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FAQ
About this (Colinmochrie.com) Messageboard
I'm new here - how do I get started?
Can I use HTML on this board?
Where to find the BBCode FAQ

Login and Registration Issues
Why can't I log in?
Why do I need to register at all?
Why do I get logged off automatically?
How do I prevent my username from appearing in the online user listings?
I've lost my password!
I registered but cannot log in!
I registered in the past but cannot log in anymore!

Favourite/Major Colin Questions (Colin-related FAQ)
How do I get Colin's autograph/contact Colin?
I'm going to a show - Can I meet Colin after the show??
Does Colin post on/visit this messageboard?
Is Colin going to be at every Improv Allstars show?
Is there/will there be an Whose Line DVD?
Does Colin know about Animutations?
I have other questions about Colin!!

Questions about the MB/Special Features
How do I get different font styles to work with my text? I keep clicking on the buttons but it doesn't seem to work.
How do I make my font different colours?
How do I get to use the Emoticons/Smilies? Especially how do I get the Whose Line ones!
How do I get an avatar (icon/picture that appears with your name when you post)?
How do I post an image?
How do I quote what someone posted so they know what I am responding to?
What is a signature? How do I get one?
How do I block signatures?
How do I change the display of my screen (what 'style' the messageboard displays at for me?
I am following a really cool thread, and I want to be able to keep track of it even more easily! How do I do that?
Can I find out when someone posts in a certain section of the messageboard (ie. updates)?
I'm having trouble staying logged in - what could be the problem?
I am getting an error when I PM etc. What's up?

User Preferences and settings
How do I change my settings?
The times are not correct!
I changed the timezone and the time is still wrong!
My language is not in the list!
How do I show an image below my username?
How do I change my rank?
When I click the email link for a user it asks me to log in.

Posting Issues
How do I post a topic in a forum?
How do I edit or delete a post?
How do I add a signature to my post?
How do I create a poll?
How do I edit or delete a poll?
Why can't I access a forum?
Why can't I vote in polls?

Formatting and Topic Types
What is BBCode?
Can I use HTML?
What are Smileys?
Can I post Images?
What are Announcements?
What are Sticky topics?
What are Locked topics?

User Levels and Groups
What are Administrators?
What are Moderators?

Private Messaging
I cannot send private messages!
I keep getting unwanted private messages!
I have received a spamming or abusive email from someone on this board!

phpBB 2 Issues
Who wrote this bulletin board?
Why isn't X feature available?
Whom do I contact about abusive and/or legal matters related to this board?


About this (Colinmochrie.com) Messageboard
I'm new here - how do I get started?
Welcome to the board! Although at first glance it may seem hard to jump in, trust us - give it a try, jump into some conversations, and you'll be surprised!

First, you will need to read the Messageboard Rules, which you can find in the updates forum. Please and thank you.

Second, we suggest you read the FAQs here for help on questions to do with this messageboard and with general often-asked Colin questions.

There is also a 'welcoming' forum which is used for general non-Colin related chat and for welcoming new members to this messageboard! Please come in and say hi and introduce yourself so that people know you've joined!

But don't feel restricted to just posting there - we also welcome you to head straight into the Colin Chat forum for general/Colin chat, or the Games forum for some fun whose line games. Or the Questions forum if you need some answers you haven't found anywhere else!

You can even get right in and review some Colin appearances you've seen in the 'Review it' section of the messageboard, and share your two cents - this forum is also a great place to ask questions about specific appearances!

We hope you enjoy yourself and if you have any concerns or questions, you can always contact the admin - contact information is in the header graphic on every page.
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Can I use HTML on this board?
No, HTML is disabled on this board. However, you can still do many of the features of html with a different coding style called 'bbcode'.
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Where to find the BBCode FAQ
BBCode is the code that is used instead of html on this style of forum in order to allow you to do such things as bold, italics, font colours, etc.

