Learn about FTF's Features!!!

Tommy Gun · 01-01-2008, 03:16 PM

On behalf of the fishtankforums.com (FTF) staff and members, let me welcome you to the forum! We feel that we have one of the best, most complete and up-to-date resources for aquarists of any level. In order to maintain this claim, fishtankforums.com has utilized some unique aspects in order to make the forum become more 'user-friendly' and organized. Listed below are some of those unique aspects and descriptions on how to use them:

FTF Staff_____________________________________________ __________

The creators and collaborators of FTF have (thankfully) had the foresight to install a Moderation Team comprised of specific forum members and is arguably one of the most important features since these moderators give any and all members a place to turn to when any problems, concerns, or forum-specific questions arise. Among many others, a couple good examples may be:

If you are unsure of how to use a forum feature, an FTF Staff member may be the best person to contact with questions.
If you are having a problem with another member(s), an FTF Staff member may be a useful tool for resolving issues, or at least coming to some sort of compromise (also see Reporting Objectionable Posts below)

PLEASE NOTE: While forum staff members have been chosen based upon some criteria, neither "Moderator" nor "Super Moderator" status is meant to imply that these members are "experts" in every aspect of this hobby and hence, his or her comments/replies should not always be considered as superseding other member's information, advice, or ideas...and at their core, are hobbyists with questions and a passion for discussing hobby topics just like you. However, I assure you, all of the forum's staff members are well versed in at least some aspects of the hobby and definitely enough to identify and question poor or misleading comments...which is done regularly, even if this is not our main purpose.

UserCP____________________________________________ ___________

All FTF members have the ability to use any of the links located within the header found on every forum page, including his or her GM333 or Tommy Gun by clicking on either Moderator's name and filling out the Private Message form if you have any questions or need assistance with posting a new ID. If nothing else, contact any member of the fishtankforum.com staff and he or she will ensure that your submissions will be passed along promptly. [/color]PLEASE NOTE: All submissions MUST be accepted by a Moderator before becoming public. This is ONLY to insure the accuracy of the given information. Your submission, once verified and/or edited for accuracy, will become public as soon as possible.[/b][/left]

The FTF Glossary__________________________________________ _______

FTF is proud to announce the launch of our new glossary section! This feature is designed with new and established members in mind. Think of this feature as sort of your 'aquarium dictionary' since it lists commonly used terms and phrases that may not be familiar to everyone. The definitions, in some cases, also give a brief description of why one particular term is important to you and your fish. You can find the Glossary section by looking within the General Aquarium/Fish tank forums, or by clicking HERE.

WANTED: FTF's new glossary section is currently a 'work-in-progress', meaning that we are looking for suggestions and new terms, with their definitions (please be accurate)! If you feel that you can provide information to make this feature more complete, please feel free to contact any member of the FTF staff...which you can view a list of, including links to our profiles where you can email or PM us, by clicking HERE.

The FTF Product Review Section______________________________________

FTF is also proud to announce the launch of its new product review section! This section has been designed with every hobbyist in mind. Feel free to post your opinion(s) on the equipment you use with your tanks, or the equipment you have found to be 'less-than-adequate' for your intended purpose so that others can learn from you and formulate a better decision making process when shopping for supplies! You can reach the Product Review section within the General Aquariums/Fish Tank forums or by clicking HERE.

Tommy Gun · 01-01-2008, 03:18 PM

FTF's Reputation Points________________________________

As an additional method of providing its members with some ability to judge which advice to trust, a system of giving and receiving reputation points has been installed. In short, if you come across advice which you feel is either highly positive, or highly negative in nature, you may click on the image of a scale -

- located under the member's name and provide the appropriate feedback. Additionally, to view the reputation of a user, place your mouse over the icons located just below a member's post count (for example:

) and the member's reputation will be revealed.

PLEASE NOTE: If you feel as though the reputation feature is being misused or otherwise abused, please contact a FORUM STAFF MEMBER with an explanation of what you have noticed since we can, and will, fix issues as they are warranted.

Reporting Objectionable Posts__________________

In addition to the reputation points, if you come across a post which you feel is offensive, unruly, or requires an immediate response by a staff member, you may click on the warning sign -

- which is located in the same area as the reputation points scale above. By clicking on this warning sign and filling out the subsequent form, notification will be sent to every staff member, including the forum's administrator, and will be dealt with accordingly.

PLEASE NOTE: Misuse or abuse of this feature will not be tolerated. If a post is being reported by mistake, please contact any FORUM STAFF MEMBER with an explanation as soon as possible.

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Posting Features_________________________________________

While I am sure you have already noticed, there are many features that allow forum members to customize his or her posts. Here is a run down on the various 'buttons' their function(s):

COMING SOON!

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Once again, Welcome to Fishtankforums.com! Please take the time to introduce yourself to us and then utilize this very powerful resource for you best advantage. IMHO, the greatest aspect of fishtankforums.com is that NO ONE stands to gain ANYTHING other than personal satisfaction from helping you out. As compared to the information given by those who may have the ulterior motive of talking you into spending money, I am sure that you will find VERY dependable information and ideas based upon 'real-life' experiences of other members. And always remember, there is no such thing as a dumb question...no one will make fun of you seeking out any sort of information...and do not worry about asking questions that others have already asked in the past...we all realize that everyone has a slightly unique situation and that it is often faster to 're-ask' a common question in order to save time by not having to browse through hundreds of previous posts.

- The Fishtankforums.com Staff