Post by DE Help Guide on May 28, 2013 19:11:37 GMT -5
Last Updated: January 30, 2013
Table Of Contents
Getting Started
Forum Conduct
Introduction to Netiquette
Conversing
RFC Guidelines
Proper Posting Habits[/ul]
The Basics of Grammar and Literacy
Forum Moderating Team
Forum Rankings
Signatures
Forum FAQ
- Login and Registration Issues
- User Preferences and settings
- Posting Issues
- Formatting and Topic Types
- User Levels and Groups
- Private Messaging
[ Top ]
Getting Started
[ank=welcome]Welcome Jak & Daxter Role-player
Greetings, and welcome to the Dystopiatic Eco Forums! Since you've entered this far, it's obvious that you're thinking of being part of a new community. Without further ado, we recommend you read the rest of this guide, and hope you have a great time!
Forum Organization
The forums are organized into several different categories each with sub categories, where you can make discussions related to that topic.
Help Desk[/ul]
Jak and Daxter Role-play
Original Characters
The Wastelands[/ul]
Main Role-play
The Chronicles of Mar
Baron's Corruption
The Fall of Haven
World Without End[/ul]
Private Role-play
The Chronicles of Mar
Baron's Corruption
The Fall of Haven
World Without End[/ul]
Geyser Rock
The Slums
The Market[/ul]
Art Board
RP Stories
Fan-Art
Fan-fiction
Miscellaneous Art
Miscellaneous Writings
Gaming Central
Game Discussion
Contests and Games
Guess That Password[/ul][/ul]
Out of Context Discussion
Entertainment Central
Introduce Yourself[/ul][/ul]
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Forum Conduct
Rules Of Conduct
So there are a few rules we need to post that you need to be follow. Unfortunately, anyone who can't follow these rules may be banned from joining the conversation.
2. Offensive material is also prohibited. Offensive is a pretty broad term, but we think you know what we mean. (You're going to have to trust our judgment, if you don't.) This includes any messages or material that are ethnically, racially, religiously or sexually offensive, insulting or demeaning. It also includes messages that are harassing or threatening to others. In other words, if you wouldn't like it said about you, don't say it about others. We don't want to be censors, but non-constructive negative comments may be inappropriate.
3. We have rules about RPing, to keep the RPs as clean and organized as possible. Familiarizer your self with these rules and feel free to suggest new RP rules at Management Feedback
4. We reserve the right to monitor the boards and delete any postings that don't adhere to these rules, our standard site terms and conditions and our privacy policy. This includes postings that disrupt or interfere with our technical operations.
5. Finally, because we can't think of everything offensive or inappropriate that may be said, we reserve the right to immediately delete any posting or ban any user at our sole discretion. (Sorry, but it might be necessary.)[/ul]
Please read over the Rules/Regulations for a more thorough listing of all Forum, Role-play, and Chat Room rules.
Disclaimer
By using this site and its message boards, you signify your assent to DE Message Board Rules of Conduct. If you do not agree to these rules, please do not use our web sites or message boards. We reserve the right to make changes to these rules. If we make a material change to them, we will notify you by posting the change on our web sites or in these rules and, if necessary, give you additional choices regarding such change. Please check back from time to time to ensure that you are aware of these changes. Your continued use of our sites will signify your acceptance of these changes.
Reporting a Rules Infraction
If a post or thread rubs you the wrong way or you feel it breaks the forum policies or rules of conduct, then please report it to a moderator. Reporting a post gets you noticed by the moderators. It will give you some pride in knowing that you help to keep the community a fun & clean place for everyone. To report a rule infraction, please just PM a member of the moderating team.
Disputing a Ban
If you would like to dispute a ban please email dystopiaticeco@gmail.com. When emailing this address, please provide us with your message board handle, your email address you used to sign up and wherever possible leave the attitude out of the email. Verbally abusing the staff because you were banned won't get you anywhere, in fact it will probably get your ban extended. We're far more likely to listen if you're polite and courteous. Note that we respect the privacy of those banned. We do not discuss the bans of forum members with the general public.
