Forum Tips & Tricks

[LeeOtsubo]

I don't know if this info has been posted recently but I thought it might be useful to all the new users who sign up every day.

When you enter a specific section of the forum, you'll see the following column headings. Inside each section (think of them as different rooms) these headings are active (clickable). For example, the default order is by Last Post, meaning the last thread with a new post is at the top. You can click this title (Last Post) and use the little arrow next to it to change to the first (oldest) post instead of the most recent. But, you're saying to yourself, "That's not very useful!"

http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1vEzqfKSZnQbVm4EECgh75eOG4oUZ0_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1vEzqfKSZnQbVm4EECgh75eOG4oUZ0)

Well, If you want to see which posts are the most popular (hopefully most relevant), you can click the column titled "Views" and the threads will be re-sorted by the number of times a post has been viewed. OK, so that's a bit more useful. How about if you know the name of the person who first posted a topic you want to now find. Simply click "Thread Starter" and the posts will be sorted in alphabetical order by the name of the person who started the thread (just below the thread title).
http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/14umCIZtymcI4xpYQcloBEKozf0_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=14umCIZtymcI4xpYQcloBEKozf0)

But, wait, that's not all. If you call right now, we'll throw in a set of Ginsu knives at no extra cost including the famous "Subscribe to this Thread" tool. When you find a thread that's of particular interest and you want to be notified each time someone adds a comment or suggestion, simply drop down the "Thread Tools" menu and select how you want to be notified.

http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1EDNO0cxsvfTYC5JJzLAaGTYWh5ZqI_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1EDNO0cxsvfTYC5JJzLAaGTYWh5ZqI)

By using these tools, you can reduce the amount of time you spend searching for old threads or missing things that happen in threads of interest. I'm sure others on this forum will have their own favorite tips & tricks.

If you find an interesting and/or useful thread and want to keep it at the top so others can find it, simply add a comment to the thread by clicking Post Reply or Quick Reply at the bottom of each thread (a thread is a series of posts that all relate to the OP 'original post') Otherwise, a thread will quickly become "buried" in the archives. This ensures useful threads remain near the top.

[TonyW]

Lee: Thanks for that - I didn't realise you could do all those resorts. The down arrow is quite fascinating if you want to study forum history :). My favorite trick is using the Google "search this site" feature to find things although the Advanced tab on the forum search isn't too bad if you know some details.

Tony

[LeeOtsubo]

Tony,
This post was for newbies, not someone with 4 gazillion posts.;) I figured most people hadn't really looked at all the tools available to make life easier.

[Inspeqtor]

But, wait, that's not all. If you call right now, we'll throw in a set of Ginsu knives at no extra cost including the famous "Subscribe to this Thread" tool.

Lee, I learned a couple of things, but one thing you did not tell us, is the cost to subscribe to this thread! How many knives are in the set of Ginsu knives? What color are the handles? Do the knives come with a lifetime guarantee? What is the average lifetime of a Ginsu knife? How long is the blade? What kind of steel (or plastic:eek:) are the Ginsu knives made of?

[Cmcburnett]

Lee, thanks for the info.

[LeeOtsubo]

Lee, I learned a couple of things, but one thing you did not tell us, is the cost to subscribe to this thread! How many knives are in the set of Ginsu knives? What color are the handles? Do the knives come with a lifetime guarantee? What is the average lifetime of a Ginsu knife? How long is the blade? What kind of steel (or plastic:eek:) are the Ginsu knives made of?

Charles,
I remember you now! You were in my class when I taught Advanced Theoretical Physics. You sat in the front row and always asked all the questions I couldn't answer. I see you haven't changed any! :D;):p

[jojo99]

Lee,
Thanks for taking the time to do this forum tut. I even learned something new, and I thought I knew it all :D
It is a sad day indeed when we do not learn something new and useful, thank you.
Jo-Jo

[Inspeqtor]

Charles,
I remember you now! You were in my class when I taught Advanced Theoretical Physics. You sat in the front row and always asked all the questions I couldn't answer. I see you haven't changed any! :D;):p

Lee, you are cute with your answer. But, I (unfortunately (or fortunately!)) have never been in any of your classes. I wish I could take one of your digital classes, but I have not for 2 reasons.

1) I do not own a dSLR (I WANT to own one!)
2) I work the night shift and am not at home when you have your live classes

....sigh....

[LeeOtsubo]

Lee, you are cute with your answer. But, I (unfortunately (or fortunately!)) have never been in any of your classes. I wish I could take one of your digital classes, but I have not for 2 reasons.

1) I do not own a dSLR (I WANT to own one!)
2) I work the night shift and am not at home when you have your live classes

....sigh....

