» Forum Usage

Since PunBB, the forum software BWP Community relies on, doesn't seem to be used as much as others, I've decided to post some small tips on how to use this forum efficiently:

Tip #1: Register for an account

You can easily register for a new account using this link: http://betterwp.net/community/register/ (you can also find it on the menu above). To keep the spam low, there's be a simple captcha that you need to complete if you want to become a member of this community .

Tip #2: Edit your profile

You will be able to edit various aspects of your profile, but keep in mind that you can only add website and links in your signature after you have posted at least 10 posts. Let's keep the spam low, shall we?

In case you don't like the default rank this forum gives you (e.g. New Members), you can also edit such rank / title in your profile.

Tip #3: Post a topic / reply

You can use BBcode, Images, as well as Smilies in your topic / reply. Make sure you use the [ code ] tag (without spaces) to wrap your codes, like so:

// This is a line of code

There's no syntax highlighting for now, but I will add such feature when there's PunBB 1.4.

There's also a post flood interval that controls the required time between two posts of yours, i.e. you can't simply post two topics / replies consecutively.

Last but not least, don't forget to follow the forum rules when posting

Tip #4: Topic prefixes

When asking for plugin support, it is advised that you prefix your topic's subject with appropriate phrases to categorize the issues. Right now there are three built-in prefixes, including: [Feature Request], [Bug Report], and [Suggestion]. So, if you would like to have Google Video sitemaps added to BWP Google XML Sitemap plugin, for example, you can create a topic like this:

[Feature Request] Add Google Video sitemaps to BWP GXS

Tip #5: Subscribe to Replies or RSS feeds

This forum software comes with extensive subscription support. You can subscribe to RSS feeds, or use PunBB's built-in subscription functionality to subscribe to a specific topic.

When you subscribe to a topic using PunBB's built-in functionality, you will be notified through email when there are new replies to that topic.

For RSS feeds, you can subscribe to all forums by subscribing to the Forum RSS feed at the top right corner under the menu (available on all pages). To subscribe to a single forum, just visit that forum and click on the RSS forum feed icon. To subscribe to a topic RSS feed, open that topic and click on the RSS topic feed icon.

Use your favourite feed readers to subscribe.

Tip #6: The Karma system

This forum uses a simple reputation system called PunBB Karma. When you find a topic / reply useful, click on the thumb up icon at the bottom of such topic / reply to like it (add 1 point to the poster's karma). You can also dislike a topic / reply by clicking on the thumb down icon, or cancel a previous thumb up if you want (try not to do so, though ).

Tip #7: Search the forum

If you're familiar with other forum softwares, PunBB's search feature is no different. By default all forums will be included in your search. Similar to the post flood interval, there's a search flood interval that controls how quickly you can make another search.

If you have any question regarding forum usage, feel free to ask below .

Otherwise, go ahead and say hi.