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Introduction to Netiquette
What is this "netiquette" I keep hearing about? Well, netiquette is just what it sounds like: "network etiquette". The way you behave in a public forum, the way you treat others in a chat room, the way you act and the way you carry yourself while online. Quite simply, it is all about behaving properly online. Netiquette is no different than real life etiquette and common courtesy. When participating in an online chat or in a message board conversation, a little common sense goes a long way.
There are a lot of netiquette articles online for you to peruse, some more advanced than others. This is just a basic overview. If you are new to the Internet, or more specifically message boards and chats, then this is for you. If you're a bit of a net veteran, then well... read it any way! You might pick up something you didn't know before. What this document will aim to do is give you a brief introduction to the best ways to go about conducting yourself online, how to become involved in the best possible way and above all else keep things fun and interesting.
Everyone's Human
Respect
Everyone's human. Respect and treat others in the same manner that you'd like to be treated. People who frequent a community and gain ranks based upon their experience on the forums demand a certain amount of respect. They've been there for quite some time; they know their stuff and are an integral part of the community. "Insulting the elders" does not go over well. Treat them with respect and they will show you the same courtesy in return. This is not to say that members with higher ranks have special privileges. All members are held to the same rules and policies of the community.
[ank=mistakes]Mistakes
Everyone makes mistakes. People post things on a board or a chat that may be inaccurate, or said in the heat of the moment. Be forgiving when it comes to these mistakes. Flaming a person or laughing at them doesn't do anything except anger someone else; it's not productive. The day will come when you make the same mistake. It will pay off in the long haul to be polite and go easy on the mistakes others make.
[ank=opionion]Opinions
Everyone has their own opinion. The people you interact with in a community come from all walks of life, many different religions and beliefs, different family income levels, different points of view on many of today's hot topics of discussion. In a nutshell, each person is entitled to his or her own opinion. Discussion about it is the best thing to do, after all that's what communities are for. If it turns into some kind of sparring match, agree to disagree and move on.
[ank=privacy]Privacy
Everyone has the right to privacy. Posting personal information about another member in a public forum is completely inappropriate. Private issues between two people should be left as that, private. Discussion of these types of things should be taken to the instant messenger or somewhere else that is not viewable by the public.
[ank=conversing]Conversing
[ank=wars]Flame Wars
Everyone appreciates a good heated debate. It could be about anything, the weather, a certain type of food, computer parts, a game, a car whatever. Debates are a wonderful aspect of communities. That's what makes up a community, enthusiasts discussing the finer points of a hobby or an interest. Unfortunately, it is all too easy for these debates to degrade into something that isn't welcome in most communities and that is a "Flame War". A flame war is a situation in which one or all of the aforementioned rules has been broken and a moderator is forced to step in.
[ank=spam]Spamming
Spam, what is spam? Well, spam is posting irrelevant, off-topic or redundant posts on a message board. These posts clutter the message board and/or chat. They annoy those who are visiting the forums looking for legitimate information. Spamming can also have an impact on the board or chat's performance, doing so lands you in the realm of illegal and definitely in violation of the board code of conduct. If you're trying to post to get someone's attention, use private messaging to do the job. Spamming can land you in pretty hot water with not only the admins, but other board members. The majority of users despise Spam in all forms. Avoid it at all costs.
[ank=ascii]ASCII Characters and Capitals
Using ASCII characters in either your login name or your posts is considered childish by many. It makes it difficult to type out the username, it is a headache for admins to do routine tasks with such characters in place. Typing your messages in all capitals is along the same lines. Online, all caps is considered shouting. Doing so will annoy others in the community.
[ank=share]Share some Wealth
Everyone has something to contribute. After all this is the point of an online community! Do share ideas, thoughts and points of views with many others. Don't be afraid to share what you know, it may be a lot more valuable than you think.
