Swank MS Diet Message Board and Recipe Exchange
Forum Help

Getting Started:

Who can use this forum?

Anyone with an interest in multiple sclerosis and the role of diet is welcome to use this forum as long as they adhere to the Forum Agreement.

How do I register?

Click on "Register" (Top navigation bar, far right) and follow the instructions. You must read the Forum Agreement and check "I agree" to use this forum. Then simply click "Register." That's it!

Why is registration required to use this forum?

Registration only takes a few moments and it helps you in many ways. First, it prevents others from identifying themselves with your unique username. Second, it gives you expanded features such as a unique Profile and the Private Message internal email feature. And finally, it helps us to block forum access to anyone who is abusive or violates the terms of the Forum Agreement. This helps everyone have a more productive and enjoyable experience.

How do I log in?

When you first register, you are taken to a page that says "Success!" with a button that says "Log in." Click it, and you're in. Unless you log out or set your preferences otherwise, every time you return to the message board, you are automatically logged in. If you choose to log out or if you are required to log in at any time, simply click "Log In" at the top Navigation Bar. Then enter your username and password.

What if I forget my password?

Go ahead and click on "Log In," then click on "Forgot password?". Enter your username and click "send." Your password will be emailed to you right away. If you forgot your username, you should first check to see if you saved the email we sent you when you first registered. If you still need your username, please email the forum administrator. Provide as much information as you can recall about your old username and password. Your request must originate from the email address on file.

I don't want others to see my email address. Is it required?

It is required to use the Message Board, but it can be kept confidential from others. When you register, or later when you set up your profile, you can set your preferences to include keeping your email address private from members (but not from the Forum Administrator).

Setting Up Your Profile:

How do I set up my Profile?

Choose "Profile" in the top navigation bar. Please use discretion when dilvulging personal information on a public forum.

Where do I indicate my MS status? What information are you looking for here and why?

We'll start with the last question. It is entirely up to you, but your fellow members appreciate knowing a little about you when they respond to your posts. The information goes under "MS Status" in "Additional Information." You can tell us whether or not you are diagnosed (e.g., RRMS), date of dx ("dx" is shorthand for diagnosis), any disabilities, info about meds, diet, etc. If you are undiagnosed, a caregiver, or are here for some other reason, just let us know - and welcome to the Forum! This info will then show up in the left margin whenever you post a message along with any optional "Additional Information" you provide.

What do I put in the "website title" and "website URL" spaces?

These are optional for people who want other members to visit their web sites. "Website title" is for the name of your own web site. "Website URL" is where you would put the address; for example, http://www.yourwebsite.com. If you don't have a web site, just leave it blank.

How do I set the time to display correctly in my time zone?

At the top of the page you will find the date and time. If it does not match the correct time in your time zone, then go to "Time Offset" in your Profile. Enter the number of hours to add or subtract.

What is the signature and how is it displayed?

Your signature will appear automatically after every message. You can put a favorite phrase here, your name (but use caution - this is the web, after all), or simply your username. It is not required.

Posting Messages:

Using the Navigation Bar and keeping track of where you are.

Occasionally you may find yourself in a situation or on a page and can't find your way back to the main message board. There are usually visual reminders, such as links, supplied for you; but if you can't find them, the easiest solution is to click on "Forum Home" in the main navigation bar (across the top).

How is the Message Board organized?

There are five main categories ranging from forum help to recipes. Each is its own separate forum. So, if you are interested in MS topics, simply click on "Multiple Sclerosis" from the Forum Home page to read and post messages about MS.

How do I read general posts on the forum?

After you click on a forum category, you will see a list of topics that have been posted by others. Click on any topic of interest to you.

How do I post a reply?

After reading any message, you may post a reply by clicking on "Reply." Type in your reply and click "Post." You may preview your message before posting, if you like, by clicking "Preview." "Reset" will clear all fields. Note that some topics may be informational only and locked to replies.

