Site Navigation Tips

[Born Free]

THE NAME OF THIS THREAD HAS BEEN CHANGED WITH PERMISSION FROM THE AUTHOR FROM "HARNESSING THE POWER OF THIS SITE" TO "SITE NAVIGATION TIPS"

Feel free to contribute any helpful hints you have regarding navigation through this site. If you have a particular question regarding a link, option, etc reply to this thread or PM silverfox.

Thank you
________________________________________________

This is addressed to Jeff, and asked in the spirit of enhancing the outcomes from the great resource you have created in post-mormon.com.

There are many of the subtleties of really using the site functionality to the max, that elude me.

Now I acknowledge that I am prone to fit in the IAEFRTFM category, but have not easily picked up a set of introductory instructions about how to use various features of the site to maximum effect. Things that I would like to understand better, (including how they might benefit me and others), include:

Rating systems
Email system to members (stumbled across that in response to emails from others)
Polling systems
Creating helpful thread titles

That is just a starting list, but should be more than adequate to make my point. I may be alone in being a babe-in-the-woods, so I will stick my neck out to see if I am the only one.

The other reason this interested me is that I think most of us share the desire that what we help generate here will be of maximum value to people who are ready (or close to ready) to depart Mormonism.

Daryl

PS: Jeff, I love what you have created, and realise that in making this request, I may be making more work for you. I feel badly about that, but figure if I don't ask the question and guage the response, then you will never know what is on my mind (now lacking the prophetic power of the Priesthood and all that ;)

[Jeff_Ricks]

This is addressed to Jeff, and asked in the spirit of enhancing the outcomes from the great resource you have created in post-mormon.com.

There are many of the subtleties of really using the site functionality to the max, that elude me.

Now I acknowledge that I am prone to fit in the IAEFRTFM category, but have not easily picked up a set of introductory instructions about how to use various features of the site to maximum effect. Things that I would like to understand better, (including how they might benefit me and others), include:

Rating systems
Email system to members (stumbled across that in response to emails from others)
Polling systems
Creating helpful thread titles

That is just a starting list, but should be more than adequate to make my point. I may be alone in being a babe-in-the-woods, so I will stick my neck out to see if I am the only one.

The other reason this interested me is that I think most of us share the desire that what we help generate here will be of maximum value to people who are ready (or close to ready) to depart Mormonism.

Daryl

PS: Jeff, I love what you have created, and realise that in making this request, I may be making more work for you. I feel badly about that, but figure if I don't ask the question and guage the response, then you will never know what is on my mind (now lacking the prophetic power of the Priesthood and all that ;)


Awwww. Your priesthood power has faded too? Boy, the last time I placed my hands on someone's head I got nothing. No tingle, not even a burning in the bosom. We're only mere mortals now it seems.

......Congratulations! :D

We're new enough that I'm still learning the software too. Silverfox is actually the official manager of the forum now, and doing a great job, and over time will probably know more about how to use the forum software than I do. Actually I think she already does! She posted instructions on how to set up an avatar that appears to have encouraged and helped a number users to create one.

But for now I can tell you that the FAQ link in the black bar above can link you to the answers to most, if not all of your questions. After you’ve looked it over let us know which questions you still need answers for and I’ll get with Silverfox and see what we can come up with. I’m sure others have similar questions too. Thanks for the feedback and encouragement

Jeff

[pokatator]

There are many of the subtleties of really using the site functionality to the max, that elude me.


How about a list of acronyms? What is IEAFRTFM? It took me a while to "get" a lot of the simplier ones. I guess I'm a slow learner and a fast forgetter. Don't get me wrong I like acronyms, in fact I like them so well I am an honorary member of DAM, that's Mothers Against Dyslexia. I am only an honorary member even though I've been called a mother a few times, I think it was half-a-word.

Sincerely Randy

[silverfox]

I am trying to figure out a lot of options on this site as well.

Please feel free to post any part of the forum you would like instructions and/or an explanation for and I will work with Jeff to deliver them. :)

For now I will start with the black link bar located toward the top of the screen. Here you will find links to help view, edit and manage your options.

