How do I make a post?

How do I make a post?

Usually, the first thing a new forum member will want to do is create a new thread and ask a question. However, you may find that the answer to your question already exists, so before starting a new thread, search the forum and the AutoCAD FAQ. If you can't find an answer in either of those places, create a new thread. Follow these guidelines for the best results.

What to do
1. Look at all the forums on the forum homepage and decide which one is most appropriate for your question. Click the forum title to go to the forum view page.



2. On the forum view page, click on the "New Topic" button . This will take you to the new thread page.



3. Add a descriptive thread title so that others can immediately see what your question is about.

4. Describe your problem as clearly as you can, giving all the information someone might need in order to successfully answer it.

5. Check your text for accuracy and typos and then click the "Send" button.



Your new thread will appear at the top of the list on the forum view page and on the forum homepage while it is the most recent post in that particular forum.

Tips to ensure the best response
You can improve your success rate in getting good answers to your questions dramatically by following a few simple guidelines.

1. Think carefully about which forum is most appropriate for your question. Experts in particular areas may only look at forums that interest them and your post may be missed if it's in the wrong forum.

2. Do not post your question in more than one forum. Cross-posting annoys forum members and you are more than likely to be ignored. It is also very confusing for everyone concerned.

3. Make your thread title as descriptive and concise as possible. Do not use titles like "Help please!!". You're unlikely to get a response.

4. Give as much information as you can when phrasing your question. Make sure you mention which particular version of the software you are using if it is not already clear from your user profile. Describe exactly what you are trying to do and why (there may be a better solution) or explain exactly what you were doing when the problem occurred.

Posting Issues

How do I post a topic in a forum?

Easy -- click the relevant button on either the forum or topic screens. You may need to register before you can post a message. The facilities available to you are listed at the bottom of the forum and topic screens (the You can post new topics, You can vote in polls, etc. list)

How do I edit or delete a post?

Unless you are the board admin or forum moderator you can only edit or delete your own posts. You can edit a post (sometimes for only a limited time after it was made) by clicking the edit button for the relevant post. If someone has already replied to the post, you will find a small piece of text output below the post when you return to the topic that lists the number of times you edited it. This will only appear if no one has replied; it also will not appear if moderators or administrators edit the post (they should leave a message saying what they altered and why). Please note that normal users cannot delete a post once someone has replied.

How do I add a signature to my post?

To add a signature to a post you must first create one; this is done via your profile. Once created you can check the Add Signature box on the posting form to add your signature. You can also add a signature by default to all your posts by checking the appropriate radio box in your profile. You can still prevent a signature being added to individual posts by un-checking the add signature box on the posting form.

How do I create a poll?

Creating a poll is easy -- when you post a new topic (or edit the first post of a topic, if you have permission) you should see a Add Poll form below the main posting box. If you cannot see this then you probably do not have rights to create polls. You should enter a title for the poll and then at least two options -- to set an option type in the poll question and click the Add option button. You can also set a time limit for the poll, 0 being an infinite amount. There will be a limit to the number of options you can list, which is set by the board administrator

How do I edit or delete a poll?

As with posts, polls can only be edited by the original poster, a moderator, or board administrator. To edit a poll, click the first post in the topic, which always has the poll associated with it. If no one has cast a vote then users can delete the poll or edit any poll option. However, if people have already placed votes only moderators or administrators can edit or delete it; this is to prevent people rigging polls by changing options mid-way through a poll

Why can’t I access a forum?

Some forums may be limited to certain users or groups. To view, read, post, etc. you may need special authorization which only the forum moderator and board administrator can grant, so you should contact them.

Why can’t I vote in polls?

Only registered users can vote in polls so as to prevent spoofing of results. If you have registered and still cannot vote then you probably do not have appropriate access rights.