Forums 101 - posting, accounts, basics

[Janet H]

Welcome to AirForums.com. Please take a moment to read through this discussion if you are having trouble posting or have other basic questions about how our forum works. Here are some links to find more help about using the forum (if you don't find what you need in this discussion thread).

Forum Rules
Forum FAQs (frequently asked questions)
Our support forum where you can ask members for help with forum tech issues.
Our help desk - e-mail us for tech support, passwords, account issues, etc.

[Janet H]

Registration is free and open to everyone. While even unregistered viewers may read our board, only registered members can post here.

To register:
1. Open your open your internet browser and go to this link: http://www.airforums.com/forums/register.php or open the forums home page and click on the "register" link.
2. Fill out your birth date and click proceed. You must be older than 13 to register.
3. Check the "I agree to the rules" button (if you agree)
4. Click the "register" button
5. A form will appear and you will need to fill out the info requested. Be sure that your e-mail address is filled out correctly. We do not sell or share your information.
6. After you have filled in required info. Click on "complete registration" at the bottom of page. If you have not filled out all info - you will be prompted go enter the requested info.
7. You will get an email asking you to verify your email address. Please make sure that any SPAM filters you have enabled do not prevent email from our site from coming through.

This completes the registration process.

[Janet H]

Our site has several distinct sections:

• Knowledge sharing forums for discussions on various topics
• Classifieds - for member sales
• Blogs - for journal entries and travelogues
• Reviews - campground reviews
• Articles - detailed articles submitted by memebers on a wide variety of subjects
• Photo gallery - member submitted photos, the worlds largest collection of Airstream pictures.
• Links - a library of links that interest Airstreamers
• Member list - fully sortable by location, member number and interest area
• Rally calendar - international listings for Airstream events

The most active section of our site is the forums. This section is broken into several topic areas to make navigation a little easier and discussions are ongoing. If you have a question, please post it in the forums topic area that best suits your issue.

[Janet H]

Once you have registered you may login to post or search our data base for information about Airstreams.

You will see a log in box in the upper right hand corner. Enter your username and password (these are case sensitive) and then click the remember me box.

Our site exchanges little bits of data called cookies with your computer to keep you logged in at page changes. Many virus protection programs or your computers own safety settings (if set very high) may be deleting these cookies when you navigate away from a page and then you get logged off. You can try the following things:

• Set your system security settings to medium.
• Be sure that you have enabled cookie handling.
• Check you Virus protection software and firewall settings to be sure that cookie handling is not being blocked there - you can specifically allow cookie exchange with the site.

At the end of your visit, you can log out or just navigate away from our site. Our server will automatically sever your connection after a period of time.

If you have forgotten your password and cannot login, you may request a new one via the contact us link located at the bottom of each page. You do not need to be logged in to use this link.

[Janet H]

Questions or a new topic thread can be started in the section of the forum that best fits the topic you have in mind. Once you have posted your question you can edit that post for a brief period of time.

• Log into the forums.
• Click on the "forums" tab at the top of the page. You will see a list of subforum/topic areas.
• Click on the subforum that best suits your intended post. Once it opens you will see a list of threads already in that subforum. At the top of the list, over toward the left, you should see a "new thread" button.
• Click on the new thread button and follow the prompts.

Once you have crafted your post, click on the submit reply button below the text editor to submit your post to the board.

[Janet H]

To reply to an already existing thread:

• Log into our site.
• Open the thread you want to reply to.
• In the bottom right hand side of the post you want to respond to, click on the note pad looking thing (post quick reply). A text editor box should appear.
• Add your text and then hit post reply at the bottom of text box.

Or... you can hit "go advanced" and get a more complete text editor with formatting options and the ability to upload photos.

Once you have crafted your post, click on the submit reply button below the text editor to submit your post to the board.

[Janet H]

• When creating a thread or posting a reply, scroll down below the text box to the 'Additional Options' area.
• Click "Manage attachments." A separate window will pop up.
• Click "Browse." Then select the file from your computer to be uploaded. Be sure that the photo is appropriately sized. 1600 x 1600 pixels (or smaller) and no more than 3 Meg. Forums software will automatically reduce the size, but smaller size photos will upload much faster. You may select several photos to upload at the same time by repeating the last step.
• Click "Upload." After pics have loaded close the pop-up window
• Complete your post. Click "submit reply" to mount the text of your message - photos will automatically appear at the bottom of your post.

