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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!

User Preferences and settings
How do I change my settings?
The times are not correct!
How do I show an image below my username?
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?

Attachments (Image Uploads)
How do I add an attachment?
How do I add an attachment after the initial posting?
How do I delete an attachment?
How do I update a file comment?
I've got the necessary permissions, why can't I add attachments?
What are the rules and restrictions governing the uploading and storage of images on Nick's?

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?
What are Usergroups?
How do I join a Usergroup?
How do I become a Usergroup Moderator?

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!

Ignore/Contact Management - General Questions
What are the ?
How do I edit my ?
How can I add a user to my ?

Ignore/Contact Management - Using your Mates List
What features does the Mates List provide?
How do I choose to be alerted when a mate comes online?
What is the Mates button in the private message posting form?
What are these s?

Ignore/Contact Management - Using your Ignore List
What features does the Ignore List provide?
How are users I ignore removed from my sight?
What if I want to see the pages with the ignored users?
How are users I ignore prevented from contacting me?

Ignore/Contact Management - Using your Disallow Contact List
What features does the Disallow Contact List provide?
In what ways does it become more difficult for these users to contact me?

phpBB 2 Issues
Who wrote this bulletin board?
Whom do I contact about abusive and/or legal matters related to this board?

 

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 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.
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Why do I need to register at all?
You don't -- you can still read most of the forums if you are unregistered, however you will need to register in order to post messages. 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. computer lab, 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 you are then maybe your account need activating - new registrations must be be activated before you can log on. When you registered you were sent an email containing activation 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..
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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 have not logged in for a few months. It is usual for the administrators to periodically remove users who have not logged in to the board so as to reduce the size of the database. Try registering again.
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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 shown at the top of each page. This will allow you to change all your settings.
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The times are not correct!
The server time is almost certainly correct; however, what you may be seeing is time that has not been altered to take in changes in daylight saving time or to allow for the difference between the server timezone and yours. If this is the case, you should change your profile setting for the timezone to match your particular area and time of year. 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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How do I show an image below my username?
Avatars can be installed and maintained from your profile page (available from the menu at the top of each page). You can choose an avatar from the galleries available on the server, link to an image on another server on the internet or upload an avatar to the server from your own computer or from the web. Please note that uploaded and linked avatars have a maximum physical size limit of 131 pixels in width and 151 pixels in height.
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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. 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 will 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 your own posts. You can edit a post 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 not 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, such as the Bored Board are limited to certain users or groups. To view, read, post, etc. you may need special authorisation 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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Attachments (Image Uploads)
How do I add an attachment?
You can add attachments when you post. You should see a Add an Attachment button below the main posting box - you have to type some text into the main posting text box before you can click the button, it doesn't matter what you type, you'll get a chance to change it later if you need to. After you click the button the page will reload and a new form will load below the posting box. Click the Browse... button and the standard Open dialogue window for your computer will open. Browse to the file you want to attach, select it and click OK, Open or doubleclick according to your liking and/or the correct procedure for your computer. If you choose to add a comment in the File Comment field this comment will be used as a link to the attached file. If you haven't added a comment the filename itself will be used to link to the attachment. You will be able to upload multiple attachements by following the same procedure as described above until you reach the max allowed number of attachments for each post.

There is an upper limit for filesize, defined file extensions and other limits for attachments on the board. Be aware that you are responsible for your attachments - they must comply with the boards acceptable use policy, and they may be deleted without warning.

Please note that the administrators or moderators can not and will not take responsibility for any loss of data.
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How do I add an attachment after the initial posting?
To add an attachment after the initial posting you'll need to edit your post and follow the description above. The new attachment will be added when you click Submit to add the edited post.
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How do I delete an attachment?
To delete attachments you'll need to edit your post and click on the Delete Attachment next to the attachment you want to delete in the Posted Attachments box. The attachment will be deleted when you click Submit to add the edited post.
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How do I update a file comment?
To update a file comment you'll need to edit your post, edit the text in the File Comment field and click on the Update Comment button next to the file comment you want to update in the Posted Attachments box. The file comment will be updated when you click Submit to add the edited post.
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I've got the necessary permissions, why can't I add attachments?
The board administrators set an upper limit for filesize, file extensions and other things. You may have reached your quota limit or a moderator or administrator may have altered your permissions, or discontinued attachments in the specific forum. You should get an explanation in the error message when trying to add an attachment, if not you might consider contacting the moderator or administrator.
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What are the rules and restrictions governing the uploading and storage of images on Nick's?
Any person uploading images to Nick's declares that they own the images they are uploading or have the owners express permission to upload the images to Nick's and accepts that:
  • they are uploading the images voluntarily.
  • images uploaded into public albums become freely available to other users of Nick's and may well be copied, printed or used in electronic greeting cards by those users.
  • protection of ownership rights of uploaded images remains the responsibility of the owner.
  • the publishers and moderators of Nick's can have no control over or take any responsibility for the use of images by other users once they have been uploaded to Nick's.
Only images belonging to the person doing the uploading may be uploaded to Nick's.

