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SpamCop Forum FAQ


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Note: this Forum FAQ deals with questions about how to use the SpamCop Forum. Please see the SpamCop FAQ or the SC Wiki for questions about the various SpamCop tools including Email, Reporting, Blocking List Service, etc.

Important notice: On 5-12-06 this forum was upgraded from version 2.0.4 to 2.1.6

It was later upgraded to 2.1.7 and currently developement work is being done to upgrade to 2.2.2,2.3.1, possibly 3.0.x

The following FAQ requires some updating as well to reflect the changes caused by the upgrade.

Please bear with us as we work on updating the varrious entries.

Table of Contents

How to use the SpamCop Forum

<li><a href="#Section1">Pre-Registration

<li><a href="#Section2">Registration

<li><a href="#Section3">Maintaining & Updating Your Account

<li><a href="#Section4">My Controls & Forum Settings

<li><a href="#Section5">Login & Navigation

<li><a href="#Section6">Troubleshooting & Quick Links/Shortcuts (under construction)

<li><a href="#Section7">Change of Username

<li><a href="#Section8">SpamCop's System & Active Staff User Guide

<li>Forum Section - How to use the SpamCop Forum

<li><a href="#Section9">Archive of development posts used to create this FAQ

<a name="Start"></a>

If you can not find what you are looking for in this FAQ regarding how to use the SpamCop Forum, then there is also the How to use .... Instructions, Tutorials Subforums and under that the SpamCop Forum sub forum. If that fails to help, you can always post your question.

<a name="Section1"></a>

SECTION 1 - Pre-Registration

Welcome Guest ( <A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?act=Login&CODE=00"'>http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?act=Login&CODE=00" target=_blank>Log In</A> | <A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?act=Reg&CODE=00"'>http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?act=Reg&CODE=00" target=_blank>Register</A> )

New Account / Signing Up

This is a support area for the tools provided by the SpamCop.net system. However, it is not physically connected to any of those tools, such that even if you have a SpamCop reporting account or a SpamCop Filtered E-Mail account, use of this Forum requires its own login details.

Q. What are the Benefits to <A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?act=Reg&CODE=00"'>http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?act=Reg&CODE=00" target=_blank>Registering</A> on the SpamCop forums?

A. To be able to use all the features on this board, we require that you register for a member account.

Registration is free and only takes a moment to complete.

Benefits of Registration

Once you have registered and logged in, you will have access to your private messenger and your control panel.

You are able to actively participate in our large & popular community forums.

You can make & reply to topics and polls.

You can SEARCH SpamCop Forums and newsgroups.

You can EMAIL members via forum

There are also Registered-Only forums which you can only access when you <A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php? act=Reg&CODE=00" target=_blank>sign up</A>

Q. How do I sign up for a account?

A. To register click >><A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?act=Reg&CODE=00"'>http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?act=Reg&CODE=00" target=_blank>HERE</A><<

Q. How old do I have to be to sign up for SpamCop?

A. You may be any age, but SpamCop is rated PG13. If you are under 13 you must sign up under a COPPA Agreement, which is signed & approved by your Parent(s)/Guardian

Q. What is COPPA Registration?

A. All users under the age of 13 must seek permission from a parent or guardian before you may participate on SpamCop forums. You can to start the registration process prior to us receiving a <A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?s=0&act=Reg&CODE=12" target=_blank>permission form</A>, please click the continue link below. However, please note that you will not be able to complete your registration until we have the signed form.

Notes:

-Any member that has not signed a COPPA Registration (signed up as a normal member) and is found to be under 13 will/may have their account blocked/suspended/deleted until a <A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?s=0&act=Reg&CODE=12" target=_blank>permission form</A> has been signed by your Parent/Guardian.

-When you sign up you must use a VALID email, otherwise you will not receive your Email Confirmation and will be unable to complete the registration process.

-Please do NOT use your e-mail address as a "user/display" name.

Edit: Code was touched 1Oct2005 that may actually interfere with an attempt such as this, replacing the [at] character with the [at] string ....

Edit: seen from a user registering in 2Oct2005, this modification appears to have no effect on someone using their e-mail address as a "user/display" name ...