[ank=controversial]Controversial Topics
Though we are a little more laxed about "controversial topics," there are a number of topics which are too controversial for this community. These topics will often degrade into flame wars with no productive content resulting. These topics include but are not limited to topics such as religion and politics. These topics may be restricted from posting if the staff feels that the community can't handle the topics appropriately, especially when a thread is getting out of hand. Please try to avoid such controversial topics when possible. Remember; this is a gaming, role-play, and fan-fiction forum after all!
[ank=content]Inappropriate Content
Please keep in mind that this community is intended for users of all ages. There are many topics and words which are considered inappropriate for posting. The word filter will catch some inappropriate words and censor them for you; however, please do not assume that just because the word filter does not catch it means it is appropriate. There are just too many words for us to keep up with sometimes! Additionally, please do not attempt to evade the word filter. Allow the word filter to correct word for you. Inappropriate language really isn't necessary anyway, so please try to find suitable alternatives whenever possible.
[ank=rules]Rules
Each community you participate in is going to have rules to abide by. Some will be different than others, but generally all of the rules can be observed by showing some common sense and courtesy towards others. Making the effort to do so will make your experience as well as other members' experiences much more enjoyable.
[ank=rfc]RFC Guidelines
If you want more detailed information about Internet Netiquette, it can be found in the RFC 1855 Document.
[ank=habits]Proper Posting Habits
The forums are structured such that they provide specific gaming, role-playing, and fan-fiction discussion boards for a variety of topics. These boards are meant solely for discussion about the topics in the board title. Discussion of these topics should only be done on these boards. If they're done in the wrong areas of the boards then your post will be moved to the appropriate location or deleted. If you see a post that is on the wrong board, please report it to a moderator via PM.
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[ank=grammar]The Basics of Grammar and Literacy
Punctuation
It is a very common coincidence where a role player forgets proper punctuation. This includes the correct use of commas { , }, periods { . }, semicolons { ; }, and colons { : }. Here is a list of proper uses for these punctuation marks.
[ank=commas]Commas
Commas are used in a sentence to give it proper flow, as well and create a list of verbs, nouns, and adjectives.
For example:
Because there isn't a comma it doesn't sound quite right. The proper way to write the sentence and give it a better ring is to write it like this:
Commas in Lists
Here is an example of a sentence including a list of verbs that does not have commas:
If there are no commas, then it becomes a run on sentence, and it make the author sound a bit inexperienced. The proper way to write the sentence is as follows:
Here is an example of a sentence including a list of nouns that does not have commas:
As you can see, this is a similar situation to the verbs, so the proper way is also the same.
Here is an example of a sentence with a list of adjectives missing commas:
As before, the situation is the same, as the answer is.
Commas in Dialogue and "Breaking the Fourth Wall"
First off, "breaking the fourth wall" is when the author makes a direct connection to the audience, like he/she is talking to/about them directly. Commas in dialogue are quite easy to get a hang of, because they're practically the same as they are in description.
Yes, No, Maybe So
In sentences opening with words like yes, no, maybe, etc. are in need of a comma following right after.
At the beginning of a sentence, the word should be followed with a comma. Here is an example of where this rule is not followed:
The proper way to write the sentence is:
In the middle of a sentence, a comma should come before and after the word. Here is an example of a sentence where the rule is not followed.
The proper way to write the sentence is:
[ank=periods]Periods
Periods are used to separate two different subjects and actions. This is a simple rule to follow.
Periods, Plain and Simple
With every sentence, there has to be a period. That's all there is to it. If you don't have a period, it can get very confusing for anyone reading your writing.
Here is an example of a sentence where periods are not properly used:
With every different action, there needs to be a new sentence.
OR you can use a semicolon!
Periods in Dialogue
Periods in dialogue are used to symbolize a pause as well as the end of a sentence.