Note: Site software doesn't autorotate photos. You'll need to save portrait copies and upload the copies, not the originals, for photos to be posted in the proper orientation

How to add a photo in the middle of a post's text

• Follow steps 1 through 4 of the above instructions for one or more images.
• As you are typing your post and reach a point where you want a specific image, hit 'Return' on your keyboard to give the following command its own line.
• Above the text entry window click the paperclip 'Attachments' link and select the image you wish. Text in the format [ATTACH]NNNNN[/ATTACH] will appear.
• Hit 'Return' on your keyboard to continue typing on the next line. The image will show up within the body of your post and not at the end.

About attachment storage limits

When you upload a copy of an image file (or other attachment) it is stored on our servers. There are some restrictions on how much data can be stored.

Registered members are limited to 500 MB of attachment storage for items posted to threads and posts and 100 MB for files posted to the photo gallery. We highly recommend that you reduce file sizes before uploading them to posts and threads.

Contributing members have unlimited attachment storage for threads and posts. A contributing membership is an annual commitment. If a contributing membership reverts to a standard account, loaded images will still remain, but if you have exceeded the storage limits of a standard member account (500 MB), you may be unable to load more attachments. And remember ... all images loaded to posts (regardless of your membership status) must meet the size requirement above. If they are larger, they will fail to load.

How to embed an image stored on another site:
You can do this by using image tags. Upload the image to a service like imageshack and then copy the URL of the image and put that between [IMG] tags. That will work well, as long as the host site stays in business and doesn't disable your image for overuse of bandwidth etc.

You can also paste in the location of a photo stored here at AIR in a photo gallery.

To do this: Paste the url of the image into your post. Then add the following code on either side of the url (with no extra spaces):

[IMG]url here[/IMG]

The image will appear where the url was in your text.

[Janet H]

The Classifieds page is located here: https://www.airstreamclassifieds.com/ This is where you will created a new ad.

The classifieds section is available to all members at no cost, to post ads for used Airstreams and parts. You must be a registered member to advertise in the classifieds.

Logging into the classifieds page:

There is a login button at the top right of the page and you can login with your usual info. Tick the 'stay logged in button'

Two-factor authentication:

In order to post an ad for the first time you will need to verify your account via sms (we text you a code which you then paste into the verification field). The new requirement of two-factor authentication is a security measure and while we understand it's an extra step it also is a needed security measure. Scammers are a growing problem in the RV footprint and we want to be proactive about this to help keep members safe.

If you are unable to complete this process and contact us via the contact link at the bottom of the page for some help.

Posting For Sale and Wanted ads:

• Any member can post a new ad or respond to an existing on and there is no charge.
• When a new ad is posted a new thread will be created in this forum automatically. It will include a link to the ad itself as well as some of the info from the ad and helps give greater visibility to ads. There is no "new thread" button in this classifieds forum however as all ads should be placed from the classifieds page.

Editing Ads:

Members can edit their ads and add photos or additional text. Once your item has been sold please mark the ad "SOLD" and the ad will disappear after a few days.

Problem ads

There is a report function (look for the triangle icon) on each ad to report a problem. This will send an alert to the site team who will check out the issue and take any needed action.

Ad posting rules:

All ads need to meet the basic guidelines for this site. Please review these if you are unsure about whether your ad is appropriate.

Step By step ad loading instructions:

1. Login to the classifieds page after verifying your account (top right)
2. Click on the "Post an ad" link.
3. On page one of the new ad form, select the category for your item and fill out all required fields on the form including location. The location can be a the city nearest to your actual location. This is required and is used to display the classifieds map (with pins denoting items for sale)
4. At the bottom of the page click the green "next" button to go to the photo uploads page.
5. Add your images and be sure to rotate them if needed to display in the correct orientation.
6. Click the green "next button" at the bottom of the page to continue to the the upgrade page.
7. This page allows your to feature the ad for extra exposure (fee based) or simply click "finish" to load a free ad.