Images may niot be uploaded to Nick's by persons who are unable to accept all of the above conditions and guarantees.

Uploaded images are subject to the same conditions as posts with respect to decency and defamation.
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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?
No. This is a safety feature to prevent people from abusing the board by using tags which may destroy the layout or cause other problems.
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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. You can either upload images directly to this board as a part of a post or 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.
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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.
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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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What are Usergroups?
Usergroups are a way in which board administrators can group users. Each user can belong to several groups (this differs from most other boards) and each group can be assigned individual access rights. This makes it easy for administrators to set up several users as moderators of a forum, or to give them access to a private forum, etc.
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How do I join a Usergroup?
To join a usergroup click the usergroup link on the page header (dependent on template design) and you can then view all usergroups. Not all groups are open access -- some are closed and some may even have hidden memberships. If the board is open then you can request to join it by clicking the appropriate button. The user group moderator will need to approve your request; they may ask why you want to join the group. Please do not pester a group moderator if they turn your request down -- they will have their reasons.
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How do I become a Usergroup Moderator?
Usergroups are initially created by a board administrator who also assigns a board moderator. If you are interested in creating a usergroup then your first point of contact should be an administrator, so try dropping them a private message.
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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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Ignore/Contact Management - General Questions
What are the ?
are a means by which you can easily find or contact other users or prevent other users from finding or contacting you on this site. The Lists include a Mates List, an Ignore List, and a Disallow Contact List. A Disallow Contact List is like a lesser version of an Ignore List. It hides your contact information from listed users, but does not erase their presence from your sight like the Ignore List.
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How do I edit my ?
To edit your , simply access the Control Panel.
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How can I add a user to my ?
Access the control panel and go to the page for the particular list to which you wish to add a user. Then enter the user's username in the form near the bottom of the page and press the Add User button.

To add several users at once, access the control panel and click the link. On that page, you can enter several usernames and add them all to your lists at one time.

There are also links to add a user to or remove a user from your lists in various places throughout the forum, like user profiles and topics.
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Ignore/Contact Management - Using your Mates List
What features does the Mates List provide?
The Mates List allows you to be alerted when certain users visit or leave the forums while you are logged in and to quickly find their names in certain situations.
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How do I choose to be alerted when a mate comes online?
Access the control panel to see your Mates List. Click the "Edit online and offline alert settings" link. From this page, you can choose to be alerted when certain users come online. Simply check off the users you wish to be alerted about and press the submit button. To stop being alerted about a user, uncheck them and press the submit button.
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What is the Mates button in the private message posting form?
You can press this button to open a small window with a list of your mates. The list lets you quickly see if a mate is online or offline and click their name to place it in the posting form's username field.
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What are these s?
Those are simple notifications that someone has added you to their Mates List. The messages contain links to that user's profile and the Control Panel for your convenience.
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Ignore/Contact Management - Using your Ignore List
What features does the Ignore List provide?
The Ignore List allows you to completely forget about the presence of a user on the forums. It removes that user from your sight and prevents that user from contacting you through the forums.
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How are users I ignore removed from my sight?
The Ignore List tries to remove all traces of the user on pages when you view them. If you look at a topic containing posts by the ignored user, the posts will not be displayed. Topics that have no replies (or only one reply, if it is also by an ignored user) will not be displayed in the topic list. The user will also not be listed in the member list or lists of users currently online.
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What if I want to see the pages with the ignored users?
There should be a link somewhere on the page that, when clicked, will allow you to view the unaltered page. The unaltered page should also have a link to reverse the display. These links are only displayed on pages containing content related to users on your Ignore List.
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How are users I ignore prevented from contacting me?
These users are prevented from seeing some of your contact information in posts, your profile, and the member list. They cannot see your email address or links to send you a private message. Instant Messenger contact information is still displayed. If either private messages or the forum based email system have been enabled, then the ignored users cannot use these systems to send you a message.
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Ignore/Contact Management - Using your Disallow Contact List
What features does the Disallow Contact List provide?
This list makes it harder for annoying users to continue contacting you. It is similar to the ignore list, but does not attempt to remove other users from your sight.
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In what ways does it become more difficult for these users to contact me?
The users you have added to your Disallow Contact list cannot see any of your contact information in posts, the member list, and your profile. This includes your email address, web site address, instant messenger information, and private message links. The users also are not informed that this information has been hidden from them. As far as they will know, you simply haven't entered any such information.

If either private messages or the forum based email system have been enabled, then these users also cannot use these systems to send you a message.
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phpBB 2 Issues
Who wrote this bulletin board?
This software has been heavily modified to run Nick's, but 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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Whom do I contact about abusive and/or legal matters related to this board?
You should contact the administration of this board.
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