Click here to view the BBCode FAQ
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Login and Registration Issues
Why can't I log in?
Have you registered? Seriously, you must register in order to log in. Have you been banned from the board? (A message will be displayed if you have.) If so, you should contact the webmaster or board administrator to find out why. If you have registered and are not banned and you still cannot log in then check and double-check your username and password. Usually this is the problem; if not, contact the board administrator -- they may have incorrect configuration settings for the board.
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Why do I need to register at all?
You may not have to -- it is up to the administrator of the board as to whether you need to register in order to post messages. However, registration will give you access to additional features not available to guest users such as definable avatar images, private messaging, emailing to fellow users, usergroup subscription, etc. It only takes a few minutes to register so it is recommended you do so.
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Why do I get logged off automatically?
If you do not check the Log me in automatically box when you log in, the board will only keep you logged in for a preset time. This prevents misuse of your account by anyone else. To stay logged in, check the box during login. This is not recommended if you access the board from a shared computer, e.g. library, internet cafe, university cluster, etc.
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How do I prevent my username from appearing in the online user listings?
In your profile you will find an option Hide your online status; if you switch this on you'll only appear to board administrators or to yourself. You will be counted as a hidden user.
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I've lost my password!
Don't panic! While your password cannot be retrieved it can be reset. To do this go to the login page and click I've forgotten my password. Follow the instructions and you should be back online in no time.
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I registered but cannot log in!
First check that you are entering the correct username and password. If they are okay then one of two things may have happened: if COPPA support is enabled and you clicked the I am under 13 years old link while registering then you will have to follow the instructions you received. If this is not the case then maybe your account need activating. Some boards will require all new registrations be activated, either by yourself or by the administrator before you can log on. When you registered it would have told you whether activation was required. If you were sent an email then follow the instructions; if you did not receive the email then check that your email address is valid. One reason activation is used is to reduce the possibility of rogue users abusing the board anonymously. If you are sure the email address you used is valid then try contacting the board administrator.
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I registered in the past but cannot log in anymore!
The most likely reasons for this are: you entered an incorrect username or password (check the email you were sent when you first registered) or the administrator has deleted your account for some reason. If it is the latter case then perhaps you did not post anything? It is usual for boards to periodically remove users who have not posted anything so as to reduce the size of the database. Try registering again and get involved in discussions.
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Favourite/Major Colin Questions (Colin-related FAQ)
How do I get Colin's autograph/contact Colin?
If you cannot get a chance at a live show, the best way to do it is to use the mailing address that you will find on the contact page:

http://www.colinmochrie.com/contact.html

DO NOT USE THE EMAIL/website contact. Or you will just get a response, as do the others who ignore the warning, that this email goes to the webteam and not Colin and be redirected to the proper address.

Which is the mailing address in Toronto given below. Mail that address with your autograph requests.

Colin does answer them - however, if you take a look at the events page you will see how much he tours, so it does take awhile - more or less depending on how often he gets to visit home.

Please do not use the professional request form linked on that page unless you have a legitimate professional request. That is what it is for, nothing else.

If what you're looking for is JUST to ask Colin a question, another possible path for you is the Ask Colin feature at

http://www.colinmochrie.com/askcolin.html

This is not to be used for asking for autographs, meeting etc. The answers will not be emailed back to you, instead they will be posted on the site. You MUST read and follow the rules outlined on the page, or else there is no guarantee your question will be forwarded to Colin. But Colin does answer fan questions this way and has done many times in the past.
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I'm going to a show - Can I meet Colin after the show??
Here's how it goes.

In meeting Colin and the other guys he may be touring with at the time, you have a number of factors involved, many of them not under their control.

First of all is the venue - different venues have different rules and security levels in place. Some venues will make it near impossible for you to meet them due to their security, some venues will make it very easy. There is no way to control this factor - on your part or on the performer's part - so it could impact it. This is usually a big one.

Second of all is the schedule - if they've got another show the very next night, if there's a long trip to be done, then they might not have the time as they've got to go and get some quick sleep or go and move to the next town immediately.

There are also other factors beyond control such as if there is a official meet and greet for contest winners/certain ticket holders/whatever, which means that they'll end up having to go there first. And many other minor things which may interfere.