Yep, same guy, always had excuses as to why his quantum mechanics homework wasn't complete!

Well, you've run out of excuses now, citizen. I offer a digital camera class called, "Beyond Auto Mode" which is tailored to meet the needs of digital photographers using non-dSLRs. Also, for a minimum of 3 students, I can set up a webcast at anytime to suit your demands.

I learned while teaching college that not everyone learns on the same schedule and in the same way. That's why my webcast classes emphasize aural and visual components combined with instant feedback. Best of all, the class doesn't end after 3 hours. You have e-mail access to me as long as you own the camera used in class. What else are you going to do with your money since you're sleeping while all the stores are open.:D

[LeeOtsubo]

Lee,
Thanks for taking the time to do this forum tut. I even learned something new, and I thought I knew it all :D
It is a sad day indeed when we do not learn something new and useful, thank you.
Jo-Jo

Hi Jo-Jo,
I met an Irish lass is Zurich, eons ago. She was a stewardess for South African Airways and the most beautiful woman I had ever met (until I met my wife). I was so flustered, I failed to ask her if I could take a photo. I've had a soft spot in my heart for Ireland ever since.

I'm glad you found the tut useful. I like your philosophy about learning something each day.

[Orphanannie]

Hi Lee,

Thanxs for the tut. How does one go about signing up for your classes??

[LeeOtsubo]

Hi Andrea,
Glad you liked the tut. Just follow the link to my website in my signature to see what classes are available. If you have questions, send me an e-mail.

[BillandCat]

Lee, I am a "newbie" Not a grass beginner newbie, ( about a year) but still a newbie. My 1st reading of a post written by you was the "dig. camera for newbies" and since then, whenever I see your name--I latch on to it. The info you give is not only readable but worth down loading to read again and to share. Keep "em coming. BillandCat

[Diana]

Hi Lee,

Thanks for all the info you give us.

I recently got a dSLR and am slowly trying to get off auto mode. How do your classes work for someone with a dialup connection?

Diana

[LeeOtsubo]

Hi Lee,

Thanks for all the info you give us.

I recently got a dSLR and am slowly trying to get off auto mode. How do your classes work for someone with a dialup connection?

Diana

Hi Diana,
Dialup is not problem. Our system sends all the compressed PowerPoint slides as soon as you log-in. After that, the only data that comes over the phone lines are signals to move to the next slide and compressed audio. If the connection is too bad for audio, I call you on a second line or a cell phone for audio. The only thing you need on your PC or Mac is a web browser.

We have a free 15 minute demo to make sure your system is capable of supporting the webcast. Send me an e-mail or PM if you're interested.

[kimh]

Thanks Lee:D
I would recommend Lee's class. He'll let you know which one is appropriate for your needs.
kimh

[efarnstrom]

Okay, you have one more thread I've subscribed to. I saved all your instructions on photography in my photo hints folder. I go to the printable version, click on the upper righthand corner to add more posts to the page, copy it and paste it into Word. These hints are really referred to often. I know I've seen something before and go to the folder and find it. (That is if I've been clever enough to give it a comprehensible title!)

I know I've said it before, but here it is again: THANKS!
Edit: Oh yes, I'm going over to try out your instructions here.

[LeeOtsubo]

Hi BillandCat, et al...
Here's another tip when these spam waves hit. Most spammers register and immediately post many messages at once.

When you find a spam post, just click on the poster's name and that will take you to their profile. From the profile, you can check all the messages they've posted and that will identify all the spam they posted up to that point. While you're at it, you can also add that User ID (UID) to your Ignore list so you won't see anymore posts from the creep.


http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1pPMMX3GhwlOq9ImziT2E2QAaXs4_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1pPMMX3GhwlOq9ImziT2E2QAaXs4)


http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1VZQYDW6QlsfTAkRfmrp0frCTIiSk0_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1VZQYDW6QlsfTAkRfmrp0frCTIiSk0)

Now, this obviously has uses beyond just finding posts from scumbags. If, for example, you wanted to find all posts by a dude named "leeotsubo", you can click on his name on a post and find at all the other posts he's made.

[PJSmith]

All very useful information. As you mentioned, it is easy to lose track of a thread to which you want to return.

However, I would like to bring up one point of contention-- As another night shift person, I can testify that there are still plenty of hours in the day to shop and spend money! :D

Patti

[LeeOtsubo]

...However, I would like to bring up one point of contention-- As another night shift person, I can testify that there are still plenty of hours in the day to shop and spend money! :D


Patti,
I was referring to AMATEUR shoppers, not PROFESSIONAL shoppers like yourself! :D