If you are new to this format of online discussion forum, you might be a bit confused by all of the different gizmos that you see in front of you. Don't panic!

In essense, it is very easy to use. You simply log in and click on the forum you'd like to see. Once there you can read the various discussion threads and you may freely post replies or start topics.

Take note of the control bar at the top of the screen--it looks like this:

My Controls · View New Posts · My Assistant · My Friends · 0 New Messages

Clicking on "My Controls" will show you where you go to create your "Profile". Your profile tells people who you are, where you are from, etc.. It is here that you go to upload your Avatar (a picture or graphic that appears at the top of all of your posts), among other things.

You can send and receive e-mail within the site, allowing you to communicate with other users.

The "My Assistant" link is a very useful tool. Click on it and check out the options it offers you.

If you want to start a topic, take a minute to think about what forum it belongs in (a topic related to world flutes should not be posting in the flute-making forum, for example).

When in doubt about anything, click on the help button at the top of the screen.

Please read the site rules before you post! You will find them in the ADMIN Announcements section just before the discussion forums. All users are responsible for knowing the rules before they post.

Don't neglect the "search" function at the top of the page--it will help you find topics and discussion threads that you are interested in.

Again, if you are confused about anything, make sure you take the time to read the help files before you post any questions or seek any guidance. Each user has the responsibility to educate themselves on how to use the forum--it's not difficult at all--and we don't want to clutter the forums with questions about the features when the answers are already in the help section.

If you have done that and are still confused about something, you may ask one of the moderators. On the opening page where the forums are listed and described you will see: Forum led by: Moderator If you click on the word "moderator" it will show you the names of your moderators. You can then send a personal message to any one of them asking them for guidance.


Enjoy the forum!