Forum Posting Tips:

[artistjillian]

These 'instructions' for navigating the group may not be the best. But hope they help.

Read from step 1 upwards.

OR I will post these in order under 'Announcements' - which is under "Group Menu" on the left side navigation bar. Under the appropriate subject line "Announcement 1: Group use and navigation".

-- Edited by artistjillian at 09/13/2012 9:46 PM PDT

[artistjillian]

Sep 13, 2012: Currently editing this.

This is my attempt to help with group navigation. I'm not the best at it myself. But hope this helps, somewhat.

Step 1: Change your preferences for easier reading and use.

On the left navigation bar go to the bold heading that says "My Content" The arrow in front of this should be pointing downwards. If not, click on it so it does.

Then click on "Preferences". Choose any you wish to change but in particular make sure under "General Preferences", "Post Sort Order" it's set to "Newest first". That way, when you come into the group after your previous visit, and you want to read something new that has been added to a thread, the main post is at the top, with the newest directly underneath. And older posts are underneath that, in order, with oldest last.

[artistjillian]

Step 2: Not really a 'step' but something to watch for. Above the left side's navigation bar is a welcome, with your eBay user ID, your feedback info, and "View Listings" ... IF you see an envelope appear there with a yellow star it means you have been left a message. Click on it to access your private mail center.

[artistjillian]

Step 3: Again, not really a 'step'. At the top of the main area is an orange strip with "Forums". this has a solid 'arrow' in front of the word. If it points downwards, then you will see 5 forums. If you want to click on it so it points to the right, this will hide the forum names. I don't use these forums any more since they changed the group format, so leaving pointing right is fine.

"Recent topics in ATC & ACEO Enthusiasts" should have the arrow pointing downward. Topics are underneath, with the most recently replied to, first. Except for 'hot' and 'pinned' topics which have a fire and pin icon at the beginning. I try to keep these to a minimum.

[artistjillian]

Step 4: If you'd like to start a new topic, the button is above the first orange bar (Forums). New topics may be monitored, and can be removed or edited if not in keeping with the group. If something that is 'off topic', please put (OFF TOPIC) at the beginning of the subject line.

[artistjillian]

Step 5: When you FIRST come into the group, the Forums and Topics have a round 'bubble' in front of them. These will be solid orange for threads/topics that you haven't read.

When you come back in the next time. Any that are solid orange are threads you haven't read.

If they are half orange/half clear, this means it is a thread/topic that you have read, but someone has updated it since your last visit.

If the 'bubbles' are clear, like a bubble, then this means that the thread/topic was read by you previously, and has NOT been updated since your last visit.

[artistjillian]

Step 6: To post in a thread. Look at the top post, at the top. Click on 'Reply'.

You will see the a box for entering your reply. Underneath it, is the top post repeated, so that you can reply to it if you want. To quote the post within your post, use the " marks. This usually is not done/necessary.

If you wish to reply to a post that is NOT the main (1st) post in a thread, use the 'Reply' at the top of that individual post.

The box for entering your reply appears, with the post you are replying to, is underneath. Again, if you wish to use the " marks to quote that post, you can, but is usually not done/necessary.

[artistjillian]

Step 7:

When posting in forums, in threads/topics. Type your message after clicking 'Reply'. Then click the "Post" button, underneath. Or other button if needed.

To link to your auction, copy and past the item URL ...

e.g. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290634571873

Then highlight it, and at the top of the message box, you'll see a link (top right), with a broken link to the right of it. Click on the UNBROKEN link, re-enter the item URL in the top box, and click the button 'insert' - your highlighted text will become linked for people to click on to visit your auction.

OR - if you're wanting to see a particular person's listings, just click on 'View Listings' by their avatar to the left of their post.

To put in your image. Click at the very beginning of your message. Then click on the 'paper clip' - it's to the right, and under the links I was talking about, above. Click on IMAGE. Then select your image off of your home computer to upload. Make the size 300 pixels is best. Don't worry about the target or anything - just press ... INSERT. There are other ways to do this, but this is probably the best.

-- Edited by artistjillian at 09/13/2012 9:46 PM PDT