Forum User's Manual (start here)

SMF Forum User's Manual Links

The Focused Attention Forum uses Simple Machines Forum (SMF) technology. Here we provide easy access to their user's manual. Each link below will open in a new browser window. Close the SMF Manual window when you're done getting the answers you need.

Here's an overview of Boards, Topics, Threads, & Replies.

Boards are the way information on various subjects are organized in the Forum.

Topics are specific conversations that relate to a specific subject.

Threads are the conversations that develop in response to a Topic.

Replies are what constitute the Thread. They are the messages people post in response to a specific Topic.

 

Think of it like different conversations organized by subject area. 

1) Someone wants to starts a conversation on a Topic.

2) They pick the subject area for that Topic (the Board)  

3) They Start a New Topic.

4) Anyone who wants to join in the Thread of that specific conversation Replies to that Topic. 

5) The entire Thread of conversation is kept together in that Topic.

 

If someone wants to branch off from that Topic

1) They start a new Topic in the same Board.

2) The new Thread of conversation begins inside the new Topic.

 

To get a new Topic to show up in a specific Board you need to follow the instructions in Posting for:

How do I start a new Topic?

 

To reply to an existing Topic follow the instructions in Posting for:

How do I Reply to a topic?

 

Getting Started

Get started with SMF! This introduction explains about the various sections of SMF and what certain things mean on the forum.

Registering

How to register on an SMF forum.

Logging In

Time to log in!

Posting

When posting there is more than just typing in a message and submitting it. Find out all of the options you can do when making a post.

Personal Messages

Need to send a message to a friend on a forum? Personal messages is a great way to talk to somebody!

BB Text Formatting Codes

BBcode allows you to make a post with style rather than just a plain post. Documented here are most of the BBcodes available on SMF.

Searching

Searching is a great way to find discussions about certain topics on a forum. There are a lot of options that you can perform with your search so you are more likely to find what you are searching for.

Help

Describes four key areas of the Forum:

1. The Main Menu
2. The Board Index
3. The Message Index
4. The Topic