However, overall Colin and the guys are very nice and very likely to stop and give autographs and get their pictures taken if they can. Consistently Colin has done this, and many people who have been so lucky can attest to this fact! That's their good news right there - if you catch them, and they can, they will.

So what does this all mean?

Basically, it's a crap shoot. There are no guarantees you are going to be able to meet them - they don't control all the factors, and neither do you. But they are genuinely nice and friendly and if the other factors are in your favour, you've got a good shot.
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Does Colin post on/visit this messageboard?
Colin is a very busy man. However, he has posted on this messageboard a number of times, mainly to say thanks to people or notify people about upcoming appearances, and occasionally in other threads with information.

This is a rarity and a nice thing for him to do. We are thankful he does it. However, do not expect him to do so.

Therefore, do not post questions to Colin on the board, as there are no guarantees he will see it, and it's not the right place - the Ask Colin option on the website is set up for this purpose.

However, this board is about chatting amongst the fans, so please don't come here to expect Colin to read or respond to any posts. Come here to chat with the other lovely people around here, which is the board's purpose after all!

As for visiting rather than posting, Colin has said many times that he checks out the site on a regular basis - to get his schedule etc. and just see what's going on - so yes, he does check it out when he can.
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Is Colin going to be at every Improv Allstars show?
No. Colin is involved in many of these dates, but not all. One of the interesting parts of the Improv Allstars shows is that the group involved tends to vary depending on where the show is (especially when it comes to Ryan), when it is, and many other factors.

Sometimes, they even book the "Improv Allstars" shows and then they determine the setlist - which allstars are going to be that show - so a date may be set and even advertised before the people who are going to be there are settled on. It depends on the venues really - some wait until they get the full listing, and

This site will only be posting Improv Allstar dates on the events listing once Colin's involvement in the lineup is confirmed. Then we will add them to the events listing. Shows that he does not end up in the lineup for we will not be adding to this site for obvious reasons.

Of course, last minute issues or emergencies or such can still change the lineup after that fact, but that's the same thing that can happen with any show and it does tend to be quite rare - so generally if the lineup is done, that is what you'll get.

Drew has also been known to do occasional 'surprise' appearances when he's not been on the lineup and the others are doing shows too. This is also rare, but can happen.
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Is there/will there be an Whose Line DVD?
At current there is no Whose Line DVD. The closest thing to it that was up for public sale was an old videotape of the British version that used to be available in the UK. At times, the 'emmy consideration videos' for Whose Line have shown up on ebay, but those are fewer and farther between and not meant for public use - so not having all the cool extras and such that a dvd would have!

Whether this will happen anytime soon is hard to say. As was pointed out by Colin himself lately, ABC doesn't actually have many of it's tv shows on DVD at all, unlike other networks (and thinking about it, i can't really think of one at all - whereas NBC can have 5 day turnarounds on a dvd *L*). So there's a general slowness on ABCs part in general on that. Drew has also said that he has great doubts on it because of this. But ABC could change their mind, with or without influence from the other party involved in Whose Line's production, Warner Brothers.

So basically - whether or not it will ever happen is hard to say. One could hope that the popularity of the show on ABC Family would help, but there is no information on this happening at the current time.

There are campaigns and petitions out there, as well as a mailing list via Amazon that is used to track interest. Visit the website's page for Whose Line (US) to find out more and get links to how you can participate if desired.
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Does Colin know about Animutations?
Yes.

Colin's responded to this very question in Ask Colin!

http://www.colinmochrie.com/askcolin.html#anim
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I have other questions about Colin!!
If they're a question about something along the lines of the above questions, please send them (PM us or email us) and we will try and add them here.

If they're a question to Colin, the Ask Colin feature on the website is for that purpose.

http://www.colinmochrie.com/askcolin.html
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Questions about the MB/Special Features
How do I get different font styles to work with my text? I keep clicking on the buttons but it doesn't seem to work.
Formatting on this board is done by something called 'bbcode'.
When you click on the buttons provided, it will cause two things.