Ad moderation: Some ads are moderated - they may not appear immediately so please be patient. This may take a day. Ads are moderated to increase security for all participants. Thanks for understanding.

[Janet H]

Log on to the forums and then navigate to the classifieds. Make sure that you are still logged into the classifieds section.

If adding images, please make sure that they fall within the size limits noted here.

To edit your ad:

• Open the ad.
• Hover your cursor over 'Product Options' at the upper right corner of your ad. A menu will drop down. Select 'Edit Ad' from that menu.
• Edit your text or modify photos as you wish, and then be sure to scroll down & 'Save changes' when you are done.

If you have sold your item or want to have the ad removed, click on sold. The item will show as being sold and then be automatically deleted after 2 days.

If you need your ad deleted right away, please let us know which ad and we can delete it for you.

[Janet H]

Never post personal information in an ad, such as your email address or phone number. In addition to having your personal info harvested by spambots, you run the risk of being contacted by someone with criminal intent. People rightly may contact you via a comment at your ad or sending an email using the 'Contact Seller' link at your ad. Your email address is not disclosed to them until you reply to a 'Contact Seller' email.

The responsibility of completing the transaction is yours. Please remember to treat a potential buyer as a total stranger. Exercise the same wariness over payment method as you would with an anonymous responder to a newpaper classified. Be wary of a distant buyer who sends a shipper to pick up your item unless they pay you well in advance and your bank informs you that the check cleared (can take 2-3 weeks). You should never be talked into paying the shipper; this is a sign of cashier check fraud.

Cash is safest! Consider taking the buyer and any personal check, certified check or cashier check to your bank during lobby hours -- and RELY on the bank's opinion whether that payment method appears reliable.

[azflycaster]

There are two ways to communicate with other forums members outside of the normal posting area.

• Private messages that only the person you send it to can read and respond to.
  
• Profile Comments left on the member’s page (profile). Anyone can see profile comments and the recipient has the option to delete it from their page.

If you click on a members name next to a post and select “View Public Profile” it will take you to the member’s profile page. Click on the “Contact Info” tab and you have several options depending on what types of messages the member has chosen to accept.

If you select private message you will need to select a title, type in your message and press the “Submit Message” button at the bottom. You can add smiles and links, but you can not attach pictures to a private message.

If you select to send a profile comment, type in the message and press the “Post Message” button at the bottom.

[Janet H]

The Blog system gives you your own personal space at Airstream Forums.

Blogs are intended for journaling, travelogues and commentary but not for asking informational questions or engaging others in discussion. If you have a question, please post it to one of the forum topic ares.

To start a blog click on the blog tab and then use the options on the left side tool bar to get started. Blogs are editable and you can load images into you blog. Other members may leave comments about your blog posting so check back periodically. A blog is a great way to document a trip or restoration!

Saving blog entry in draft form ... and how to finalize

You may save unfinished blog posts by clicking 'Save Draft' in the blog entry window. To complete the post follow steps 1, 2 & 3 in the next image. Finish writing your blog entry or add images. And then scroll down to 'Miscellaneous Options' and change the Publish Status to 'Publish Now' (step 4 in second image below). Click 'Save Changes.'

[Janet H]

You can change various settings in your member account. To access your account, click "user CP" on the upper navbar.

From the left side menu in your user control panel, you can add a signature, upload an avatar (the picture beside a post), change your account information and your forum interface. After any change, be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page and click 'save'.

One of the features of our forum is the ability to receive e-mail updates of new posts to a thread you may be interested in. You can opt for no e-mail, instant e-mail, daily or weekly. If you have elected to receive e-mail, make sure you have a valid e-mail address listed in your account profile. your e-mail address will not be publicly viewable and we do not sell or share member information.


Here is a link for an RSS feed for classifieds http://www.airstreamclassifieds.com/....php?type=RSS2

[Janet H]

As a service to our members, we maintain a rally calendar and any member may add an event to this calendar - FREE! To access the calendar, click 'rally calendar' on the upper nav bar. You may edit your event as needed.

