Reading Posts: Just click on any one of the “Forums” listed (they are underlined and have been divided up by categories). This will take you to a list of “Threads”. Simply click on the title that you want and scroll down through the posts as you read them. If a thread has more than one page of posts, page numbers will appear at the left side on the upper and lower ends of the string of posts. Just click on the page number you wish to go to next or click on the arrows to take you to the following page.
If you have read all the messages in a thread, there will be a small icon on the left of the title, of a closed envelope. If there are posts in a thread that you have not read, the icon will be of an open envelope containing a letter. If you have posted in a thread, the icon will show a bent arrow on the envelope.
You can view all threads that have new posts since your last visit by clicking on the "New Posts" link under the main banner.
Navigating to another Forum: You can view a different forum by going back to the “Christian Survivors Forums" start page (Click on the top banner) and choosing the forum you want to go to from the list, or by using the “Forum Jump” drop down box on the lower left of each page. Just click on the arrow to open the box, and click on the location you want to go to.
Posting a Reply: There are two ways to do this. You can click on one of the “Post Reply” buttons at the top and bottom of a thread's page, and type your reply in the text box that appears. Or, you can simply scroll down to the bottom of the page and use the "quick reply" text box that is there. When you are finished typing your reply, click on “Submit Reply”, and you will be taken to your message.
Starting a New Thread: Navigate to the "forum" that would be appropriate for your new thread (if you aren't already there), and click on the 'New Thread' button at the top of the page. Follow the instructions on the screen that appears.
What about “Smilies”?: Feeling the need for a little more creative, self-expression? You can add “Smilies” to your post. If you are on the “Post Reply” or “Post New Thread” page, you can use the “Smilies” box to the left of the message box. You can simply point and click on these and they will show up in your post.
When you are using the “Quick Reply” box at the bottom of the page, you can add smilies by scrolling a little further down to the “Forum Rules” box on the lower left side of the page. Click on the underlined word “Smilies”, and you will open up a whole page full of them. You can add them to your post by typing the code, for the one you want, from the “What to type” column directly into your post.
After awhile you may find that you have the codes for your favorites memorized, and you will be able to just type them right into your post.
Sending a Private Message (PM): Private messages work a little like email, but are safer because they are limited to registered members, and stay within the forum. You may send a private message to a member of this forum by clicking the “Send a Private Message” link in the private messaging section of your user control panel (you can find this from the "quick links" drop-down at the top of each page), and putting the username of the member you wish to pm into the 'recipient' box. You can also send PMs by clicking on a member's name in a thread, above their avatar, and choosing the 'send a private message' option.
These are just basic tips for navigating around the forum. There will probably be other questions that arise as you use the forum more. If you need more help, click on the “f.a.q.” button at the top of each page, where there are many detailed answers to most of the questions we are regularly asked. If this doesn't answer your question, feel free to post your question in the “Ask the Staff” forum that is listed in the Fragile Hearts category.
