannot 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.
I registered but cannot log in!
First check that you are entering the correct username and password. If they are okay then one of two things may have happened: if COPPA support is enabled and you 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 need activating. Some boards will require all new registrations be activated, either by yourself or by the administrator before you can log on. When you registered it would have told you whether activation was required. 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.
I registered in the past but cannot log in anymore!
The most likely reasons for this are: you entered an incorrect username or password (check the email you were sent when you first registered) or the administrator has deleted your account for some reason. If it is the latter case then perhaps you did not post anything? It is usual for boards to periodically remove users who have not posted anything so as to reduce the size of the database. Try registering again and get involved in discussions.
USER PREFERENCES AND SETTINGS
How do I change my settings?
All your settings (if you are registered) are stored in the database. To alter them click the Profile link (generally shown at the top of pages but this may not be the case). This will allow you to change all your settings.
The times are not correct!
The times are almost certainly correct; however, what you may be seeing are times displayed in a timezone different from the one you are in. If this is the case, you should change your profile setting for the timezone to match your particular area, e.g. London, Paris, New York, Sydney, etc. Please note that changing the timezone, like most settings, can only be done by registered users. So if you are not registered, this is a good time to do so, if you pardon the pun!
I changed the timezone and the time is still wrong!
If you are sure you have set the timezone correctly and the time is still different, the most likely answer is daylight savings time (or summer time as it is known in the UK and other places). The board is not designed to handle the changeovers between standard and daylight time so during summer months the time may be an hour different from the real local time.
How do I show an image below my username?
There may be two images below a username when viewing posts. The first is an image associated with your rank; generally these take the form of stars or blocks indicating how many posts you have made or your status on the forums. Below this may be a larger image known as an avatar; this is generally unique or personal to each user. It is up to the board administrator to enable avatars and they have a choice over the way in which avatars can be made available. If you are unable to use avatars then this is the decision of the board admin and you should ask them their reasons.
How do I change my rank?
In general you cannot directly change the wording of any rank (ranks appear below your username in topics and on your profile depending on the style used). Most boards use ranks to indicate the number of posts you have made and to identify certain users. For example, moderators and administrators may have a special rank. Please do not abuse the board by posting unnecessarily just to increase your rank -- you will probably find the moderator or administrator will simply lower your post count.
When I click the email link for a user it asks me to log in.
Sorry, but only registered users can send email to people via the built-in email form (if the admin has enabled this feature). This is to prevent malicious use of the email system by anonymous users.
POSTING ISSUES
How do I post a topic in a forum?
Easy -- click the relevant button on either the forum or topic screens. You may need to register before you can post a message. The facilities available to you are listed at the bottom of the forum and topic screens (the You can post new topics, You can vote in polls, etc. list)
How do I edit or delete a post?
Unless you are the board admin or forum moderator you can only edit your own posts. You can edit a post (sometimes for only a limited time after it was made) by clicking the edit button for the relevant post. If someone has already replied to the post, you will find a small piece of text output below the post when you return to the topic that lists the number of times you edited it. This will only appear if no one has replied; it also will not appear if moderators or administrators edit the post (they should leave a message saying what they altered and why). Please note that normal users cannot delete a post once someone has replied. Ask a moderator to do it for you.
How do I add a signature to my post?
To add a signature to a post you must first create one; this is done via your profile. Once created you can check the Add Signature box on the posting form to add your signature. You can also add a signature by default to all your posts by checking the appropriate radio box in your profile. You can still prevent a signature being added to individual posts by un-checking the add signature box on your profiles. Signatures with excessively sized images may be removed at the discretion of admin and the moderators.
How do I create a poll?
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. If you cannot see this then you probably do not have rights to create polls. 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. There will be a limit to the number of options you can list, which is set by the board administrator
How do I edit or delete a poll?
As with posts, polls can only be edited by the original poster, a moderator, or board administrator. To edit a poll, click the first post in the topic, which always has the poll associated with it. If no one has cast a vote then users can delete the poll or edit any poll option. However, if people have already placed votes only moderators or administrators can edit or delete it; this is to prevent people rigging polls by changing options mid-way through a poll
Why can't I access a forum?
Some forums may be limited to certain users or groups. To view, read, post, etc. you may need special authorization which only the forum moderator and board administrator can grant, so you should contact them.
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 you probably do not have appropriate access rights.
What are Smileys?
Smileys, or Emoticons, are small graphical images which can be used to express some feeling using a short code, e.g. means happy, means sad. The full list of emoticons can be seen via the posting form. Try not to overuse smileys, though, as they can quickly render a post unreadable and a moderator may decide to edit them out or remove the post altogether.
