tutorial for newbies?

[kaybeejay]

Is there some sort of FAQ or tutorial for people new to the site to help them navigate the place?Something that points them to use the search feature before posting a question, or something that explains what the forums are for (to prevent posting in the wrong forum).Maybe there is a way to directly send new members to a page which explains all this. Perhaps right after they sign up, and get their password confirmation they get sent to a page which explains to them the "unwritten rules of the board".

[bellwilliam]

hi, I need to know how to post a picture. when I do, I only get a link.thanks

[NSimkins]

Once you get the link, right click on the link and click Copy Shortcut (assuming you are using Internet Explorer). Then edit the post and Paste the link inbetween the IMG tags. Example:(IMG)http://forums.genvibe.com/images/test.jpg(/IMG)You will have to replace the parenthesis ( ) with brackets [ ] where indicated for the picture to show up in the thread.

[bellwilliam]

thanks.

[kaybeejay]

Umm... So back to my original question.... how about a FAQ?

[bellwilliam]

another question, is there any way to upload a picture to genvibe.com?thanks

[NSimkins]

quote:Is there some sort of FAQ or tutorial for people new to the site to help them navigate the place?This idea has been in the "hopper" for quite some time now.. and is getting worked on piece-by-piece. We are looking into the Announcements feature on the forum and will implement this once we have finalized more information.quote:Something that points them to use the search feature before posting a question, or something that explains what the forums are for (to prevent posting in the wrong forum).Definately considered...quote:Maybe there is a way to directly send new members to a page which explains all this. Perhaps right after they sign up, and get their password confirmation they get sent to a page which explains to them the "unwritten rules of the board".My personal experience with this type of feature is that most new members of any registration-type site will simply bypass this to continue on to use the forums and will then learn the "rules of the forum" as they go... call me wrong, but it seems to be my perception. We are trying our best to get new features and information added to the site and forum.Thanks!

[joatmon]

quote:Something that points them to use the search feature before posting a question, or something that explains what the forums are for (to prevent posting in the wrong forum).Definately considered...Starting new threads instead of searching for and continuing current or past threads will probably always happen, but maybe there's a couple things that could help .If the link to the search button was bolded, it might stand out better.Maybe the page you get when you start to post a new topic could include a banner or some reminder to search for current topics instead of starting a duplicate one.Maybe the default for number of days worth of threads to display should be increased from 2. That may help new users find existing topics instead of starting duplicates.Find a way to get the search "tip" to show up. It does show up, and at the top of the Vibe lounge forum, but now only if you extend the # of days topics past 30 days. Maybe some way to make it a "sticky" like on other sites. Probably best to not have to continuously bump itAnd when a newbie does start a new redundant thread instead of joining an existing one, reminders to use the search should be gentle. Not saying anyone in particular is being or has ever been too harsh, but don't want to scare away the newbies. If some genvibe god is guilty of starting redundant threads, then jump all over them, they should know better, but be patient with the newbies.At least that's my opinon, not backed up by any fact or technical expertise.

[rasermon]

quote:If the link to the search button was bolded, it might stand out better.Search buttons!How about this one?

Attached files

[joatmon]

quote:Maybe the default for number of days worth of threads to display should be increased from 2. That may help new users find existing topics instead of starting duplicates.I just noticed today that the default value for "Show active threads from last " has been changed from the previous 2 days to a new value of 90 days. This should help, especially new members, to see that there are more than a few threads in a forum, and it makes the sticky tips show up in the Vibe lounge again. (in case anyone didn't know about sticky threads, they are the ones that have in the forum view)

[NSimkins]

quote:I just noticed today that the default value for "Show active threads from last " has been changed from the previous 2 days to a new value of 90 days. This should help, especially new members, to see that there are more than a few threads in a forum, and it makes the sticky tips show up in the Vibe lounge again. (in case anyone didn't know about sticky threads, they are the ones that have in the forum view)*ding ding* - what do we have for our winner Johnny? I was surprised someone noticed - I am still tweaking some settings but I noticed we were only displaying a very short amount of recent posts, so it was bumped up.Good looking out. P.S. - as I always say, things are always happening here - alot behind the scenes, but as far as this topic goes, I am also 1/2 way done with a Tutorial for Members and Moderators.

[joatmon]

quote:Yeah, I have get a few of those icons in one some of the Problems/Warranty issues.. Not sure about that grammar .....Is the default setting something that has to be set individually for each forum? If so, it looks like the setting didn't get updated in the Problems & Warranty Issues forum.

[NSimkins]

quote:Is the default setting something that has to be set individually for each forum? If so, it looks like the setting didn't get updated in the Problems & Warranty Issues forum.You got me.. It's fixed (thanks). Yes, it's individually modified.