Here is an example of one over the ways to use periods:
Using periods gives a quick pause between the words. So rather than the character just saying "Get in the car." he/she gives a patronizing pause between words.
[ank=colons]Semicolons and Colons
Colons and semicolons are used for listing or creating relevance.
Semicolons
Semicolons can be used in place of a period to link two sentences with relevance. Like in the following:
You could use a semicolon to make it more relevant.
Colons
Really the only use for colons in role play is to create a list.
[ank=its]It's and Its
This is a mistake made to often in writing, but there is only one thing you need to remember. It's=it is. Its=possessive of 'it'. Just remember this sentence and you'll be fine:
[ank=caps]Capitalization
All too much do I see the forgetting of capitalization. This is very simple. Pronouns and names always need to be capitalized, as does the first word of a sentence.
Pronouns
Pronouns, such as English, British, French, America, etc. are always capitalized.
No, no, no. It needs to be like this:
I Need to Be Capitalized!
The word 'I' needs to be capitalized, plain and simple. Here is an example:
Remember you capitalization and it will look like:
[ank=dialogue]Dialogue
Dialogue is not a hard thing to get a grip on, don't be afraid!
Talking to Yourself
When you write a post where two of your characters are talking, you need to add a line between the two, so we know who's talking.
Here is an example of a wide-spread problem; People talking to themselves...:
It actually should be like this:
This way we can tell that there are two people talking, not just one with split personality disorder.
Thoughts and Voices
Even thoughts need to be treated equally. Though it is also not very needed to write your thoughts, seeing as no one else can hear them unless your character is a telepathic. Here is an example:
Here is an example of the proper way to write it:
Jane turns to him, "I'm not listening." she crosses her arms.[/ul]
By simply italicizing the text that represents the character's thoughts the reader is able to tell the difference between thought and actual speaking aloud.
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[ank=mod]Forum Moderating Team
Moderators are your own guides to the boards. They're there to steer the conversation in the right direction, keep things on topic and provide a stimulating atmosphere for its participants. Moderators are not police; they are members of the community just like everyone else and have tools "just in case" something goes awry. If you have questions, concerns or issues feel free to approach your board or chat's moderator. They're there to help you and to make sure your stay and participation in the community is enjoyable for you.
Listed below is your Dystopiatic Eco Forums Moderating Team. Administrators are responsible for overseeing all aspects of the community. Much of their work is behind-the-scenes, but they also like to maintain a good level of interaction with the members of the community. Moderators are in constant interaction with the members of the community. They make sure that the content of the community remains appropriate for members of all ages and that the content is in accordance with the rules of conduct. If you have a concern or question, please feel free to contact any member of the moderating team. You can click any moderator name to see their profile or the envelope to send a message to that moderator.
Have a complaint about something, a concern about the community, or just a question in general? princedee is the go-to guy for all matters relating to the community, including moderator disputes. You can contact him via the Forums Messenger
or by e-mail at dystopiaticeco@gmail.com. Without further ado, here is your Dystopiatic Eco Forums Moderating Team:Administrator
Assistant Admin
~None~
Moderator
~None~
Role-play Mod
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[ank=ranks]Forum Rankings
Forum Ranks are a fun and neat way to show off who you are in the community and DE has 37 ranks for you to level your way through. Rankings are based on post count meaning that different ranks come up when you meet a post count level. How many posts are required for each rank? Well that's a surprise! If we gave up all our secrets there'd be no fun in any of this! Even the list of the rank names and their order are a closely guarded secret, known only to the Moderating Team who have been sworn to secrecy. Have fun discovering the ranks as you participate in the community!
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[ank=sig]Signatures
Signature Overview
What is a signature? Well, quite simply a signature is a pre-defined bunch of text in your profile which shows up at the end of every post you make. It saves you the hassle of having to type your name or other closing statement for each post. You can use BBCode to display graphics & formatted text. Typically a signature is designed to be used as a device to relay your contact information to the reader in the event that they'd like to get in touch with you outside of the forums. To create a signature, you go to My Profile, then scroll down to the Signature section. Once you are finished creating your signature, click "Submit."
