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How to Post in a Forum

Our forums are at http://forums.ggtllc.com

This guide will help you get started posting on the forums.  It will also give you a general idea about how all forums work.

First off, what does that phrase mean exactly?  Posting in a forum is like sticking a message up on a wall or on the refrigerator.  You type up a message or a question, and anyone can read it.  They also have the option to add their own comments or questions about your question.  This is why "Forums" are often called "Discussion Boards" or "Bulletin Boards".  Otherwise posting is a lot like sending an email, except it doesn't go to anybody in particular.  Only those who choose to look for it will find the message.

Usually, you need to register as a member and be logged in before you can post a message.  If you aren't either, generally you can only read what's already there. 
On our forums, the login box is on the upper left.  Next to it, you can find a link to register if you are new.  There is also a link if you have already registered and forgotten your password.
On the registration page, you will see many forms to fill out and you will have to agree to the terms of use.  If you fail to comply with the terms of use, you could be banned form the forum.  Generally, don't be an annoying jerk and you won't have any problems.
You can choose any username that you like, so long as it hasn't already been taken.  Most people prefer to use a name which hides their real-life identity since anyone who has an internet connection can look at the forum.  Rather than picking a username or "handle" that specifically states your full name, use a colorful pseudonym, such as redbarron or southerngal.  Any information about your account, such as a lost password,  will be emailed to you, so be sure to put in a real email address when you register.  You should probably hide your email address from the public too.  Pick a password no one can easily guess and you will remember.  You may want to write it down somewhere if it is hard to recall.
Next is the visual verification.  Enter the letters exactly as shown.  Upper or lower case is as important here as it is in your password.  This is done so an unscrupulous programmer cannot overwhelm the registration system or take over a large number of usernames.

Finally, you click on the "Register" button.  This sends a message to the email address you entered and puts you on the list waiting for approval to join the forum.  You will receive a confirmation email notifying you that your application has been accepted.  Now you can start the process of posting.
Note, some systems will automatically approve every applicant.

 Forums are divided into different sections by the administrator.  This is to help keep them orderly so that you can find what you are looking for.
Sometimes an administrator will move a post to a section that is more appropriate to the topic.  An administrator controls every aspect of the structure of the forum and who is allowed to do what in the forum.  A moderator is a person who has authority to change some, but no all things on the forum.  A member, such as you, can make new posts and replies, as well as changing your profile information.

If you would like to browse through the posts that are already on the forum, you just click on them like any other webpage. 

To post, click on the heading for the appropriate section, and then click on New Topic.  It is located on a tab which is on the upper and lower right edge of the section you are viewing.

To Reply to someone else's post, click on their message to open it.  Then click on the tab that says Reply.  This part is almost exactly like an email message.  For you convenience, the original comment and any other replies are condensed below your text entry area.  When you are satisfied with your response, click on the button that says Post.

Notify the administrator of inappropriate behavior.  There is a tab near the reply button that will start a private message for the administrator.  You can use it to report offensive material or other problems like that.  It will not make a new post in the topic, just send a private message.  You should only use this when there is a serious problem that demands attention.

These are the basics of how a forum works and how to use one.  If you have any other questions, try posting them in the forum and we will tackle them together.
© GGTechnoloG LLC 2007