Welcome to the Company Forums
This help file explains some things you'll see on the message index page, and also explains certain "smiley" and format codes that allow you to have more control over how your message looks, without having to know or use actual HTML codes! Below, you'll find a brief explanation of how these features work.
Message Index Page
Before a message title there are two tags used: 
and ADMIN: . The first, , works with cookies to identify messages which have been posted since your last visit to the site. The second, ADMIN:, identifies important announcements from forum management.
Just after the message title, you will sometimes find: **NTXT** or 
. **NTXT** tells you that the message contains no text in the body of the message, i.e. the message is in the title, don't waste your time opening it. The icon signifies that the message contains a graphic image or photo.
HTML Code
HTML code inserted in a message will appear as written, without being interpreted. Links and email addresses in messages will appear as links.
"Smiley" Codes
If you include certain ASCII "smiley" characters (also known as "emoticons") in the subjects or bodies of your messages, they'll be automatically converted to graphics, as follows.
:) Smile :( Frown :O Oh! :D Big Grin ;) Wink 8) Glasses :b Pbbttbbbt! :\ Oh-well >:( Angry :| Indifferent
Formatting Codes
The following codes are available to you if you need to format your messages. (Unlike the "smiley" codes, these will work only in the bodies of your messages.) Simply put the appropriate formatting codes before and after the text you want formatted, and voila, you've moved out of the world of plain text! HTML code inserted in a message will appear as written, without being interpreted. Formatting codes can be combined: e.g.- red bold italics.
| [b]Bold Text[/b] = | Bold Text |
| [i]Italic Text[/i] = | Italic Text |
| [list][*]Item 1[*]Item 2[/list] = |
|
| [quote]Quoted Text[/quote] = | Quoted (block-indented) Text |
| [code]Fixed-Width Text[/code] = | Fixed-Width Text |
| [center]Centered Text[/center] = | |
| [big]Big Text[/big] = [small]Small Text[/small] = | Big Text Small Text |
| [red]Red Text[/red] = [green]Green Text[/green] = [blue]Blue Text[/blue] = [orange]Orange Text[/orange] = | Red Text Green Text Blue Text Orange Text |
| [yh]Yellow Highlight[/yh] = [gh]Gold Highlight[/gh] = [sh]Sky Highlight[/sh] = |
Yellow Highlight Gold Highlight Sky Highlight |
For example, the following message:
This is a [red]test[/red] of the Emergency Formatting System. This is [i]only[/i] a test. If this were real formatting, you'd need to do the following: [list][*]Read the Message[*]Memorize It[*]Destroy It[/list]
Would appear on the forums as:
This is a test of the Emergency Formatting System. This is only a test. If this were real formatting, you'd need to do the following:
- Read the Message
- Memorize It
- Destroy It
Posting Images
You may post a single image as part of each message. The posted image will appear below your message. Two options exist:
1. For images that reside on a server someplace: They must be one of the three following types: .gif .jpg or .png . Use the Optional Image URL blank below the message entry form. Image links must begin with "http://".
2. For an image on your computer, that is of one of the following types: .gif or .jpg. Use the Optional Graphic Upload blank below the message entry form.
Remember to preview your message to make sure the image link works before posting.
Important General Tip
Never assume that your message will look the way you expect it to look! Previewing your message before you post it is always a good idea, but is even more important if you're using the above codes, since if you mis-type something, the message won't look the way you expect it to look!