A start tag (ie. [b] for bold) and an end tag (ie [/b] )

The first tag must be at the beginning of whatever you want formatted differently (ie. at the beginning of the section you want bold) and the end tag at the end.

One really easy way to do this - type in your text as per normal. Then go back and use the mouse to highlight the text you want changed. Then click the button - the program should automatically put the tags in the right place.

One other hint - if you're not sure if you've got it right, use the 'preview' button and see how it looks before you hit 'submit'!!
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How do I make my font different colours?
There are now THREE ways to do this on this board! All use a variation of the above instructions for formatting text. So as above, please ensure that the tags are in the right place - easiest way is to again highlight the text you want and then do one of the following:

1) Choose a colour from the 'font colour' dropdown provided. It provides a number of potential colours for you to use.

2) If you know how to use colours on the web already, you can use that knowledge to pick a specific custom colour to use.

Simply use the following code, substituting your colour in after the # and your text inside.
[color=#000000]your text goes here[/color]

3) You can use the colour bar. You can run your mouse over the rainbow coloured bar above the typing window - when you find a colour you wish to choose, click on it and it will work just as the other buttons do.

Other features:
We have added two other features - glow and shadow - which allow you to have other effects with your text.

Again, preview is a wonderful tool to make sure it all worked as you wanted it to!
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How do I get to use the Emoticons/Smilies? Especially how do I get the Whose Line ones!
Well, emoticons can be placed in two ways. One, you can put in the code for them and they'll work (which is why smilie faces are converted to emoticon images instead of staying as just a colon and a bracket - because that code is converted). However, most people are probably not going to want to memorize all the emoticons.

The other option is to click on an emoticon picture that appears to the side and it will automatically put in the code for you.

Then you just click on the emoticon you want to use, and it will put the code where your cursor is.

Note: right now, it does not work in a couple browsers this way. We are working on fixing this/providing a second option for those who prefer it.

This code will normally look like this:

:Colin4:

With different words inbetween the : : for different emoticons.

You can hover your mouse over and view the alts on the emoticons and get the code for them all that way.

And that is how you get emoticons the quick and easy way :) Just click and go!

(Credit goes to Jen Reed for creating the lovely Whose Line smilies. Thanks Jen!)
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How do I get an avatar (icon/picture that appears with your name when you post)?
First of all, although you don't need to register to post, to have features like an avatar unfortunately you do have to register (or else how will it know who you are to give you the right picture? :)

Once you are registered, if you login, you can go to your 'Profile' and scroll down until you find the 'Avatar Control Panel'.

Underneath that will be a button that says 'Show gallery'. If you click there, you will be led into the gallery.

You can choose any on the first page, or you can choose from the dropdown menu at the top to look at the other galleries we have. Once you've found the avatar you want, click on the circle beneath to select it. Then press the 'select avatar' button at the bottom of the page, and all your posts (while logged in) will now appear with that avatar!

Enjoy!
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How do I post an image?
If the image is only on your hard drive, not online, at this time you cannot post the image. An image needs to be online on the internet for you to be able to link to it.

If you do not have your own webspace to begin with, sites like photobucket or other 'photo storage' sites (yahoo and other major companies also have them) are a great alternative to help you get your image online.

However, if the image is online, you can display it on the page by using the following code:

[img]http://addressofpicture[/img]

The easiest way to do it is to type in the full address of the picture (so starting with http:// and ending with the extension - .jpg or .gif etc) and then highlight that entire address and click on the 'img' button at the top. It'll put in the code for you!
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How do I quote what someone posted so they know what I am responding to?
Sometimes you want to be able to quote something someone posted so that you can respond to a specific question/section of text that they posted.

The easiest way to do this is go to the exact post that you want to respond to. In the top right hand section of that post, there should be a button that looks like a little talk button with quote symbols inside it. If you click on it, you will be sent to the 'post' section with their post already inside the quote symbols.

If you don't want to quote everything they said, just a bit of it, go in there and erase the bits that you don't want. Just make sure not to touch the quote code around it.

