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Idea Exchange FAQ

How do I register to use the Bulletin Board?

1. Go to the Idea Exchange.
2. Click on Register at the top of the page.
3. Choose a username and type it in. Choose something that you can remember easily.
4. Enter a valid email address. You will receive an initial password via email.
5. Choose to either hide your email or to display it to the general public. If you choose to display your email, people will be able to send you emails directly from the Idea Exchange.
6. Read the long message and click on I Agree.
7. Click on Register at the bottom of the page.
8. Your initial password will be emailed to the address that you entered.

What do I do now?

1. The first time that you login you will need to modify your settings.
2. Login to the Idea Exchange using your username and the password that you received via email.
3. Click on Profile at the top of the page to modify your settings (password, email address, etc.)
4. First, change your password. Choose something that you can remember easily.
5. You can modify or correct any of the other Required Information here, at any time. You may also choose to fill in the Additional Information, but this is optional.
6. When you are finished, click on Change Profile.
7. Check to make sure that all of your information is correct. If it is not, click on Modify to change it. If it is, click on Home at the top of the page to view the Idea Exchange.

How do I read and reply to messages?

1. Click on Home at the top of the page.
2. You can choose a category on the left, or you can choose to view recent postings by clicking on the Ten Most Recent Posts of the forum at the bottom of the page. To choose something, click on the pink title.
3. Click on the message subject that you'd like to read.
4. If you'd like to reply, click on the Reply icon at the top of the message.
5. Begin typing your message. Note that you may add "emoticons" (smiley face, light bulb, etc.) to spice up your message.
6. You can find out what all of the options are simply by pointing your mouse on the buttons, but not clicking. A little box will appear for each one that states the function of the button. (Links to web addresses, emails, color, pictures, etc.)
7. Click Post to post your message.

How do I start a new topic and post a new message?

1. Click on Home at the top of the page to view the general categories.
2. Choose a general category and click on it. (Tutor Tips, Library News, Talk Time Ideas, etc.)
3. Next, click on Start New Topic in the right corner above the list.
4. Follow the same procedures as you would to reply to a message, starting with #5 in the section above. However, you will also have to enter a topic title.
5. You can choose whether or not you want to be notified of replies to your topic beneath your message.

Why does it say "I love YaBB 1G - SP1!" underneath my name on all my messages?

This is the default "Personal Text" and you can change it to anything you like by editing your Profile, see above.

What do I do if I need more help?

Click on Members at the top of the page. Then click on the email address for the Forum Administrator and send a quick email.