Introduction to our Message Boards
1. Where are the Forums/Message Boards?
Go to the Forums/Message Boards center for your desired area:
Click on the topic you are interested in; topics are arranged in categories. If you have any trouble finding your favorite topic, just let us know!
2. How do I read messages?
Just scroll down and click on any discussion that interests you. You can read messages on the site without registering or logging in.
3. How do I post a new message?
In order to post a new message, you will have to be registered for the site. If you are not registered, it will ask you to register when you try to post a new message or a reply. If you are already registered, it will ask you to log in, unless you have already done so during that session.
To register, go to http://gallery.pethobbyist.com/register.pl.
Next:
- a. Just click on "Post a New Message;" this is above the discussion listings.
- b. You will see a box with fields to fill in. You simply fill in your subject and your message.
- c. If you want a link to appear on the message, type it into the box marked "Link URL." Then fill in the name of the link in the box marked "Link title."
- d. If you want to include a photo, read the instructions on "Posting a Photo" below.
- e. When you're done with your post, simply hit "Preview" or "Post."
(NOTE: When you register, you will select whether they want to be able to be contacted by other users. However, your email address is never displayed and other users use a form to contact you. They will only see your email address if you reply to their message.)
4. How do I reply to a message?
When you read a message, you will see the message, with any follow up posts or responses listed right under it. After that is a section called "Post a follow up." Simply follow the same instructions as were listed in "Post a New Message," above.
You can reply via email by clicking on the user's name; if it is not a hyperlink, that means they do not want to receive email replies and you will have to reply on the board. (Email is sent through the website, and the user's actual email address is not revealed to the sender, unless they reply to that email.)
5. How do I post a photo?
There are two main ways to post photos to the boards.
The simplest is to store them in the PetHobbyist Photo Gallery. Then when you are making a post, a drop down menu will let you select which photo you want to disply.
To upload photos to the photo gallery, just go to the Photo Gallery.
This is a great place to post a "tag," or image you want to appear on all or most of your posts. You can also use this as a photo gallery and link to it on other sites or send links to your friends and family members to share photos.
Each member will have 1 MB of free photo gallery space on the site, to get you started! If you run out of room, you can delete old photos to make room, or buy more space at very low prices.
If the photo is already on the web somewhere, you can just type or paste in the URL and the board will find the photo that way.
6. Who do I contact when I see a violation of the Terms of Service?
To report abuse you go to http://www.pethobbyist.com/abuse/index.php.
7. How can I find the email address of a certain poster?
You can't. However, if they have indicated they are willing to receive email replies to their posts, you can email them from their post by clicking on their name. You will not get their email address but you can contact them if they wish to be contacted.
9. Can I get certain boards to download to my computer where I can answer
questions offline?
That feature is not available at this time.
10. Can I edit an message once it is posted?
No, that is not possible at this time.
11. Can I remove a post once it is posted?
No. Only the site coordinator has the ability to remove posts. We will sometimes remove a post when requested, but we cannot guarantee this. If you would like to request that we remove a post in the forums, contact the site coordinator of the appropriate site.
12. I know how to use HTML; can I put HTML tags in my posts?
Yes. You can use HTML tags in the body of the message, including inline image tags, and links. You cannot change the post's background color. At the end of each line the script automatically adds a line break tag. Remember to resolve all links completely for images and URLs. (i.e. make sure to put the WHOLE address including the http: as an example linking to an external image would be something like http://www.mypage.com/snake.jpg, not /snake.jpg). You can ONLY use HTML tags in the body of the message, not in any other field.
13. I tried to post a message and got this warning message: "WARNING!!! The message you attempted to post violates the terms of service of this web site. A copy of this message including your IP address and time and date have been forwarded to the webmaster and your post has been blocked."
We have filters implemented on our message boards to prevent the posting of a variety of things. We don't allow profanity and that is blocked. Additionally, numerous individuals have attempted to circumvent our "no advertising" policies and due to repeated abuse of this rule, their web site URLs have also been blocked. Finally a small number of specific individuals, usernames, and email addresses, and sometimes even ISPs of persons or companies that have repeatedly abused our site, have also been blocked. If you aren't one of these companies or individuals, and you haven't posted profanity, don't worry.
14. If you'd like more information, just Contact PHPuma for a more detailed FAQ document!