Using an image in your signature
If you're going to use an image, you have two options, you can create an image of your own or you can use an existing image.
Using an existing image in your signature
If the image you want to use is stored on your hard drive, you will need to upload it to a host of your choice. You cannot simply use the location of the image on your hard drive. If you simply link to an image on your hard drive, you will be able to see it, but no one else will be able to, and that's generally not what you want to accomplish with a signature. If you find an image online that you would like to use in your signature, make sure you have the permission of the author before using the image and/or linking to the image. If you decide not to get permission, at least upload the image to your own host. You should not use other peoples' bandwidth without their permission. It is recommended that you save the image to your hard drive and then upload the image to your host. To save the image, simply right click on the image and click "Save as". You are now ready to upload.
Creating an image for use in your signature
Creating an image for your signature can be a bit more work and a bit more complicated. You will first need to determine what image editing program you are going to use. For simple images, Microsoft Paint could be sufficient. For more advanced image editing, you may need to get a program such as Paint Shop Pro or Photoshop. Some image editing programs cost quite a bit, so find one that suits your needs and your financial situation. download.com might be a good place to start looking for an image editing program if you do not already have one. This guide will not discuss how to use various image editing programs since there are too many of them and there is too much information to cover for each. Once you have your image editing program, you create your image to your needs, save it, then upload it to your host.
BBCode
DE primarily uses 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 BBCode Guide which can be accessed from the posting page.
The above code creates an image. For example, for URL you would put the URL of the image. Make sure the URL has the http:// prefix unless you are linking to an e-mail address.
This code creates a link to whatever URL you choose. This URL can be a website such as www.google.com or an email address. Make sure whatever URL you use has the http:// prefix unless you are linking to an e-mail address. "stuff" can be anything you want, such as text or an image.
This code changes the color of your font. You can specify the color of text using the [color] tag. Values can be plain English such as "green", "red", "yellow" etc or you can use Hexadecimal values. You can find color hex values here. "Text" can be writing you want.
This code is used to center things. "Stuff" can be anything you want, such as text or an image.
Uploading images
Once you have your image ready, or any other file for that matter, you need a way to get it from your computer to your host's server. To do this, you will use a process called "uploading". To upload an image, you first need a host. Below you will find a list of various hosts that many people on the boards use. This is just a small list of the hosts available. If you do not find one that fits your need, a simple search on google.com will turn up many other options. You will need to consult the documentation for your host to determine how to upload an image. Depending on your host, you may need an FTP program to upload your image. You can download WS_FTP here
Hosting
Below you will find a list of various hosts that many people on the boards use. This is just a small list of the hosts available. If you do not find one that fits your need, a simple search on google.com will turn up many other options. Please be sure to verify that your host supports external linking. Many hosts do not allow images to be used on pages that are not on their server.
www.imahosting.com
imageshack.us
www.theimagehosting.com
http://www.freeimagehosting.net[/ul]
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[ank=faq]
Forum FAQ
[ank=log]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 so, you should contact the webmaster or board administrator to find out why. 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; if not, contact the board administrator -- they may have incorrect configuration settings for the board.
Why do I need to register at all?
You may not have to -- it is up to the administrator of the board as to whether you need to register in order to post messages. However, 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.
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. library, internet cafe, university cluster, etc.
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. Though this is not recommended, because it generally gets a negative response from many members.
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.
I registered but cannot log in!
First check that you are entering the correct username and password. If they are okay then one of two things may have happened: if COPPA support is enabled and you clicked the I am under 13 years old link while registering then you will have to follow the instructions you received. If this is not the case then maybe your account need activating. Some boards will require all new registrations be activated, either by yourself or by the administrator before you can log on. When you registered it would have told you whether activation was required. If you were sent an email then follow the 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. If you are sure the email address you used is valid then try contacting the board administrator.
