How can I change my registration profile?
You may easily change any information stored in your registration profile, using the "profile" link usually located near the top of each page. If you are already logged in, all of your profile information will appear on screen. You cannot leave blank any fields required by the message board administrator.

What do I do if I lost my username and/or password?
Retrieving your username and password is simple. All of the pages that require your username and password carry a "lost password" link that you can use to have your username and password emailed instantly to your email address of record. If your email account has changed, contact the message board administrator for assistance.

Are cookies used by the OpenTopic™ application?
The OpenTopic™ application uses a cookie to store your login information, if any. This cookie is stored in your browser. You can delete it at any time by clicking the logout link on any OpenTopic™ page. The cookie is deleted automatically at the end of each browser session unless you select "Check this option so you don't have to log in each time" when you first login. Note that this option is not recommended if other people share your computer.

What are moderators?
Moderators are individuals assigned by the message board administrator to manage activity within individual forums. They can edit, delete, or move any posts in their forums. If you have a question about a particular forum, you should direct it to your forum moderator.

Are there any censor features?
The bulletin board administrator has the power to censor certain words. This censoring is not an exact science, however, so certain words may be censored out of context. Please realize that the censoring, if any, is done by a computer based on a word list set by the administrator. Censored words are replaced with asterisks.


FORUM MESSAGES AND ACTIVITY

How can I use smilies?
Smilies are keyboard characters used to convey an emotion, such as a smile :) or a frown :(. The OpenTopic™ application automatically converts certain smilies to a graphical representation; these icons are called "Instant Graemlins". For example, if you type :o in your post, it will automatically be converted to -- a shameful face. Only the Instant Graemlin icons in the posting form are converted automatically. Click the icon to add it to your post (you will not see the conversion until the message is posted).

Can I add HTML and/or UBB Code™ to my messages?
You may be able to use HTML and/or UBBCode™ in your posts, if your administrators and moderators have those options turned on. Some forums may have either HTML or UBBCode™ turned off, or both turned off. Only your bulletin board's leaders can set this option. Every time you post a new note, you will be told whether UBBCode™ and/or HTML is enabled for that particular forum. If HTML is on, you may use any HTML tags, but please be very careful that you use proper HTML syntax. If you do not, your moderator or administrator may have to edit your post. UBBCode™ is similar to HTML, but offers just a few basic functions, such as hyperlinking, image display, bolding and italicizing. A complete directory of current UBBCode™ is listed here.

Can I edit my own posts?
You may edit your own posts for a period of time selected by the administrator. Just go to the topic where the post to be edited is located. Click on the edit icon to edit or delete the post. No one else can edit your post, except for the forum moderator or the discussion forum administrator. A note is generated at the bottom of each post that is edited so that every one knows when a post has been edited. Note that if your post started a new topic and has replies, you will not be able to delete your post.

Can I attach files?
Files can be attached to posts if the administrator has enabled that option. Some users may be allowed to attach files and others may not. The administrator may also decide to approve all attachments before they appear.

Can I search?
You may search for specific posts based on a word or words found in the posts, username, date, and particular forum(s). Just click on the "search" link at the top of most pages.

Can I add a standard signature to my posts?
You may use a signature on your posts if your administrator allows them. You can choose to include a signature in any post by checking the "include signature" box when you create your post. To change your signature, click on MyPop™>>Profile, scroll down to the Signature text box, edit, and submit the change.

Note: You may use HTML in your signature file if the administrator permits it. However, it is safest to use plain text or UBBCode™ rather than HTML.

How can I view new posts since my last visit?
Click the "New Since your Last Visit" link at the top of the list of forums to provide a list of all topics in that forum new since your last login.

What are posting icons?
The OpenTopic™ application allows you to associate an icon with each post that you make. These posting icons are intended to identify the general mood or subject of the post; they range from a simple note to sadness to warning, and appear next to each topic in a forum listing and on each post. If you do not see icons, your forum administrator may not be allowing icons on this particular forum. (Thanks to Kombat03 for the icon idea!)

I posted something and it didn't show up!
Your OpenTopic™ administrator may be using the Moderation Queue feature. If so, your post will appear as soon as it has been approved by the designated moderator of the forum.


NEW! NOTIFICATION FEATURES

What is the MyPop™ page? How do I use it?

MyPop™ pages personalize your involvement in the community. You can keep track of what's new since your last visit or manage your personal information.

• MyPop™: This page is where you can track updated topic, topic reply, and member notifications. You can also edit or cancel any of your notifications by using PopIt!™ Preferences. This page also allows you to manage your profile and review your group memberships.

  Use this tool to keep in touch with what's new in the community. You can request immediate email notification, daily or weekly email digests, or online notification in the new MyPop™ pages. Your site administrator selects the available options for each community or forum.