The first one is "User CP". Clicking on this link allows you to view, manage and edit your control panel which includes your avatar, email address, private messages, buddy list, etc.

The next one is FAQ, frequently asked questions. You can type in a word in the box and it will search FAQ data for information. (example, type in "private message" and it will bring up information regarding private messages.

Members List - this link will display a list of all members.

Calendar Link - this link will display a calendar and events that are scheduled.

The New Post link will display only new threads that have recently been posted.

The Search link allows you to search the threads for a specific topic. It will display all threads that include the search word.

The Quick Links provides a fast and easy way to navigate to links that are commonly used. This includes edit options for your profile, avatar, etc, your buddy list, private messages, subscribed threads, who is online, etc, etc

Just a note - you may at any time click on a user name or avatar that is above a member's post and you will be given options such as "send a private message, send an email, add to buddy list, view recent posts by this member, etc, etc".

[silverfox]

[QUOTE=sturgdw]
Rating systems
Email system to members (stumbled across that in response to emails from others)
Polling systems
Creating helpful thread titles

Rating Systems - Each member is "rated" by the number of posts they contribute. (member, senior member, etc)

There is also a rating system for each thread. I added a rating to this one to test the function and if you can see stars at the top of the thread like I can then it works. At the top of each thread there are options such as "search this thread", "ratings", etc. Click on these links for options.

Email System - I explained Private Messaging above and also if a member includes their personal email address on their Profile then other members may email them directly by clicking on thier user name or avatar. Clicking on a members avatar or user link above any of their posts or from the members list will give you options.

Polling System - I am not that familiar with this one but from the little info I do have this will allow members to take "polls" and will calculate the percentage of "votes" or info received, etc. I believe there are other ways to use this function but I am still doing some research.

Everyone will see that I added a signature to my profile. This signature will be displayed on all posts that I make. You can add your own signature via the Quick Link option in the black link bar.

So again, everyone, if there is a function that you would like a better understanding of please respond to this thread or send me a private message.

Thanks!!

[Born Free]

There are many of the subtleties of really using the site functionality to the max, that elude me.


How about a list of acronyms? What is IEAFRTFM? It took me a while to "get" a lot of the simplier ones. I guess I'm a slow learner and a fast forgetter. Don't get me wrong I like acronyms, in fact I like them so well I am an honorary member of DAM, that's Mothers Against Dyslexia. I am only an honorary member even though I've been called a mother a few times, I think it was half-a-word.

Sincerely Randy

Shorthand for "If all else fails, read the #$@%ing manual".

[silverfox]

For those who have asked

If you'd like to add an avatar (the little picture that shows up by a poster's name) to your profile, find the picture you'd to use anywhere on the web, right click on properties and highlight and copy the "address/URL" information. The size limit is 80 by 80 pixels or 19.5 KB (whichever is smaller). The size of the image is found under the "address/url" information after "dimension".

Go to the "User CP" link, click on "Edit Avatar", click "Use Custom Avatarr" and paste the properties in the first box.

KEEP IN MIND SOME IMAGES ON THE INTERNET ARE COPYRIGHTED.

[silverfox]

In the black strip at the bottom of the box near the top of this screen you will see the word "SEARCH" with a white arrow next to it. When you click on this a box will pop up. Enter any word or topic you are interested in.

Under the box are the words, "ADVANCED SEARCH". Clicking on this link will allow you to enter more details regarding your search including timeframes, users, etc, etc.

Any thread that contains the word / topic you are searching for will appear. The Search option is not just unique to the TITLES of threads but also to the content of each post.

[silverfox]

When starting a new thread try to keep the title in sync with the main point of the thread. Examples: ISSUES WITH TBM SPOUSE; BISHOP PRESSURING ME TO COMPLY. This allows viewers to understand what the content of the post is. Using titles such as "I'M MAD!" or "NEED HELP", consider adding a little more info such as "I'M MAD!!! TBM FAMILY OFFERS NO SUPPORT" or "NEED HELP-PRESSURE FROM TBM SPOUSE".

