Forum Basics: Easiest Way to Read the Forum (1 Viewer)

[Shannon Reuss]

I frequently talk to collectors who like to read the forum but don't consider themselves to be particularly comfortable finding their way around a computer so I thought it might be helpful to give a few tips.

Tip #1
By far the easiest way to read the forum posts is to be signed in. When you are not signed in the format is presented in threaded mode.
In this mode, a tree is shown along with every post. This tree allows you to see the relationship each post has to others, in terms of who responded to whom. Only one post is shown at a time. I find this method of trying to follow the posts arduous and annoying and it is difficult to get to a specific post that you want to read.
If you are signed in things improve dramatically. When you are signed in you can set your account to linear mode, newest first. In this mode, posts are displayed chronologically from newest to oldest. Posts are shown in a flat mode so that many posts can be viewed simultaneously. This gives you about 10 posts on a page and you can just click to the next page to read the next 10 posts. Today I changed some settings so that all new users will automatically be set up for linear mode, newest first. To change how you view threads:
1. Click User CP in the upper left hand corner of your screen.
2. Under settings and options click edit options.
3. Scroll down to Thread Display Options and change Thread Display Mode to Linear - Newest First.
4. Scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page and click Save Changes.
I personally think this way of viewing posts is the most satisfactory but experiment to see which you prefer.

Regards,

 

[Shannon Reuss]

Tip #2
If you're like me and want to read any and all new messages posted, the best way to do this once you have signed in, is to click New Posts in the center of the blue bar at the top of the screen. The forum software keeps track of which posts are new to you and which you have already read. Once you click on New Posts you will be taken to a screen that shows what has been posted since you last logged in as well as what has been posted previously that you haven't yet read. Cool huh? Ain't technology grand?

 

[Shannon Reuss]

Re: Forum Basics: Calendar Activities

Did you know that any member can post a toy show or other hobby-related activity (please, no dealer sales events) on the forum calendar?
If you know of a toy show feel free to post it.
Just click on Calendar on the center of the blue strip at the top of the screen then click Add New Event found at the top right-hand corner of the calendar. Follow the online instructions, fill in the details of your event and save. You can always go back and edit if you need to. And don't forget to change the date from today's to your event date. I have filled in a few shows that I came across for July and August but I'm sure there are plenty more out there. Toy soldier society meetings are also welcome.