WELCOME TO TFS
If you’re reading this you’ve just become a member of one of the coolest forum sites on the planet – where boredom is not an option! We’re sure you’ll have lots of fun and meet some awesome people.

BEFORE YOU POST
Before you start posting there are a few things you might like to know about TFS and how it works. Please take the time to read this as the information below may well save you lots of hassle and embarrassment.

Even though you may have been to forum sites in the past – you may well be a member of one or more at the moment – you will notice very quickly that TFS is slightly different to many forum sites.
TFS is a VERY well moderated forum site meaning that
trolls link [en.wikipedia.org]
spamming link [en.wikipedia.org]
and flamers link [en.wikipedia.org] are picked up very quickly and dealt with accordingly. So before you post anything just remember to read the terms of service
link [www.theforumsite.com]
and FAQ’S link [www.theforumsite.com] and think before you post!!

For further reference the TOS and FAQ can be accessed via links at the very bottom of the main TFS page




and at the top of the main page listed under home




HAVE A LOOK AROUND
After you’ve read through the Terms of Service and FAQ’s you might want to take a quick look around and get a general idea of what TFS is all about. There are lots of forums and sub-forums, places to post and view pictures, polls, journals, reviews and lots more. It’s a big place so getting used to the navigation and layout early on makes it easier in the long run.

INTRODUCE YOURSELF
You should also introduce yourself by posting in the “New Members” forum link [www.theforumsite.com] It’s a good way to let people know who you are and you’d be surprised at how many friends you can make just by posting in here when you first join. You’re guaranteed to get lots of replies too.

CHANGE YOUR AVATAR
The next thing you should do is change your avatar so that other members can recognise you more easily. Do not use anything offensive – pornography, advertising, sexist or racist material – let us assure you the offending material WILL be taken down and there may well be other consequences.
To change your avatar you will need to upload a picture. Please note that the first picture you upload will automatically become your avatar:

1. Click the little arrow next to the “Pictures” tab at the top of the page. This opens the options (links) for that tab in a bar underneath and to the left of the tabs.
2. Click on the “Upload” link.
3. Click the “Choose” button and locate the picture file on your computer.
4. Press the “Upload Pic” button.
5. To activate your pic enter a caption in the space provided.
6. Press the “Upload Changes” button.

EDIT YOUR PROFILE
Next you might want to enter some stuff into your profile to let people know your hobbies etc. To do this just click on the arrow next the username (e.g. joebloggs) tab then click the “account” link. The rest is pretty self-explanatory

POINTS
Points are an integral part of TFS. The more points you have the more cool things you can do. If you’d like to know more go here: link [www.theforumsite.com]

Make sure you also read the section on punching and blessing! link [www.theforumsite.com]

BBCODE
A quick note on BBCode (Bulletin Board Code) link [en.wikipedia.org] You can use BBCode to create links, change text to bold, italic etc, add images and quote other members. You should familiarise yourself with bbcode as soon as you can – it makes posting much more fun! There are some buttons down the left hand side of the reply box that make things quicker too (see pic.).

For a more thorough run down on TFS bbcode go here: link [www.theforumsite.com]
Also, if you want to practice your BBCode skills go here: link [www.theforumsite.com]

JOURNALS
Your journal is a great place to tell others what you’ve been up to without creating a thread on the main board. You can post your journal entries as ‘private – friends only’, ‘public’ or you can post so that only you can read the entry. Journals are a great way to get stuff off your chest or just to talk about life in general.
To create a journal entry you need to:
1. Go to the main page
2. Click on the arrow next to the “Journals” tab.
3. Then click the “New Entry” link on the bar beneath the tabs (please be aware that an explanation of “extended text” is provided on the “new entry” page) and enter you text.


TFS ETIQUETTE

If you are unfamiliar with the rules and general etiquette of forum sites you really should read the following. In fact even if have been to forum sites before you should be aware that TFS etiquette is slightly different to that of most forum sites.

TROLLS AND FLAMING
Firstly, it should be obvious to most people that trolls and flaming are frowned upon by in most forum sites. TFS is certainly no exception however, even the slightest hint of deliberate baiting will usually be picked up and offenders will be dealt with. If this behaviour continues users may have their I.P. address banned. Some new members have been surprised at the severity of punishment for consistent trolling and flaming but at TFS (unlike many sites) we see these activities as being a hindrance. They add no value whatsoever to the TFS environment.
One thing to remember about trolls is that they feed off explosive reactions. If you notice someone posting obviously racist/sexist/belligerent comments don’t get worked up about it and enflame the situation by trying to defend your position. They love this kind of stuff – its what they do it for in the first place. There are a few things you can do. You can either ignore the offending material, pm a mod or admin or you can block the member by going to their profile page and pressing the “Block Member” link. The last two options are the best. In fact, if there is anything at all you feel uncomfortable with or need to know do not hesitate to contact el_tino, admin, or a moderator!!! They are there to help and enjoy doing so.

Site owner:
el_tino

Administrators:
misunderstood
plebius

Moderators:
garfunkel
twiztidangel
treebee
annski729
forget_about_me
wildchild

GENERAL POSTING RULES
Regarding posting, the most important rule to observe when posting on TFS is think before you post. Take some time to read what you have written and make sure that you won’t be offending anyone or creating unnecessary discord amongst members. That’s the most important rule but here are a few more:

Posting text that has been cut and pasted from other sites is annoying. You will not get extra points for posting cut and pasted text but will more likely just annoy other members, mods and admin – there can be comparatively severe consequences for consistently posting text hat has been cut and pasted as it is not only annoying to others on the site, it also often breaches copyright laws and you may well find yourself in more trouble than you might have imagined. The best way to show people something you’ve found on another website is to post a link. HOWEVER, please be aware that you need a certain amount of points to post a link without TFS automatically identifying your thread as spam.

Another obvious one is – DON’T POST SPAM! Most spam is automatically detected by TFS but be aware that if you try to post something like:

“Check out my new website!! I think it’s really cool!” your thread may be quarantined. A general rule should be that if it seems like it might be advertising it probably is so don’t post it in a thread. If you have a website you want to advertise put it in your signature or in your profile.

One thing to avoid doing is starting a thread that has already been started. People do get annoyed at this, especially moderators and admin as they are the ones who end up having to deal with irritated members and delete posts etc. You should do a search on the topic you want to start before posting. If you don’t do a search, don’t be offended if your thread is closed and a link to another, earlier thread is added.

LANGUAGE
Apart from the obvious – no swearing, abuse, racist or sexist language – you should also try to avoid posting in slang or overt net-speak. No-one will think you are cool if you do this, you’ll only end up annoying people and you’ll have less friends and less replies to your threads.

BE NICE
You might not agree with alot of things that are said on TFS but thats the way forum sites are. People post their opinions and debate topics. Dont get aggressive. If you have friends here with the same life outlook as you don't gang up on people who think differently.

Also, if you are older and more experienced than other members dont take advantage of it. If you think a younger member is making a fool of themselves or you don't agree with their opinion dont use your age and 'wisdom' to bring them down.

Finally, you should try to avoid posting in just one or a few threads. You might like certain threads and feel comfortable posting in them but by doing this you may tend to isolate yourself from the rest of TFS and people may be reluctant to chat to you.


TFS is a very friendly forum site. The people here are welcoming, helpful and supportive so enjoy yourself and welcome to TFS.


link [www.myspace.com]