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<a name="Section2">SECTION 2 - Registration

Processing your membership

Q. What happens after I've signed up / registered?

A. The following process will occur:

  • Step 1 - Account Created :
    After you have agreed to the Spamop Forum Terms & Conditions, and clicked "Submit my registration" button your account will be created.
  • Step 2 - Confirm Registration at SpamCop Forum:
    We require that you "validate" your registration to ensure that the email address you entered was correct. Normally within 10 minutes (usually instantly) of signing up you'll receive an email (sent to the account you registered with) with instructions on the next step. Don't worry, it won't take long before you can post. Simply click on the link in the email to request activation.
  • Step 3 - A SpamCop administrator must approve your account:
    (actually not activated at this point, but this is an action reserved for the future, if needed) You will receive an email as soon as one of the SpamCop administrators has activated your account. This protects against unwanted spam and malicious abuse.

Q. I signed up using the wrong email address. What do I do? (and again, please do not use your e-mail address as your "user/display" name.)

A. If you signed up using an email account that you can't access, please contact a SpamCop Forum Admin.

Please DO NOT make a new account.

Registration Confirmation

Q. What do I do with Registration Confirmation Email I get?

A. We require that you "validate" your registration to ensure that the email address you entered was correct. This protects against unwanted spam and malicious abuse. Simply click on the link in your email or follow the copy/paste instructions to request activation.

Validation Problems

  • E-Mail address used in the Registration process is invalid.
  • Validation e-mail shuttled off into the Junk/spam/Bulk Folder at the Receiving end
  • Brain-dead bozo filter in use, tripping on the word 'spam' in SpamCop.net, so e-mail is rejected, bounced, or dropped, depending on how the idiotic software was configured

Notes:

-(again, a possible future action) You will receive an email as soon as one of the SpamCop Forum Admins has activated your account. Please contact a SpamCop Forum Admin using/providing the valid EMAIL ACCOUNT you signed up with ONLY if you do not receive an email confirmation within 24 hours.

-SpamCop Forum members are only permitted ONE member account. If you have more than one, it may be banned/blocked/deleted without notice.

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<a name="Section3">SECTION 3 - Maintaining & Updating Your Account

Logged in as: Your_Member_Name (<A "http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?act=Login&CODE=03"target=_blank>Log Out</A>)

Your Account

Q. Am I allowed more than one account?

A. SpamCop Forum members are only permitted ONE member account. If you have more than one account, contact a SpamCop Forum Admin immediately to rectify the situation. It is in your interests to let us know as anyone found to have more than one account may have the account(s) blocked or deleted without notice.

Q. Can I change my forum nick-name? (account name)

A. Yes, but ONLY a SpamCop Forum Admin can change your nick-name. Please email or PM (private message) your request directly to them. (More on this topic later.)

Q. Can I delete my account?

A. Specific answer: no, a user can not delete his/her account. Administrative action can happen to a user account for several reasons, to include a user request. The account can be 'handled' in a few different ways, typically being moved into the Banned group so that it can't be used again ... but the posts, Topics, Discussions will generally remain in place, again, for the benefit of the next person that runs into the same 'problem' that caused you to register and post. The question is actually a bit confusing. This Forum is a support venue for use of the SpamCop.net toolset. The majority of the Forum is open to be "read" by any and all .. which includes the Forum itself, the single-page-access-expanded version of the SpamCop FAQ, the added Dictionary, the Glossary, the Wiki ..... in all likelihood, registering to get posting privileges may not be necessary at all, as any 'problem' you're having may already be addressed. Note that even if the account is 'handled' .... queries made, replies and answers provided become part of this public knowledgebase. Deletion of this data is extremely rare ... even the spam that manages to be posted gets moved to a non-public Forum section for data tracking.

Member Groups Explained

Q. What are the different types of "Member Groups" and what do they mean?

A. The "Member Groups" on the SpamCop Forum include:

  • Guest - not logged in or just visiting
  • Validating - submitted data for Registration, but not yet completed the Validation process
  • Member - Logged-in Registered user
  • Moderator - Has capability to manage/edit postings & Topics (more later)
  • SpamCop Staff - Owners & paid staff of the SpamCop system parts
  • Admin - BOFH of this Forum application
  • Banned - Basically, Admin at work ... spammers, out-of-control users, etc.