The quote code is as follows:

[quote]text you want to quote here[/quote]

You can also use this code for other things - like if you want to quote something from whose line - just type in the quote, highlight it, and press the 'quote' button at the top of the reply panel!
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What is a signature? How do I get one?
A signature appears at the bottom of every post you make and also appears in your profile. It's just like what it says - a unique identifier where you can put what you want to show your individuality! Text is great, photos and images are allowed as well though we'd ask you try not to make them too big!

File width should be no greater than 450 pixels
File height should be no greater than 180 pixels
File size should be no greater than 100 KB

Unfortunately sigs can only be used by registered logged in people (else how else would we know who to attach the signature file to?). You can make a signature file by going to your profile and scrolling down until you find the signature area.

Although there are no buttons above that area, the same formatting and colour codes you use to post can be used there! Just remember the rules on where the start code and end code must go and you'll be fine. Or you can go to 'post new message', type in your signature, fix it up there using the buttons, and then copy & paste it into your signature.

Just be warned - you only have so much room so if you try and post a too large signature, it won't let you - it'll tell you that your signature is too long. If so, then just try again!

Also - realize that you won't post your signature unless you want to - so you don't have to post it with every message you send. Underneath your message when you post, among the list there is the option to 'attach signature'. If the box is checked, your signature is posted. If you uncheck it, your sig won't post :)
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How do I block signatures?
If you do not want to view a specific person's signature, go to the bottom of one of their posts. You will see a row of buttons - the first of which is outlined in blue with a little 'person' on it.

Click on this, and it will hide the signature of that person from your view. The icon will change to a red outline to warn you that you've blocked that signature, and you can click it again to view the signature at any time.
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How do I change the display of my screen (what 'style' the messageboard displays at for me?
Registered members, when logged in, can change the display of their screen via the profile section (non-registered members, we are sorry you cannot do this as we have no way to identify which display you have chosen - however, we keep the main look as up to date as possible so you should have no problems!)

Simply go through your list to the 'board style' option and you will find a dropdown beside it.

The Board Styles at current are as follows:

- ColinChic- the main look for the messageboard, it is the one you will see when not logged in in colours that match the website. A very basic, light design with a graphical header and top menu.

- ClassicCMC - modelled on the style of the old messageboard, this forum is a lovely combination of light blues. A very basic, light design with a graphical header and top menu.

- ClearlyColin- A very 'light on the eyes' look but with heavy Colin content. a randomizer provides you with a different photo of Colin on each page while the background is crisp & clean. This look is also structured in a different way with the menu on the side, quick dropdown navigation between forums, and more.

- ColinonFilm - a more vibrant and dynamic design, with a 'filmstrip' theme, including animated slideshow header of Colin screengrabs & other good shots. Lots of Colin content and pics for you to look at, with a top menu.

- tistheseason - This is the 'seasonal' style which changes depending on what time of year/what dates are coming up or have just passed. It is used primarily at special seasonal events to give the messageboard a certain style. You may use the display at other times of the year, but keep in mind it may not always appear quite as nice at those off-season times.

- subSilver - subSilver is the default basic look that the phpbb messageboard comes with. It is basically a standard grey interface, with no actual 'Colin' memorabilia or addons. It's still there as it is the default, but we don't recommend it/customize it for you. We only recommend it IF you are having problems with the other designs that are interfering with your ability to view the site (likely only to happen with very old browsers).

We also have some "COLOUR" changed versions of the ColinChic style which are as follows:

ColinChic - Marooned
a combination of maroons, pinks, and whites

ColinChic - Night Woods
a combination of dark blues and greens with silver/grey highlights

ColinChic - Soft Touch
a combination of soft purples and pinks

ColinChic - Regal
a combination of royal purples and blues, with a hint of gold for glamour

We hope to add more, so any suggestions of types of styles etc. that you may have are always welcome in the Questions forum under the 'What do you Want to see' section. We will update this FAQ question when others are added.

