The club has re-launched the forum in a simplified, easier to use version. Here's some guidance about how to use it!
What's the forum for?
...to enable members of the club to make contact with each other on anything to do with running.
How do you access it?
...by clicking "Forum" on the website menu, then logging in with your own username or the generic username "oxted".
What do I do once I've logged in?
After you log in, you'll immediately see the list of topics, with the ones containing the most recent messages at the top. Click on any topic to see what messages have been posted. To reply to a message, simply click on "Post reply", write your message in the box that appears, and click "Submit" (you can also "Preview" it or "Save" it for later). To start a new topic click on the "New Topic" button, write something in the "Subject" box, write your message and then "Submit".
Can I get email alerts when new messages are posted to the forum?
Yes, by "subscribing". This means that whenever a new message is posted to a forum you'll get an email alert. To subscribe you need to log in with your own username and click on "Subscribe forum", which is right down at the bottom left of the screen. (Note only one notification is sent before you visit the forum.)
What are the advantages of using my personal user name?
Using your personal user name means that whenever you post a message, your user name will automatically appear with it.
What if I use the generic user name?
If you use the generic user name "oxted" other people could be logged on at the same time with the name "oxted", so if you post a message, you'll need to put your name at the bottom of your message to identify who you are. Also, you will need to refresh your browser screen while you are online to see new topics or new messages posted by other people using the name "oxted".
How can I become a registered forum user?
The webmaster will do this for you. But we expect that new members of the club will be given a user name and password automatically so it shouldn't be necessary to ask.
I've forgotten my password
Click on the appropriate button on the log in screen to get your password emailed to you.
What's the User Control Panel?
After you've logged in and gone to the main forum screen there is a link to the "User Control Panel" in the top left-hand corner of the screen. You can get by without referring to this, but the panel does enable you to set personal preferences and to do various things, such as send a private message to another forum user, create an image ("Avatar") to represent you when you post a message, etc. Please only use the User Control Panel if you've logged in under your own username, not the "Oxted" username.
Problems? Suggestions?
If this guidance isn't clear, or if you have any problems or issues using the forum, please do not hesitate to contact me. Any feedback and constructive suggestions would be most welcome.