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Use the discussion area to ask questions or share information and tips, which can then be commented on by other users. Alternatively you might like to look at other people's questions, and help out by contributing where you can.
If you wish to contribute to a forum, or simply read what other members have posted, click on the relevant title. This will take you to a list of topics on that forum and give you the opportunity to read what other users have posted, reply to a topic or start a new one.
When a topic is started, a new page is created, with the posting user's name, and the text of their statement. Other users are then able to add a comment or answer onto the same page. Over time, these will each be listed underneath the topic.
You can edit or delete messages that you have posted in the forums yourself, as long as you do this within 24 hours of posting.
The forums have a human moderator who checks the site often and is able to edit the messages that are posted, in case they don't comply with the terms of use.
Valid email addresses and internet links should automatically appear as links, make sure web addresses are prefixed with http:// or https:// and that email addresses are valid.
You may see some icons when using the boards. Here's an explanation of what they mean:
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A padlock next to a topic means that this topic is "read only". No new postings can be made on this page.
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A star on a topic means that this topic has been highlighted by the forum administrator.
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Tips on getting the most out of the forums:
- Please read the forums for a while before posting a new topic: that way you won't repeat questions that have already been asked.
- If you're starting a new topic, please give it a concise and meaningful title, and post it into the appropriate forum. The topic should be clear to people without having to look at it.
- As your posts will be read by many different people, it's worth putting some time into thinking about how easily others will be able to read it. You could try: using a spellchecker, if you have one, before posting a new topic; avoid using too much jargon, abbreviations or acronyms; and always remember not to type headings or text out ALL IN CAPITAL LETTERS (the equivalent of shouting on the web!).
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