Q. What are the Member Titles & how can I change mine?

A. The Default Member Titles are based on your post count. See Titles and Pips Chart below.

Q. What are the pips for and how many posts do I need to increase the amount of pips in my profile?

A. The pips give a simple graphical representation of your post count. It makes it easier to see who has posted alot in the forums. Be aware though, you shouldn't place any difference between members based on Post Counts or pips alone. See Requirement For Titles and Pips Chart below.

Note: Your Contribution to SpamCop's forum isn't based on a high post count or lots of pips. Regular and long term members base it solely on your conduct and the quaility of your posts. Placing posts just to increase post count is very much frowned on.

Current settings:

  • Newbie ----------------> 0 - 9 posts -------------> <img src='style_images/1/pip.gif' border='0' alt='*' />
  • Member ---------------> 10 - 99 posts ----------> <img src='style_images/1/pip.gif' border='0' alt='*' /><img src='style_images/1/pip.gif' border='0' alt='*' />
  • Advanced Member --> 100 - 999 posts -------> <img src='style_images/1/pip.gif' border='0' alt='*' /><img src='style_images/1/pip.gif' border='0' alt='*' /><img src='style_images/1/pip.gif' border='0' alt='*' />
  • Been There ----------> 1000 - 2999 posts ----> <img src='style_images/1/pip.gif' border='0' alt='*' /><img src='style_images/1/pip.gif' border='0' alt='*' /><img src='style_images/1/pip.gif' border='0' alt='*' /><img src='style_images/1/pip.gif' border='0' alt='*' />
  • T-shirt wearing out -> 3000 - 4999 posts ----> <img src='style_images/1/pip.gif' border='0' alt='*' /><img src='style_images/1/pip.gif' border='0' alt='*' /><img src='style_images/1/pip.gif' border='0' alt='*' /><img src='style_images/1/pip.gif' border='0' alt='*' /><img src='style_images/1/pip.gif' border='0' alt='*' />
  • What Life? -----------> 5000+ posts ----------> <img src='style_images/1/pip.gif' border='0' alt='*' /><img src='style_images/1/pip.gif' border='0' alt='*' /><img src='style_images/1/pip.gif' border='0' alt='*' /><img src='style_images/1/pip.gif' border='0' alt='*' /><img src='style_images/1/pip.gif' border='0' alt='*' /><img src='style_images/1/pip.gif' border='0' alt='*' />
    Some accounts have had their pips replaced with other images which visually represent their relationship with the fourm. They are:
    <img src='style_images/1/folder_team_icons/member.gif' /> = members who have provided a significant number of helpful posts.
    <img src='style_images/1/folder_team_icons/moderator.gif' /> = members who have committed to serve as moderators of the fourm.
    <img src='style_images/1/folder_team_icons/spamcoptiny.gif' /> = members who are also employees of SpamCop, IronPort, or Cisco
    <img src='style_images/1/folder_team_icons/admin.gif' /> = administrator of the forum.

Change Password & Email Address

Q. How do I change/update my forum password?

A. To change your password: <B>My Controls</B> > <A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?act=UserCP&CODE=28" target=_blank>Change Password</A>

Q. I have forgotten my password. What do I do?

A. Security is a big feature on this board, and to that end, all passwords are encrypted when you register. This means that we cannot email your password to you as we hold no record of your 'encrypted' password. You can however reset your password. To do this, click on the <A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?act=Reg&CODE=10" target=_blank>Lost Password </A>link.

  • Step One: Enter your account username.
  • Step Two: Email validating the request is sent to your registered email address.
  • Step Three: Follow the instructions in the email.

Q. I received a Password recovery information in a SpamCop Forum email, but I didn't request it. What do I do and is my account safe?

