What is a profile?
A profile is a summary of facts about you, such as your profession, your hobbies, your Yahoo or AOL messenger handles and other optional information. This makes up your profile and will become available to other registered members. You create or edit your profile after you register and login. Click on the “Preferences” link and fill out the information. Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom for other important choices.
How can I customize my profile?
Login and click on “Preferences” to display your profile. There are three section headings. The “Required Information” section allows you to update your email address and your password. The “Optional Information” section allows you to share certain personal information with anyone that visits the site. Do not fill in any information in this section you do not want to share. The third section is the “Preferences” section. Be sure to read and mark the appropriate yes/no answers in this section. Private Messages, Message Notification, Stored Passwords and hiding your email address are all controlled here.
Can I see other members’ profiles?
All visitors may view a members’profile by clicking on a user’s name within a post and then clicking on the box marked “Profile”. They will see a popup window containing that member’s optional information and allow for viewing all posts created by that user.
What are “private messages?”
Having a membership allows you access to an internal message service. These messages can be sent only to other members and from whom you are not blocked from sending messages (see Ignore list). This service takes the place of emailing the members with whom you wish to correspond, although they might choose to share their email with you while hiding it from other users.
There are four places from which a member can send a private message.
- One is from an intended recipient’s post. At the top of each post, the user’s name is shown on the left and on the right is a “Send P.M” button.
- The second is from your message area. After logging in, click on “My Inbox” at the top right of the forums. Then select a user name from your “Buddy List”. Their profile will appear and from the “Private Messaging” section you can click on “Send a Private Message”. (See Figure 4)
- The third is also from your message area. Open any private message you have received and click on “Reply”.
- The fourth method allows you to call up the intended recipient’s profile (see Profiles above.) Then click on “Send a Private Message”.
What is a Buddy list?
Members with whom you expect to communicate frequently you may want to “add” to a Buddy list, making them your partners in private messaging. There is an Add to Buddy List link on the profile form, and clicking on those words will automatically place that member on your list. If, however, a person has placed you on an Ignore list (see below), you will not be able to “buddy” with them or send them messages.
What is an Ignore list?
This list is the opposite of a Buddy list; anyone whom you add to Ignore List will be unable to successfully send you a private message through the in-program messaging service. Likewise, if you are placed on an Ignore list for another member, you will be unsuccessful in sending them messages.
How do I create a Buddy or Ignore list?
At the bottom of a member’s Profile box is an option to Add to Buddy List or Add to Ignore List. (See Figure 5.) While you are viewing another person’s profile, you may click to add them to either list.
Do I have to show my email address?
No, you may choose to hide your email address. (See Figure 1) On your Preferences page, near the bottom is a box that offers, “Make email address viewable to others.” Checking “yes” will make your email address show on your Profile page; checking “no” will hide your email address. When you hide your address, no other members can see it, but it will be accessible to administrators. It will not be revealed or sold. We will only use it to notify you of a problem or special offer. Also, if you have “Subscribed” to a forum or topic, the system will generate a notification to this email address if you have specified that you want that service.
How will I know if someone sends me a message?
As above, the system will generate an email message to you if you have specified that you want that service. The notice will appear at the email address on your Preferences page. You will need to check the box “yes” after “notify by email of new messages” on your Preferences page. (See Figure 1)
How can I personalize my messages?
The Printer Network includes pseudo HTML (Hyper Text Marking Language) to allow you to include “avatars” (faces and images) in your messages, profiles, and signatures. You may also include a logo or special typeface to heighten your individuality. The instructions to customize your messages are included on the page. (See Figure 1)