We also offer free ads for rallies of interest to Airstreamers. We can even design an ad for you - just ask and site moderator for an assist with an ad. A rally ad will substantially raise awareness of your event - we all want to go camping!

[Janet H]

Take a wander through our photo gallery - we have the worlds largest collection of Airstream photos! Members may set up their own photo gallery or post pictures to existing sections of the gallery.

To set up a gallery:

Click the photos tab
> My stuff
> category admin
> add category

Fill out requested info and under parent category select members photos.

Uncheck the box that allows others to post to your gallery.

Then submit by hitting add category.

You now have an open category for your pictures. Use the upload link to add photos. Be careful to add them to your category and not some one else's.

This personal gallery is the one that is linked to in the drop down menu under your user name in the avatar block beside every post.

[azflycaster]

The staff of AirForums consists of a team of moderators who are volunteers. Their job is to keep the forums running smoothly by assisting members and if needed, enforcing the rules of the forums. The moderators may warn, suspend or even ban a member who has continually violated the rules of the forums. These disciplinary actions are extremely rare and are done with a consensus of the moderator team. You can view a compete list of our site staff here.

The bottom of the portal page displays a list of members who are currently logged onto the forums. The moderator’s names are listed in bold. If you need assistance, feel free to contact any of the moderators. If you see a post that you find objectionable, use the “Report Post” option under the posters information on the left side of the screen. This option will generate an alert to all members of the moderator team.

The AirForums Staff would like your time on the forums to be a positive experience. Let us know how we can help.

[Janet H]

Rivets are displayed below your screen name in your avatar block. If you have chosen to show a custom user title, it replaces these rivets. To change this:
Click on User CP on the upper nav bar.

> edit your details
> scroll down to find optional information section
> custom user title
> scroll and hit save
----

Rivets Earned

Here is the breakdown on earning the rivets that appear below our user names. This is just a fun way to see who has the most posting action.

New Member (0 posts)

1 Rivet Member (5 posts)

2 Rivet Member (20 posts)

3 Rivet Member (100 posts)

4 Rivet Member (250 posts)

Rivet Master (500 posts)

[Janet H]

The Thanks button is a nice way to show agreement or appreciation for a good post.

Each time you click the thumbs up icon (located in each post), the author of the post receives a point. You have the opportunity to leave a comment as well, which the post author can read.

You can access your own thanks comments in your user cp (click on user cp on the upper nav bar) and the last 30 or so will be displayed in the center section of the page under "Latest Thanks received" You can also see stats about how many times you've been thanked.

There is a meter in your public profile viewable by others, that also conveys information about the number of times you've been thanked.

[Janet H]

To upload or change an avatar:

An avatar is the little picture displayed below your user name in the profile box on the left side of every post. You may use a forums avatar or upload your own custom avatar. Avatars are limited in size to 80 x 80 pixels or 100 KB (whichever is smaller) and contributing members may load avatars that are 120 x 120 pixels.

To choose a forum-standard avatar:
1. Click user CP (control panel) on upper blue tool bar.
2. Click edit avatar on left side menu.
3. Select the avatar you desire for the available pictures and click the selection dot below the picture.
4. Click save changes.

To upload a custom avatar: Choose a picture you like that is stored in your computer. Resize the picture to meet the size requirements above using a photo/image editor or camera software. Images that are too large will fail to load and you will receive and error message.

1. Click user CP (control panel) on upper blue tool bar.
2. Click edit avatar on left side menu.
3. Scroll down to the "Custom Avatar" box and click the "use Custom Avatar" button. Please note the image size restriction. Your custom avatar image must have been cropped & resized before you go any further.
4. Click Browse button. A file menu screen will appear and you can choose the avatar file to be loaded. The file name should appear in the "upload an avatar from your computer box".
5. Click save changes.

[Janet H]

You may change title under Username in profile box (next to every post). Rivets are displayed by default under your user name but you may choose to add text. This text will replace your rivets and rivet status. Keep the text brief so that it fits on the line allotted for this purpose.

1. Click "user CP" (control panel) on upper blue tool bar.
2. Click "edit profile" on left side menu.
3. Scroll down to "Optional Information" and enter desired text in the" Custom User title" box.
4. Scroll down to bottom of page and click "Save Changes"