A. If you did not request this password change, please IGNORE and DELETE the email immediately. Your password will stay the same. If it happens repeatedly and you require further help, you may make a topic in the <A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?showforum=6" target=_blank><B>SpamCop Lounge Forum</B></A> area or send a PM to a SpamCop Forum Admin.

Q. How do I change my email address?

A. To change it, go to: <B>My Controls </B>> <A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?act=UserCP&CODE=08" target=_blank>Change Email Address</A>

NOTE: You will have to re-activate your account after changing your email address. An email will be sent to the email address you specify outlining what you need to do.

The action will log you out. It is strongly recommended that you reset your password before changing your email address if you are unable to remember your password.

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<a name="Section4">SECTION 4 - My Controls & Forum Settings

My Controls:

Q. What is "<A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?s=&act=UserCP&CODE=00" target=_blank>My Controls / Control Panel / Your control panel</A>"

A. Your control panel is your own private board console. You can change how the board looks and feels as well as your own information from there. It allows you to:

Add or edit your contact information

Enter some personal information if you choose

You can edit your Signature and avatar

Change Email & Password Settings

Change your personal photo

Change Skins and Languages

Manage ignored users

View Subsciptions

4a: Signature

Q. What is a signature and how do I make one?

A. A board 'signature' is very similar to an email signature. This signature is attached to the foot of every message you post unless you choose to check the box that allows you to omit the signature in the message you are posting. You may use BBCode to format the text in your signature.

To edit/make a signature: <B>My Controls</B> > <A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?s=&act=UserCP&CODE=22" target=_blank>Edit Signature</A>

Q. Are there any signature guidelines/rules on size, color, type etc.?

A. Yes (just not documented yet <g>)

4b: Avatar Questions

Q. What is an Avatar?

A. An avatar is a little image that would appear under your username when you view a topic or post you authored. However, the use of Avatars in this Forum has been disabled.

4c: Private Messages

Q. What is my private message service?

A. Your personal messenger acts much like an email account in that you can send and receive messages instantly (SpamCop Forum only) and store messages in folders.

Q. Were can I get help with Private Messaging?

A. <A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?act=Help&s=&CODE=01&HID=6" target=_blank>Your Personal Messenger Help</A>

Q. I am getting spam/Abusive PM's. What should I do?

A. Always report it to a SpamCop Forum Admin. Don't reply or retaliate, a SpamCop Forum Admin will deal with the problem.

Q. How can I stop/block a member from sending me PM's?

A. <A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?s=&act=Msg&CODE=02" target=_blank>PM Buddies/Block List</A>

Q. How can I disable / enable PM's?

A. Go to <A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?act=UserCP&CODE=04" target=_blank>Board Settings</A> Under Personal Messenger Options you will find the following:

Disable your personal messenger?

If you disable your personal messenger, you will not be able to make or receive personal messages.

Select NO (do not disable) to be able to send and receive PM's

Select YES (disable) to disable your PM account.

Q. How do I toggle pop-up / e-mail notification on and off when I get a new private message?

A. <B>My Controls</B> > <A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?s=&act=UserCP&CODE=04" target=_blank>Board Settings</A>

Q. Can I send a PM to more than one person at a time?

A. Yes, the maximum is 6 users; one Recipient and five Carbon Copies. It should be noted that all carbon copies are currently sent blind due to software limitations. The "Hide CC recipients from others" check box does not work. Additionally Carbon Copy Recipients recieve the message totally blind, meaning they do not know who the message was address to or who else might have received the message as a carbon copy. Therefore it is very helpful if you are going to use Carbon Copies to Add a "TO:" line as the first line of the message and to add the list of Carbon Copy reciepents (unless you want to hide the CC recipients)

4d: Forum Settings & Options:

Q. Were can I change my Time Zone?

A. <B>My Controls</B> > <A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?s=&act=UserCP&CODE=04" target=_blank>Board Settings</A>

Q. How do I turn off (not see) signatures & avatars in forum posts?

A. <B>My Controls</B> > <A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?s=&act=UserCP&CODE=04" target=_blank>Board Settings</A>

Q. How do I remove the quick reply box?

A. <B>My Controls</B> > <A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?s=&act=UserCP&CODE=04" target=_blank>Board Settings</A>

Q. How do I change Number of posts /Number of topics /Number of days to show for each topic page?

A. <B>My Controls</B> > <A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?s=&act=UserCP&CODE=04" target=_blank>Board Settings</A>

4f: Subscriptions

Q. What's a subscription?

A. This board can notify you when a new reply is added to a topic. Many users find this useful to keep up to date on topics without the need to view the board to check for new messages.