Note: If there is a special event/holiday, you may find that the style you have chose disappears for a little while around that holiday. This is because that the main purpose of the 'tistheseason' style is to give a festive, seasonal feel to the messageboard. At that time, the tistheseason style will override your other styles. Don't worry - as soon as the holiday is done and the override is taken off, your display will revert back to what you chose for yourself earlier!
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I am following a really cool thread, and I want to be able to keep track of it even more easily! How do I do that?
There are two ways to do this for registered users (non-registered users, we are sorry this is not available for you but it has to know who to notify so it only works for registered people)

Favourites: The favourites section becomes almost like your own forum (Colin Chat, Games, etc are all forums) that you put together of the threads you want to follow. The anytime you're logged in, you can go to the top of the messageboard, click on favourites, and pick the thread you want to follow.

You add threads to this personalized list by going to the bottom of the thread you wish to keep tabs on and click on 'add to favourites'. It will be automatically listed in your favourites page!

You can remove threads by going to the favourites listing and choosing to erase them.

This function will not email you every time something new posted. Instead it will provide you with a list of the ones you're watching. Good for when you go away potentially and don't want emails, or are visiting often and don't need the emails.

Watched Threads: The second option is to 'watch a thread'. Like with the favourites, you go to the bottom of the thread you wish to watch and click on 'watch this topic'.

Where favourites gives you a full list of all the topics you want to keep tabs on, watching a topic will instead email you at the email address in your profile every time someone responds to that thread - so it keeps tabs on the responses.

To get the board to stop emailing you whenever anyone responds to a certain topic and remove the thread from your 'watched' list, go to the bottom of that thread and click on 'stop watching that topic'. There is also an option in the menu at the top of the page that allows you to control all your watched topics/favourites in one place!
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Can I find out when someone posts in a certain section of the messageboard (ie. updates)?
Yes! You can also have 'watched forums' - and have notifications from any updates done to an entire section of the messageboard sent to you! You can find the watched forum add/remove button at the bottom of the page in each forum.
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I'm having trouble staying logged in - what could be the problem?
The problem usually is to do with your security settings & cookie settings.

As we know that recommendations of lowering your security levels completely is not going to be a thing many people would like to do. However, in many browsers you can choose to lower your cookie handling or your security settings for pages in a certain domain, which can often help!

However, overall - if you have any problems and need info, we recommend mostly that you either PM us at CM Web or email us at colinsite@eavalon.net. It's really the best bet, so please consider it!! From there we can give you a number of suggestions specifically set up for what you tell us your system is that will likely take care of your problem much better than just this generic information (especially if you do not have much knowledge of how to do the changes suggested above).

Just give us a note and we'll try and help you out asap!
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I am getting an error when I PM etc. What's up?
This error occurs mainly when the server is having issues with email send. So it's just a temporary thing while there's a backup in emails or they're working on the server. Your messages are sent 99.9% of the time, it just gives you the error message - so you don't have to worry about your PMs!

