Problems? - Name Change?

- Lost Password?

First thing to do is read the Frequently Asked Questions listed below - most of the problems regarding registration and usage are covered there.

If you have problems accessing the messages when you return, chances are the password is incorrect, or you used CAPS in the wrong places, etc. (Case Sensitive folks!)

Lost password? If you know your username, you can click "I forgot my password" right under the Log In Button to have it emailed to you.

If you can't get back into the messages, or would like to change something on your account, just send an email explaining the problem (include your current username for the message board) and we'll try and fix things -or- clear the account and let you start over fresh.

Q: Why do I have to "register" to read/post messages?

A: Simple - so no one else can be YOU. On more basic message boards, people can post as anyone else, and that can lead to trouble. By having a password protected screen name, only you can post under that I.D. And by keeping the messages hidden from non-members, spammers can't gain any private information that may get innocently posted.

Q: It appears my registration is being rejected - how come?

A: To avoid Spammers and Hackers, and programs that try to automatically register here daily to promote spam, we have installed security features that require a special registration process. The standard form that is used by the message system is automatically rejected - you must use the form we have created, and it must be reviewed for integrity and complete information before anyone is allowed access to the messages. This is for your protection, as well as the protection of others here.

Q: I need to change my registration - what do I do?

A: Send an email listing your current Username so we can modify/delete the profile. If you just forgot your password, the system can mail it to you, or provide us the Username and we can type in a temporary one for you - change it once you log back in. (Remember - Without your username, we really can't look you up! - thanks!)

Q: What are all the extra 'links' in the Message Board for?

A: FAQ (frequently asked questions) can give you all the answers you need on how things operate. Profile allows you to change your settings and you can create a bisic profile as well.You can also Search messages, View or Sort the Members, and Send/Receive Private Messages. There are also 'Usergroups', which are not used at the moment, but you can request to set up your own private message group that is invitation only. Just drop an email if you have a group to create. It may look complicated, but it's really very easy - just look around at all the links and give things a try!

Q: I'm having trouble getting back to the list of messages I was just in, or finding the next message - any suggestions?

A: When you enter a specific area, let's say Humor for example, at the top of the list of Topics/Messages you will see a PATH that leads back to where you were, such as: "St. Barts and Elmhurst Forum Index -> Humor" . To return to the list of Topics in HUMOR, click on Humor in that Path. The Forum Index returns you to the Main Menu, just like the big box on the top left of all the screens. At the Bottom of each message page (and the Userlist as well) are links for pages and/or 'Next'. (Ex: 1,2,3,Next). Just click where you wish to go.

Q: Does the Message system show who's currently online?

A: Yes, if they are registered and logged in. On the main menu, scroll all the way down to the bottom to see who's around. Registered users that are logged in will have their Username's displayed, people just browsing will show as "Guests". Send them a private message if you want to say a quick hello, invite them to chat, etc. (Private Messages are listed up top next to LOG IN when pending. - The system can store up to 10 incoming and 10 outgoing per user.)

Q: How do I know when I have a Private message waiting for me in the Messages?

A: You have to log in, and the system will notify you with a pop up window, and/or an announcement in on of the links at the top of the page.

Q: How do all the Forums and Topics work - why not just one message board?

A: There are 2 categories of Forums. Site Info (Bulletins and Chat and Message Help) - While these areas are important, they will probably see the least amount of use. The MESSAGE BOARDS are where most people will post. There are several Forums you can post in depending on the subject matter, and each of those is called a 'topic'. This allows for easy navigation by subject, and specific message topic. You can also just call up recent posts, or jump around any way you like. (Note that there are "Previous" and "Next" links on the top right of each message, so you can also jump through a set of recent postings that way as well!)

Q: Can I edit messages?

A: Only ones you post. You may also request the removal of a message posted by others - requests will be reviewed and honored if they pertain to very personal and/or revealing information or they are an offense of a severe nature.

Q: Are there 'bad language' filters on the messages?

A: No - we're adults here, and not into censorship. See above for messages that may be deemed unacceptable.

Q: How do I get back to the Web Site from the Message Forums?

A: The Messages should open a new browser window - just close it, and the Web Site should still be there in it's own window.

Q: Why can't I post or reply to Bulletins?

A: Keeping that area free of clutter makes it easier to read important announcements quickly, and the best way to do that is to have less messages - therefore no replies. If you have an important announcement you would like to post, just pass it along in and email and it will be posted.