Q. How do I subscribe to a topic?

A. To do this, simply click on the 'Track This Topic' link found at the top of any topic. When you click this link, the topic will be added to your subscriptions that are managed from your control panel.

Q. How do I view / manage which forum & topics I'm subscribed to?

A. <B>My Controls</B> > <A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?act=UserCP&CODE=26" target=_blank>Topic Subscriptions</A>

<B>My Controls</B> > <A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?act=UserCP&CODE=50" target=_blank>Forum Subscriptions</A>

<center>

<SELECT

name=trackchoice> <OPTION value=unsubscribe selected>Unsubscribe</OPTION>

<OPTION value=none>Change to: No Email Notification</OPTION> <OPTION>Change to: Immediate Email Notification</OPTION> <OPTION>Change to: Delayed Emailed Notification</OPTION> <OPTION>Change to: Daily Email Digest</OPTION> <OPTION>Change

to: Weekly Email Digest</OPTION></SELECT>

    </center>
  • Unsubscribe: Unsubscribe action just seems to happen.
  • No Notification: This will not send out any emails but it will retain the forum or topic in the subscriptions panel which will allow you to 'bookmark' useful or favourite topics/forums.
  • Immediate: This will email you immediately after a new topic has been made (forum subscription) or reply has been made (topic subscription). This will send an email regardless of activity and it will send multiple emails if there are multiple replies.
  • Delayed: This is 'classic' mode. The board will email you notification when you're not active on the board.
  • Daily Digest: This will email you a digest of all new topics (forum) or replies (topic) in one email - once per day
  • Weekly Digest: This acts in the same way as the daily digest but it will digest the week and send it - once per week.

4h: Email Notification

Q. Why do I keep getting "Topic Subscription Reply Notification" Emails?

A. Because someone has posted a reply to the topic that you have subscribed to, and you asked to be notified of any replys via email.

You can change your <A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?act=UserCP&CODE=02" target=_blank>Email settings</A> to turn ON/OFF 'Email Notification' by default.

Q. How do I stop getting "Topic Subscription Reply Notification" Emails?

A. You can unsubscribe to the topic via the instructions inside email you received.

Q. How do I stop getting "New PM" Emails?

A. You can change your <A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?act=UserCP&CODE=02" target=_blank>Email settings</A> to start/stop sending a confirmation email when you receive a new private message.

4i: Changing Forum Skins

Q. How do I change the color / look of the forum?

A. In the lower-left corner of the forums at the very bottom, there is a drop-down box entitled, "Select a skin:". You could choose a skin style from there. However, purchasing, developing, or installing additional skins has not been actioned here.

4j: Common Forum Settings Questions

Q. Where is the option to add a member to my Buddy List?

A. <A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?act=Msg&CODE=02" target=_blank>PM Buddies/Block List</A>

Q. I want SpamCop Forum members to be able to use an Instant Messaging program to contact me.

How do I let them know what my IM contacts are?

A. <A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?act=UserCP&CODE=01" target=_blank>Edit Profile info</A>

Q. I want to take down a note or save some text. Can I do this on the SpamCop forum?

A. Yes. Your personal note pad can save & store short peices of text.

<A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?act=UserCP&CODE=00" target=_blank>My Controls</A></B> > Your personal note pad

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<a name="Section5">SECTION 5 - Login & Navigation

Links on Forum Screen:

Dark Blue bar at top of screen - opens targeted items in a "NEW" window

Grey bar (third one down) - replaces existing web page in browser display

(Newsgroup link excepted, as if it works, your newsreader application will fire up, normally this is not your web browser)

Why the difference?