Remember if you're not sure on the status of your PMs, you can always use the Outbox and Sentbox. Outbox shows you all PMs that you have sent that have not been yet read. The PM then moves to your Sentbox when the other person has logged in and therefore is able to receive it.
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User Preferences and settings
How do I change my settings?
All your settings (if you are registered) are stored in the database. To alter them click the Profile link (generally shown at the top of pages but this may not be the case). This will allow you to change all your settings.
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The times are not correct!
The times are almost certainly correct; however, what you may be seeing are times displayed in a timezone different from the one you are in. If this is the case, you should change your profile setting for the timezone to match your particular area, e.g. London, Paris, New York, Sydney, etc. Please note that changing the timezone, like most settings, can only be done by registered users. So if you are not registered, this is a good time to do so, if you pardon the pun!
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I changed the timezone and the time is still wrong!
If you are sure you have set the timezone correctly and the time is still different, the most likely answer is daylight savings time (or summer time as it is known in the UK and other places). The board is not designed to handle the changeovers between standard and daylight time so during summer months the time may be an hour different from the real local time.
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My language is not in the list!
The most likely reasons for this are either the administrator did not install your language or someone has not translated this board into your language. Try asking the board administrator if they can install the language pack you need or if it does not exist, please feel free to create a new translation. More information can be found at the phpBB Group website (see link at bottom of pages)
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How do I show an image below my username?
There may be two images below a username when viewing posts. The first is an image associated with your rank; generally these take the form of stars or blocks indicating how many posts you have made or your status on the forums. Below this may be a larger image known as an avatar; this is generally unique or personal to each user. It is up to the board administrator to enable avatars and they have a choice over the way in which avatars can be made available. If you are unable to use avatars then this is the decision of the board admin and you should ask them their reasons (we're sure they'll be good!)
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How do I change my rank?
In general you cannot directly change the wording of any rank (ranks appear below your username in topics and on your profile depending on the style used). Most boards use ranks to indicate the number of posts you have made and to identify certain users. For example, moderators and administrators may have a special rank. Please do not abuse the board by posting unnecessarily just to increase your rank -- you will probably find the moderator or administrator will simply lower your post count.
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When I click the email link for a user it asks me to log in.
Sorry, but only registered users can send email to people via the built-in email form (if the admin has enabled this feature). This is to prevent malicious use of the email system by anonymous users.
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Posting Issues
How do I post a topic in a forum?
Easy -- click the relevant button on either the forum or topic screens. You may need to register before you can post a message. The facilities available to you are listed at the bottom of the forum and topic screens (the You can post new topics, You can vote in polls, etc. list)
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How do I edit or delete a post?
Unless you are the board admin or forum moderator you can only edit or delete your own posts. You can edit a post (sometimes for only a limited time after it was made) by clicking the edit button for the relevant post. If someone has already replied to the post, you will find a small piece of text output below the post when you return to the topic that lists the number of times you edited it. This will only appear if no one has replied; it also will not appear if moderators or administrators edit the post (they should leave a message saying what they altered and why). Please note that normal users cannot delete a post once someone has replied.
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How do I add a signature to my post?
To add a signature to a post you must first create one; this is done via your profile. Once created you can check the Add Signature box on the posting form to add your signature. You can also add a signature by default to all your posts by checking the appropriate radio box in your profile. You can still prevent a signature being added to individual posts by un-checking the add signature box on the posting form.
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How do I create a poll?
Creating a poll is easy -- when you post a new topic (or edit the first post of a topic, if you have permission) you should see a Add Poll form below the main posting box. If you cannot see this then you probably do not have rights to create polls. You should enter a title for the poll and then at least two options -- to set an option type in the poll question and click the Add option button. You can also set a time limit for the poll, 0 being an infinite amount. There will be a limit to the number of options you can list, which is set by the board administrator
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How do I edit or delete a poll?
As with posts, polls can only be edited by the original poster, a moderator, or board administrator. To edit a poll, click the first post in the topic, which always has the poll associated with it. If no one has cast a vote then users can delete the poll or edit any poll option. However, if people have already placed votes only moderators or administrators can edit or delete it; this is to prevent people rigging polls by changing options mid-way through a poll
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Why can't I access a forum?
Some forums may be limited to certain users or groups. To view, read, post, etc. you may need special authorization which only the forum moderator and board administrator can grant, so you should contact them.
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Why can't I vote in polls?
Only registered users can vote in polls so as to prevent spoofing of results. If you have registered and still cannot vote then you probably do not have appropriate access rights.