How do I post a new topic?

From within a forum category, click on "Start new topic."

How do I make "smiley" faces appear in my messages?

Click on the desired emoticon. You will see keyboard characters in the message field, such as :) for "smiley face." This is normal. If you want to see what your message will look like with the actual smileys, click "Preview" before posting.

How do I use italics, underlining, and other text enhancements?

This forum does not support HTML in messages, but you can use something called YABB code. Check the "News & Forum Help" forum for instructions.

How can I keep up with the most recent posts?

At the bottom of the Forum Home Page, you will see the "Info Center." To the lower left of this area, there is a link to the 10 most recent posts. In addition, there is a message folder icon to the left of each forum. It has a blue dot for new messages, a gray dot for older ones. Click on any forum category and you will see a blue oval with "new" beside recent messages. You can also mark all posts as read by clicking the link near the lower right of the forum, just above "Info Center."

Is there a way I can know which members are online?

Yes! At the bottom of the Forum Home page, there is a list of everyone who is online. You should see your name there, in fact.

How can I view other members' profiles?

Click on the member name anywhere you might see it, for example, as the author of a message. If you can't remember the username, click on "Members" in the Main Navigation Bar for a complete list. Then click on the desired username.

How can I receive email notification when I make a post?

Type in your message, and before posting, check "Notify of replies." Doing so will not reveal your email address to others. The message board will automatically generate an email to the address on file whenever someone replies to your post. Be sure you have notified us of any email address changes. To turn this feature off, click on "Notification" in the main navigation bar.

"Private Messages":

How do I use the "Private Message" feature?

The first time you log on to the message board, you will notice a greeting that says, "Hey, yourname, you have 1 Private Message, 1 is new." Click on "1 Private Message" to retrieve a message just for you from the Forum Administrator. You are welcome to reply to the Administrator if you like. Your new Private Messages will always appear at the top every time you log on.

Any time you want to send someone a Private Message, simply click on their name to access their profile. At the bottom of their profile, you will see "Send this member a Private Message." Click there and send your message. Another way to send a message is to find a post by the member, and to the left of his or her message, look for this icon:  . When you rest your mouse over this symbol on the Message Board, you will see the words "Private Messages." Click to send a message to that member.

How do I set up my "Private Message" preferences?

Click on "x Private Messages" at the top of the forum. Click on "Preferences." From here you can block unwelcome messages from certain members, and you can also set up Private Message notification if your computer has sounds enabled.

What if I do not want to receive "Private Messages"?

Change your Private Message preferences.

Other Help Topics:

I have a suggestion for this forum.

Great! Please email the Forum Administrator.

Help! I've been banned from using the forum!

You can be banned from using the forum if you have failed to follow the terms of the Forum Agreement. For example, if you have been harrassing members, using hurtful words excessively, or spamming the board, you can be banned. However, it is possible we banned you in error since IP addresses can sometimes be used for more than one email address. If we have made a mistake, please accept our apologies and email the Forum Administrator explaining what happened.

Another forum member is harrassing me. What can I do?

First, you can ignore them. If this doesn't work, you can try setting your Private Message preferences to prevent them from sending you private messages. You can also reset your Profile so that your personal email address is not accessible to others. But if the harrasser already has your personal email address and you need to change it, please contact the Forum Administrator so that we can adjust our records.

How can I email the Forum Administrator?

Either send a Private Message on this board by clicking on "Forum Admin" or directly at forum@swankmsdiet.org.

How is this forum moderated?

The Swank MS Foundation has assigned a Forum Administrator and moderators to periodically read messages and ensure that no abusive practices are taking place. We believe in free speech but we will not hesitate to delete or lock message threads that are causing an undue amount of distress to other members. If you have a grievance concerning this policy, please air it to us privately. Public slamming of the Swank MS Foundation on our own message board will not be tolerated.

About YaBB

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Administrative Troubleshooting

(Forum Admin: Here is the manual.)