  • Accessibility issues - throwing up new windows can confuse some helper apps
  • System Resources - you open a new window, memory is allocated .. close that window, not all that allocated memory is freed up, eventually causing some systems to crash
  • User Control - some would like new windows, some would like to use Tabbed browsing (which is usually trashed by forcing a new window to open), some folks get confused when a 'new' window opens up over the top of the existing window and the "Back" button doesn't work ..
  • Matches the actions of the existing items in the grey bar
  • Justifying the hacking of more than one section of code

Categories and Subjects

Please post your query/comments into the appropriate Forum section. The Forum Admin/Moderators may have a different opinion of the placement and may perform their duties in attempting to keep things organized. This may include moving posts to another forum section, merging posts into another Topic/Discussion, closing of Topics/Discussions, sometimes even deleting particularly disruptive and inappropriate commentary/behaviour.

Forum page display - Topic View

Once you select one of the above Forum sections, you will then see a page listing existing Topics under discussion. There may be some Pinned items .. the act of Pinning a Topic locks it at the 'top' of that forum section display. The remainder of the displayed Topic list (default) is time-ordered based on the last post within that that Topic. Most of the Forum sections are set to default to only showing items posted/responded to within the last 30 days. Sort order, cut-off dates, type of post can be selected via dropdown menus at the bottom right of a Topic View screen. Example follows:

<div align="right"><select name='f' onchange="if(this.options[this.selectedIndex].value != -1){document.jumpmenu.submit() }" class='dropdown'>

<option value='sj_home'>Forum Home</option>

<option>Search</option>

<option>Help</option>

<optgroup label="Forum Jump"><option value="9">Discussions & Observations</option>

<option value="2">  |-- Announcements</option>

<option value="13">  |-- How to use ....</option>

<option value="14">  |---- SpamCop Forum</option>

<option value="15">  |---- SpamCop Reporting</option>

<option value="25">  |---- SpamCop Filtered E-Mail Account</option>

<option value="16">  |---- Research Tools</option>

<option value="23">  |---- Example Data</option>

<option value="3" selected="selected">  |-- SpamCop Reporting Help</option>

<option value="11">  |-- SpamCop Blocklist Help</option>

<option value="4">  |-- SpamCop Email System & Accounts</option>

<option value="5">  |-- SpamCop Flat-Rate Email Account Setup</option>

<option value="7">  |-- Mailhost System

Configuration</option>

<option value="10">  |-- New Feature Request</option>

<option value="6">  |-- SpamCop Lounge</option>

<option value="21">  |-- Geek/Tech Things</option>

<option value="19">  |---- Hardware Issues</option>

<option value="20">  |---- Software Issues</option>

<option value="22">  |-- Suggested Tools and

Applications</option>

<option value="1">  |-- Testing</option>

<option value="12">  |-- FAQ Under

Construction</option>

</optgroup>

</select>

<select name="sort_key"><option value='last_post' selected='selected'>Order: Last Post</option>

<option value='last_poster_name'>Order: Last Poster</option>

<option value='title'>Order: Topic Title</option>

<option value='starter_name'>Order: Topic Starter</option>

<option value='start_date'>Order: Topic Started</option>

<option value='topic_hasattach'>Order: Attachments</option>

<option value='posts'>Order: Replies</option>

<option value='views'>Order: Views</option></select><select name="sort_by"><option value='Z-A' selected='selected'>Z-A</option>

<option value='A-Z'>A-Z</option></select><select name="prune_day"><option value='1'>From: Today</option>

<option value='5'>From: 5 days</option>

<option value='7'>From: 7 days</option>

<option value='10'>From: 10 days</option>

<option value='15'>From: 15 days</option>

<option value='20'>From: 20 days</option>

<option value='25'>From: 25 days</option>

<option value='30' selected='selected'>From: 30 days</option>

<option value='60'>From: 60 days</option>

<option value='90'>From: 90 days</option>

<option value='100'>Show All</option></select><select name="topicfilter"><option value='all' selected='selected'>Topics:

All</option>

<option value='open'>Topics: Open</option>

<option value='hot'>Topics: Hot</option>

<option value='poll'>Topics: Polls</option>

<option value='locked'>Topics: Locked</option>

<option value='moved'>Topics: Moved</option>

<option value='istarted'>Topics: I Started</option>

<option value='ireplied'>Topics: I Replied</option></select>

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<a name="Section6">SECTION 6 - Troubleshooting & Quick Links/Shortcuts

My Controls - see Section 4

View New Posts - generates a Forum screen list of Posts seen as "new" since your last visit. List is Date/Time ordered (newest first) and there is a drop-down selection as to the "age" of posts displayed (useful for those that don't "live" here <g>)

View Your Posts - similar to View new posts action, but instead of listing all the new posts, it lists all the Topics in which you have made at least 1 post. The Topics are Date/Time ordered such that the topic with the latest reply is shown first. This way you can easily follow up if there has been a reply to one of "your" posts...

My Assistant - small popup window listing recent posting events on the Forum, a quick list of links to a few items of interest on the Forum, and a quick search function.

x New Messages - Takes one to your PM folder to handle that correspondence.

p_card.gif - offers up a list of some details on the poster, including any contact data made available</a>

p_report.gif - Sends a 'complaint' to the Moderators/Admin for the handling of bad post, spam, etc.

p_mq_add.gif Used to select multiple posts to include quoted contents for your single posted reply. Normal usage would be to select two (or more) posts (icon changes to p_mq_remove.gif) .. hit the t_reply.gif .. edit out unneeded content from the quoted material and add in your responses at the appropriate locations (i.e., each response under the appropriate quoted section)

p_quote.gif Brings up a response window with the entire contents of the current post included as quoted material. Again, please edit out unnecessary content before adding your reply below the quoted material. The included quoting of a 300 line post to simply add a single-line "me too" reply is frowned upon by all concerned.

t_reply.gif Brings up a 'clean' posting box (no quoted material) for you to post your reply / thoughts on the discussion thus far.

t_qr.gif Brings up a Quick-Edit box on the current screen for your reply (possible timesaver for dial-up folks) ... (Being Quick-Edit, some editing options are not available or have to be typed in by hand)

p_edit.gif Brings up a Edit box on the current screen allowing you to edit the post. The right to edit a post is a variable right based on the individual user's membership group. All registered users have the right to edit their own posts for a limited time period. When edit time period expires the edit button will no longer be displayed. This restriction was imposed due to abuses of the editing priviledge by numerous users in the past.

<a style='font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;' href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?autocom=custom&page=stats"><img src="http://delta2.cesmail.net/graphs/spamstats.png" alt="Parsing & Reporting Server status" width="158" height="40" /><br />Reporting Server Status</a>

Link to spamstats page that reflects the up/down status of the SpamCop.net Parsing & Reporting system. The graphic itself is hosted on a geographically separated system (one of JT's systems in Georgia) whereas the link (now) points to a custom page that includes this graphic in full-scale and other time-based charts.

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<a name="Section7">SECTION 7 - Change of Username

Facts:

  • Members are only allowed ONE account.
  • NEVER make a new account instead of asking for a name change
  • Only a SpamCop Forum Administrator can change your username. Don't waste mods/your time by asking Moderators.
  • Please ONLY use the PM system to request name changes. Emails or IM messages may be discarded.
  • We will NOT delete an existing member/name so you can use it.
  • Changing your name too often will be monitored & may be denied.
  • Changing your name doesn't change your reputation on this site or any warnings you may have.
  • You may request a name change no matter what your current post count is.

Helpful tips & guidelines when sending PM for Name Change:

  • Use "Name Change: << old name>> | << new name>>" in PM Title.
    • If data won't fit (typically from folks that try to use an e-mail address for a Display/User name) just include the requested data within the PM itself.

    [*]Check FIRST to see the name you want isn't already taken here.

    • (I'll ask where I look to see if a username already exists since I don't see information about determining that in the FAQ.)
      There is a "Members" link at the top of the screen ... hit that, scroll down, and there's a bit 'better' search option where you can plug something in and see if it scores a hit. (thanks for the note.)

    [*]BE PATIENT. Please wait at least 48hrs before reminding the admin.

