FAQ - How do I join this forum?

As a guest, you can only view this forum. To participate, you need to become a registered member.

Sorry, but those of you not used to forums may find this a long process, believe me, it is necessary to ensure the security of the board. In any case, the process is largely set by Proboards, the provider of this forum software

To register you need to:

• Click on Register on the RHS of the navigation bar - this will display the registration page with an online registration form.
  
  
• Complete the online registration form - all fields are mandatory:
  
  - Username - Please ensure you select a suitable username (or your own name). PLEASE NOTE - If you wish to register under your own name, or any other name with a space in the name (first name surname> you will need to register as namesurname without the space - you can change that once you become a member.
  
  - Password - Choose a suitable an secure password and make a record of it. As the form indicates, you need to enter this twice.
  
  - Email Address - This MUST be a valid email address which is essential to the member application process - see below.
  
  - Birthday - You can hide this in your member profile once you become a member - if you wish.
  
  - Gender - Select male or female.
  
  - CAPTCHA code - type this in - all letters are CAPITALS (this stops internet robots).
  
  - I Agree - Select I Agree. By doing so you are accepting the Terms of Service (TOS) laid down by Proboards, the supplier of this site's software forum hosting service, together with the rules and guidelines as determined by the Administrator of this forum.
  
  - Create Account - Click on the Create Account button.
  
  
• A screen will be displayed confirming your account creation.
  
  
• Click on the displayed Click here to continue link - you will be prompted to enter an activation code.
  
  
• Go to your emails - you should have received once from Proboards with your activation code. You can either:
  
  1) Copy and paste the activation code into the screen that you are presented with.
  
  OR
  
  2) CLOSE that screen, go to your email, click on the activation code and follow the prompts in your browser session.
  
  
  **THIS IS WHY A VALID EMAIL IS REQUIRED**
  
  
• A screen will be displayed advising your account is pending approval by Admin.
  
  
• Once (if) approved, you will receive an email confirming approval - you can then log in as a fully activated member.
  
  
• You can then update your profile - information on this is available where posted as an FAQ or via the Help link in the navigation bar above.
  
  
• If you want to receive email notifications or an alert box when PMs are received, then you need to:
  
  - go to your Personal Mail inbox (by clicking on the messages text right at the top of the forum.
  
  - click on preferences
  
  - Set the preferred Notification to Yes.
  
  - Click on the Save Preferences button.