Keep in mind when a viewer places a cursor over a thread title on the forum index the first few sentences of the first post appear giving the viewer a hint as to what is in the post.

Rather than creating one very long post please consider breaking a long post into several paragraphs. This offers easier reading (especially to those of us who are older). Creating several paragraphs rather than one long posts helps readers stay on track and avoid missing beneficial key points.

If you have any suggestions please feel free to add them to this thread.

Happy Posting!!!!!!!

[twine]

[QUOTE=silverfox]
Go to the "User CP" link, click on "Edit Avatar", click "Use Custom Avatarr" and paste the properties in the first box.


Ok, so I click on "edit avatar", but there is no option to click "Use Custom Avatarr".

help?

[silverfox]

[QUOTE=silverfox]
Go to the "User CP" link, click on "Edit Avatar", click "Use Custom Avatarr" and paste the properties in the first box.


Ok, so I click on "edit avatar", but there is no option to click "Use Custom Avatarr".

help?

Hmmmm. When I click on "edit avatar" I see an option to add a custom avatar at the bottom of the screen. I see this wording and am given the option to click Use Custom Avatar and then a url box is provided in which you would paste the http address of the avatar you want to use:

Use Custom Avatar
You may upload a new custom image using the controls below. Either enter the URL to the image you wish to use, or use the upload control to upload an image directly from your own computer.
Enter Avatar URL:

Let me know if you still have problems and I will do more research.

[Born Free]

Not many people use the thread rating system at present.

I gather it averages all the ratings that people give a thread. That helps see easily those posts that really work for people.

It is also a field that threads can be sorted by, so that for example, all 5 star rated threads are at the top (after admin threads), followed by the 4s, etc..

Daryl

[twine]

I am still unable to do as described. I am clearly not seeing what you see. is there any chance that one has to have a cerain number of posts in order to add the avatar? Also, though I have selected in my user CP to allow emails and Pm's from other members, I am still hearing that when people try to email me is says this user has elected to not receive emails or something like that. I also cannot email anyone else (been trying to reply to tjohnson w/o luck) or PM them. this includes you.... says I do not have the priviledges or somehting like that. (which is why I am positnginstead of asking you directly.) sorry to be such a bother. also, could you please let tjohnson know I can be emailed at seipostmormon@gmail.com? thanks.,


Hmmmm. When I click on "edit avatar" I see an option to add a custom avatar at the bottom of the screen. I see this wording and am given the option to click Use Custom Avatar and then a url box is provided in which you would paste the http address of the avatar you want to use:

Use Custom Avatar
You may upload a new custom image using the controls below. Either enter the URL to the image you wish to use, or use the upload control to upload an image directly from your own computer.
Enter Avatar URL:

Let me know if you still have problems and I will do more research.

[silverfox]

Please contact Silverfox or Jeff_Ricks to have your user name changed.

[Born Free]

At the head of each page of threads is a toolbar that included, on the right end, 'Replies' and 'Views'.

Threads can be sorted by these criteria (with Stickies remaining at the top of each page in their own sorted order)

This sorting capacity can also be applied to 'Ratings'.

These filters can assist a visitor/viewer to PoMo to access information faster and easier, and to identify quickly what others found interesting to read about, or to reply about.

On a related topic, I also keep an eye on the Replies/Views Ratio, not that it is calculated and shown. By seeing Replies as a percentage of Views, you get some feel for how a topic engaged the regulars here. From my observations anything better than 10% is doing well, although the relevance of this ratio tends to fade over time, as more visitors come here, look around, but never 'reply', which requires them to be a member.

Daryl

[Born Free]

It is marvellous what you discover when you take time and look around.

Check out the toolbacr at the top of this page. You will find:

View first read

Thread tools:
Show printable version
Email this page
Unsubscribe from this thread
Add a poll to this thread

Search this thread

Ratings
5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Display modes:
Linear
Hybrid
Threaded

In all my postings here, I had never discovered that a poll can be added after the thread has been created.

One lives and learn every day!!!

Daryl