Bandwidth and Posting Images
Please DO NOT hot-link images directly from external websites. Such a practice is considered as "bandwidth theft". Bandwidth theft is the use of any file housed on someone else's web space without that person's permission. As such, we could face potential problems with the site owners.
Clearly, we all would like to have photos/images displayed directly on the boards for easy reference.
To achieve this, please save the original image onto your PC and then upload it to a photo content management/image hosting account (i.e. photobucket imagecave, etc.). Then load the image from there.
Most of us are already familiar with this practice as it is commonly done when we display pics of our motorcycle for our fellow riders to admire. For those unfamiliar with this procedure, please PM me.
As much as possible, use small (both in dimension and in file size) or low-resolution images so that the webpages load faster. Please remember, some members are still on dial-up and low bandwidth. Let's give them the courtesy of not having to wait forever just to see an image. Please limit image size to a maximum of 640 x 480 pixels. Larger sized pics may be deleted or resizing it without notice.
Also, in the event that the image/photo is not yours, please credit the original source of the image as some of these could be copyrighted.
Do not post adult-oriented or suggestive pictures and/or links to such materials. Posting of nude or semi-nude pictures or its links are strictly prohibited. We seek to maintain a PG-13 rating as there may be kids browsing the forum. These will be deleted without question and the offending member will be issued a warning. Members who insist on posting such images/materials/links will be banned permanently.
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. Whether or not you can post an announcement depends on the permissions required, which are set by the administrator.
What are Sticky topics?
Sticky topics appear below any announcements in viewforum and only on the first page. They are often quite important so you should read them where possible. As with announcements the board administrator determines what permissions are required to post sticky topics in each forum.
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 contained inside is automatically ended. Topics may be locked for many reasons.
SPAMMING
Spam posts should be avoided. The random occurrence will be tolerated, but blatant spamming will not. Message boards function much better when there is intelligent and substantive conversation. Spam posts (any post that does not directly contribute to topic at hand) are disruptive and non-productive to continued conversation.
Spamming is defined as but is not limited to the following:
- Posting random messages that do not pertain to the topic of the thread at hand.
- Posting a message that contains nothing more than a random/off topic link to another destination.
- Posting messages that contains nothing but smilies.
- Posts messages in the same thread or at different topics in the forums that contain messages with similar ideas or thoughts already stated in a previous post.
Making senseless and pointless posts just to acquire a higher number of posts is considered spamming and is not allowed.
If there is an existing thread with a prevailing idea already in use, please refrain from starting a new one.
Try to keep the number of new threads to a minimum. This will help reduce “clutterEfrom the boards.
Members found to be in violation of this rule will:
* be issued a warning via PM and/or email.
* have their messages deleted on all threads where it is encountered;
Further spamming by the member will result in that member being suspended, in the worst case, banned.
Remember, it's not the number of posts that matters - it's the substance. We prefer quality over quantity.
Also, chain e-mail, pyramid schemes, and other such solicitations are inappropriate in this Forum and will be removed by the Moderators.
USER AND LEVEL GROUPS
What are Administrators?
Administrators are people assigned the highest level of control over the entire board. These people can control all facets of board operation which include setting permissions, banning users, creating usergroups or moderators, etc. They also have full moderator capabilities in all the forums.
What are Moderators?
Moderators are individuals (or groups of individuals) whose job it is to look after the running of the forums from day to day. They have the power to edit or delete posts and lock, unlock, move, delete and split topics as well as suspend and ban errant users. Generally moderators are there to prevent people going off-topic or posting abusive or offensive material.
How do I become a Moderator?
Moderators are assigned by the board administrator. We will offer the position of moderator to certain individuals who come and give quality support to the people who come to these forums. Do not feel bad if you are not chosen to be a mod. Please do not post asking to be a mod - we will contact you if we believe you have what it takes. GT does not need an additional moderator at the moment.
PRIVATE MESSAGING
I cannot send private messages!
There are three reasons for this; you are not registered and/or not logged on, the board administrator has disabled private messaging for the entire board, or the board administrator has prevented you individually from sending messages. If it is the latter case you should try asking the administrator why.
I keep getting unwanted private messages!
Click on "messages" and click on "preferences" Just add the usernames on your Block Users List.
I have received a spamming or abusive email from someone on this board!
We are sorry to hear that. The email form feature of this board includes safeguards to try to track users who send such posts. You should email the board administrator with a full copy of the email you received and it is very important this include the headers (these list details of the user that sent the email). They can then take action.
If you still got questions.......please don't hestitate to contact me.
