When you start a New Topic, or Reply to a post, a control panel with several selection buttons appears over the white text area. These controls allow you to quickly and easily enter 'code' (such as Bold, Ital, Underline, links and photos), into your posts and messages.

To insert a 'smiley' simply click the 'smiley' symbol that you want to insert into your message, or click the 'Show All Smilies' link to access the full list of smilies.

(There is a reasonable LIMIT on the number of smiles a single post may contain).

Some threads include a 'Poll' where you can vote on an issue or question, this is how you create them:

Creating a new poll - When you post a new thread, you usually have the option to also create a "poll.'

This function allows you to ask a question and specify a number of possible responses. Other members will then be able to vote for the response they wish, and the results of the voting will be displayed in the thread.

• Nebraska
• Texas
• Miami
• Washington
  

When you click the submit button, you will be taken to the poll creation page, where you can specify the question; and the list of responses you want to include.

You may also want to specify a time limit for the poll, so that (for example) it only stays open for voting for ne week. (Suggested)

Voting in and viewing a poll

To vote in a poll, simply select which option you want to vote for, and click the [Vote!] button. You may view the current results for a poll before you vote by clicking the 'View Results' link. Voting in a poll is entirely optional. You may vote for any of the available options, or cast no vote at all.

Generally, once you have voted in a poll, you will not be able to change your vote later, so place your vote carefully!

To attach a file to a new post, simply click the [Manage Attachments] button below the post composition area, and locate the file that you want to attach from your local hard drive.  

After posting, the image attachments may display a thumbnail, depending on the forum settings. To view the contents of the attachment (if it is not already displayed) simply click the filename link that appears next to the attachment icon.

If you post a new thread, or reply to an existing thread, you can choose to be notified by e-Mail when someone else replies to that thread. You can also choose to receive e-Mail notifications of new posts in a thread without posting in that thread, by clicking the 'Subscribe to this thread' link displayed in the 'Thread Tools' box.

To stop receiving e-Mail notifications from a thread, you can turn off the option by either editing your post, or by unsubscribing from the thread here. (Select Post on right - Delete Subscription).

Only Registered users may receive e-Mail notification, and they can set whether they want to receive e-Mail notification by default by editing their options.

NOTE: Sending an unsolicited e-Mail containing profanity, vulgar or obscene remarks to another person violates the rules and terms of use of OU Insider and may place you in a serious legal situation.

OU Insider considers this a serious offense and will terminate any guest or member after one warning. IP records of all users are retained and will be turned over to legal authorities in any case of misuse of the site, or it's content.

Yes! To send an e-Mail to another member just click the button on any post made by that member.

This will usually open a page that contains a form where you can enter your message. When you have finished typing your message, press the [send e-Mail] button and your message will be sent instantly. Note that for privacy reasons, the e-Mail address of the recipient is not revealed to you during this process.

If you can not find an e-Mail button or link for a member, that member has elected to not receive e-Mail from other members.

Another useful e-Mail function is the ability to send a friend a link to a thread you think they may find interesting. Whenever you view a thread, you will find a link somewhere on the page which will allow you to send a brief message to anyone you like.

Note that sending information from the Member boards violates the terms of your subscription.

Sending: Private messages work a little like e-Mail, but are limited to registered members of this 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, or by clicking the button in a member's posts.

When you send a message, you have the option to save a copy of the message in your Sent Items folder.

PM Folders: By default, you have two folders in your private message area. These are the Inbox and the Sent Items folders.

• The Inbox contains new messages you receive, and allows you to view all the messages you have received, along with senders name, time and date sent.
• The Sent Items folder contains a copy of any messages that you have sent, if you have elected to keep a copy of the message for future reference.

You may create additional folders for your messages by clicking the 'Edit Folders' link. Each folder has a set of message controls which allow you to select messages, then either move them to one of your custom folders, or delete them completely. You may also have a button which allows you to forward multiple messages from a folder to another member of the forum.

You will need to periodically delete old messages, as there is a limit to the number of private messages you can have in your folders. When the limit is exceeded, you will not be able to send or receive new messages until you delete some old messages.

Messages to OU Insider Authors & Staff: Please do not expect to communicate  with OU Insider staff or authors via PM. Most staff members have disabled their PM ooption due to the fact that it would be impossible to respond to all the questions and comments from a site this size.