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 did not post anything? It is usual for boards to periodically remove users who have not posted anything so as to reduce the size of the database. Try registering again and get involved in discussions.
[ank=settings]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 (generally shown at the top of pages but this may not be the case). This will allow you to change all your settings.
The times are not correct!
The times are almost certainly correct; however, what you may be seeing are times displayed in a timezone different from the one you are in. If this is the case, you should change your profile setting for the timezone to match your particular area, e.g. London, Paris, New York, Sydney, etc. 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!
I changed the timezone and the time is still wrong!
If you are sure you have set the timezone correctly and the time is still different, the most likely answer is daylight savings time (or summer time as it is known in the UK and other places). The board is not designed to handle the changeovers between standard and daylight time so during summer months the time may be an hour different from the real local time.
How do I show an image below my username?
There may be two images below a username when viewing posts. The first is an image associated with your rank; generally these take the form of stars or blocks indicating how many posts you have made or your status on the forums. Below this may be a larger image known as an avatar; this is generally unique or personal to each user. It is up to the board administrator to enable avatars and they have a choice over the way in which avatars can be made available. If you are unable to use avatars then this is the decision of the board admin and you should ask them their reasons (we're sure they'll be good!).
How do I change my rank?
In general you cannot directly change the wording of any rank (ranks appear below your username in topics and on your profile depending on the style used). Most boards use ranks to indicate the number of posts you have made and to identify certain users. For example, moderators and administrators may have a special rank. Please do not abuse the board by posting unnecessarily just to increase your rank -- you will probably find the moderator or administrator will simply lower your post count.
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 (if the admin has enabled this feature). This is to prevent malicious use of the email system by anonymous users.
[ank=post]Posting Issues
How do I post a topic in a forum?
Easy -- click the relevant button on either the forum or topic screens. You may 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)
How do I edit or delete a post?
Unless you are the board admin or forum moderator you can only edit or delete your own posts. You can edit a post (sometimes for only a limited time after it was made) 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 only 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.
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.
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 above the main board. 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.
How do I edit or delete a poll?
Polls can only be edited by the original poster. 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.
Why can't I access a forum?
Some forums may be limited to certain users or groups. To view, read, post, etc. you may need special authorization which only the forum moderator and board administrator can grant, so you should contact them.
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.
[ank=topic]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.
Can I use HTML?
Sadly, no. HTML is not a feature on these boards, you'll have to use BBcode.
What are Smileys?
Smileys, or Emoticons, are small graphical images which can be used to express some feeling using a short code, e.g.
or :-) means happy, 
or :-( 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.Can I post Images?
Images can indeed be shown in your posts. However, there is no facility at present for uploading images directly to this board. Therefore you must link to an image stored on a publicly accessible web server, e.g. guidesmedia.ign.com/guides/image/jak2_guide.jpg 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
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. Whether or not you can post an announcement depends on the permissions required, which are set by the administrator.
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. As with announcements the board administrator determines what permissions are required to post sticky topics in each forum.
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.
[ank=groups]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.
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.
How do I become a Moderator?
In short... You can't, so don't ask. Moderators are chosen by the Administrator for specific purposes and reasons. Asking to become a moderator will only cause the administrator to turn down the request, possibly indefinitely. If there is a need for a new moderator the administrator will consider each member and their activity in the forums and will contact the person to offer them the moderators position. Though the need to make new moderators is a rare event.
[ank=pm]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.
I keep getting unwanted private messages!
We have an ignore list to the private messaging system. If you keep receiving unwanted private messages from someone add the user to your ignore list as well as inform the board administrator -- they have the power to prevent a user from sending private messages at all.
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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We the Moderating team welcome you to DE. Now that you have read the DE NUG we hope you have a pleasant stay here in the DE community. May you post well, rank high, and have fun RPing. ;-)
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Credits: larkpzanuk, PlayStation Underground NUG