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Formatting and Topic Types
What is BBCode?
BBCode is a special implementation of HTML. Whether you can use BBCode is determined by the administrator. You can also disable it on a per post basis from the posting form. BBCode itself is similar in style to HTML: tags are enclosed in square braces [ and ] rather than < and > and it offers greater control over what and how something is displayed. For more information on BBCode see the guide which can be accessed from the posting page.
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Can I use HTML?
That depends on whether the administrator allows you to; they have complete control over it. If you are allowed to use it, you will probably find only certain tags work. This is a safety feature to prevent people from abusing the board by using tags which may destroy the layout or cause other problems. If HTML is enabled you can disable it on a per post basis from the posting form.
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What are Smileys?
Smileys, or Emoticons, are small graphical images which can be used to express some feeling using a short code, e.g. :) means happy, :( means sad. The full list of emoticons can be seen via the posting form. Try not to overuse smileys, though, as they can quickly render a post unreadable and a moderator may decide to edit them out or remove the post altogether.
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Can I post Images?
Images can indeed be shown in your posts. However, there is no facility at present for uploading images directly to this board. Therefore you must link to an image stored on a publicly accessible web server, e.g. http://www.some-unknown-place.net/my-picture.gif. You cannot link to pictures stored on your own PC (unless it is a publicly accessible server) nor to images stored behind authentication mechanisms such as Hotmail or Yahoo mailboxes, password-protected sites, etc. To display the image use either the BBCode [img] tag or appropriate HTML (if allowed).
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What are Announcements?
Announcements often contain important information and you should read them as soon as possible. Announcements appear at the top of every page in the forum to which they are posted. Whether or not you can post an announcement depends on the permissions required, which are set by the administrator.
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What are Sticky topics?
Sticky topics appear below any announcements in viewforum and only on the first page. They are often quite important so you should read them where possible. As with announcements the board administrator determines what permissions are required to post sticky topics in each forum.
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What are Locked topics?
Locked topics are set this way by either the forum moderator or board administrator. You cannot reply to locked topics and any poll contained inside is automatically ended. Topics may be locked for many reasons.
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User Levels and Groups
What are Administrators?
Administrators are people assigned the highest level of control over the entire board. These people can control all facets of board operation which include setting permissions, banning users, creating usergroups or moderators, etc. They also have full moderator capabilities in all the forums.
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What are Moderators?
Moderators are individuals (or groups of individuals) whose job it is to look after the running of the forums from day to day. They have the power to edit or delete posts and lock, unlock, move, delete and split topics in the forum they moderate. Generally moderators are there to prevent people going off-topic or posting abusive or offensive material.
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Private Messaging
I cannot send private messages!
There are three reasons for this; you are not registered and/or not logged on, the board administrator has disabled private messaging for the entire board, or the board administrator has prevented you individually from sending messages. If it is the latter case you should try asking the administrator why.
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I keep getting unwanted private messages!
In the future we will be adding an ignore list to the private messaging system. For now, though, if you keep receiving unwanted private messages from someone, inform the board administrator -- they have the power to prevent a user from sending private messages at all.
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I have received a spamming or abusive email from someone on this board!
We are sorry to hear that. The email form feature of this board includes safeguards to try to track users who send such posts. You should email the board administrator with a full copy of the email you received and it is very important this include the headers (these list details of the user that sent the email). They can then take action.
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phpBB 2 Issues
Who wrote this bulletin board?
This software (in its unmodified form) is produced, released and is copyrighted phpBB Group. It is made available under the GNU General Public License and may be freely distributed; see link for more details
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Why isn't X feature available?
This software was written by and licensed through phpBB Group. If you believe a feature needs to be added then please visit the phpbb.com website and see what the phpBB Group has to say. Please do not post feature requests to the board at phpbb.com, as the Group uses sourceforge to handle tasking of new features. Please read through the forums and see what, if any, our position may already be for features and then follow the procedure given there.
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Whom do I contact about abusive and/or legal matters related to this board?
You should contact the administrator of this board. If you cannot find who that is, you should first contact one of the forum moderators and ask them who you should in turn contact. If still get no response you should contact the owner of the domain (do a whois lookup) or, if this is running on a free service (e.g. yahoo, free.fr, f2s.com, etc.), the management or abuse department of that service. Please note that phpBB Group has absolutely no control and cannot in any way be held liable over how, where or by whom this board is used. It is absolutely pointless contacting phpBB Group in relation to any legal (cease and desist, liable, defamatory comment, etc.) matter not directly related to the phpbb.com website or the discrete software of phpBB itself. If you do email phpBB Group about any third party use of this software then you should expect a terse response or no response at all.
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