Tips for Posting

[apollos0fAlexandria]

It takes a while to get used to all the options available when posting topics and replies.

In view of our policies on being cautious with reproducing external content it is particularly useful to understand how to use the URL button to provide links.

This discussion board is powered by phpBB, and there is a lot of information out there on the web to help you understand any of the functionality better.

Here is one page worthy of review:

phpBB - Mastering the Posting Screen

About half way down you will see the correct usage of the URL tag.

To post an expanded photo, YouTube, Twitter photo or other item with an internet address into your comment, try this: In an alternate window open the item and adjust it to your window as you wish to see it; then click on the address bar and copy that link address (use CTRL-C together) to your computer's clipboard; then in your comment composing window, use the URL button at the top and paste the link (use CTRL-V together.) This will insert the expanded or contracted link into your comment.

You will also see plenty of links from that page to other functions that you may be interested in.

It's certainly worth investing a bit of time in learning how to use these features as it will help make your posts more readable to others, and using links rather than blocks of external content will save the mods having to edit your content for potential copyright infringement.

[MeletiVivlon]

Some complain that their post disappeared and was lost. This is most frustrating when one has invested time and effort and considerable thought and research in preparing a comment.

I think that at times what is happening is due to a quirk in the logic of this particular bulletin board software. Or perhaps it is browser specific. Whatever the case, here's what is happening.

You prepare a reply, then click the submit button and the screen repaints showing the topmost portion. You think you submitted because you clearly saw the Submit button depress and the screen repainted. However, you have not submitted. If you scroll down to the bottom of the screen, you'll see your comment still in the editor. YOU HAVE TO CLICK THE SUBMIT BUTTON A SECOND TIME.

Annoying, isn't it? And deceptive.

I now wait to see the screen assuring me that my comment has been posted. No screen. No post.

Except, not always.

So just be aware of this.

I don't know why you have to click Submit twice, but you do.

[apollos0fAlexandria]

I've never had to hit "Submit" twice. I always "Preview" though. I wonder if that has something to do with the difference.

[MeletiVivlon]

I've never had to hit "Submit" twice. I always "Preview" though. I wonder if that has something to do with the difference.

That's because your browser likes you. Me, it can barely tolerate.

[apollos0fAlexandria]

I've never had to hit "Submit" twice. I always "Preview" though. I wonder if that has something to do with the difference.

That's because your browser likes you. Me, it can barely tolerate.

No, I just checked, and my browser likes you too. It must be your browser.