    [*]TM and | symbols are fun but not easy to use when it comes to logging in.

    [*]You will receive an automated Email informing you when your name has been changed.

Note: If you make a separate "how do I change my name" thread in the future, it may be deleted without any notice!

Note 2: If you wait to ask for a 'name change' .. after posting something within the Forum, your 'user name' will be picked up and placed within other posts, for example, someone 'quoting' your post, someone starting their post with "Hi <username>", someone simply quoting your 'username' in their reply ..... this means extra work for the Admin. This use of your 'username' is basically embedded text within the database. The Forum application developers have chosen not to include scanning and changing/updating the database 'automatically' .. based on looking out for those gigantic Forums with millions of posts. So, although a 'name change' can be done easily which will change the displayed name of "the poster" .. finding all those instances where the previous 'username' would still remain is a "by hand" effort, with the necessary changes also done "by hand" ..... (BTW: with the mention of time gone by, this Forum is indexed by many Search Engines, Google, Yahoo, MSN, etc. ... the point being that if postings were made prior to the name-change request, the previous 'username' will be in the Search Engine listings/databases for quite a while before eventually disappearing / being replaced with the 'new' username data.)

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<a name="Section8">Section 8 - SpamCop's System & Active Staff User Guide

Cisco Systems, Inc. - owner of IronPort

IronPort - Owner/maintainer of the SpamCop Parsing and Reporting service/hardware

Julian - creator / developer of the SpamCop Parsing and Reporting tool-set

Don/Argyle - Administrative affairs (Parsing & Reporting, SpamCopDNSBL)

Ellen - Former Deputy (Parsing & Reporting, SpamCopDNSBL) (retired September 25, 2009)72971[/snapback]

Richard/R.W. - Deputy (Parsing & Reporting, SpamCopDNSBL)

J.T. - owner/Admin of the sytem that handles the SpamCop newsgroups, Forum, and filtered e-mail accounts

trevorb - handling upgrades, feature additions, and maintenance of back- and front-end software for the SpamCop e-mail system

Jeff G. - volunteer Forum Moderator (retired)

StevenUnderwood - volunteer Forum Moderator (retired)

dbiel - volunteer Forum Moderator (retired)

turetzsr aka Steve T - volunteer Forum Moderator (retired)

Farelf - volunteer Forum Moderator

Wazoo - volunteer Forum Admin/Moderator - SpamCop supporter

Retired U.S.Army SFC 33F/S/M trained to be one of the world's best electronic technicians, computer knowledge came from personal interests on the home front, being in charge and "computers are electronic, aren't they?" in the job place. Started back when data entry was done via front panel switches, handled Hollerith cards, paper/mylar tape, mag tape, hard disk drives the size of washing machines - stacked disk platters weighing in at 50+ pounds, 1K of memory requiring a piece of fiberglass over a foot square ... oh yeah, the good old days <g>

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  • 3 months later...

<a name="Section9">

The following posts and replies are not a part of this FAQ

They were used in its development and have been preserved as an archive and for future reference if needed.

Note: per forum policy, posts are never deleted, but are moved, when needed, to improve the usefulness of these forums.

Q. I am getting spam/Abusive PM's. What should I do?

A. Always report it to a SpamCop Forum Admin. Don't reply or retaliate, a SpamCop Forum Admin will deal with the problem.

29126[/snapback]

I would think it would be helpful in include the perfered method to contact "a SpamCop Forum Admin" email? PM? along with the address.

Example: click here to send PM to SpamCop Forum Admin

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I would think it would be helpful in include the perfered method to contact "a SpamCop Forum Admin"  email? PM? along with the address.

Example: click here to send PM to SpamCop Forum Admin

32590[/snapback]

Yeah, but .... keeping things / pointers like that to a general purpose / utility. One view, this data should survive me <g> Another upcoming issue is the next release of this application. Some of the additional capabilities may lead to some other changes.

Technically though, a PM does have the option to Forward, which actually would be the 'better' way to pass on the info.

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  • 2 weeks later...
  • 2 weeks later...
a new user registering today demonstrated that the posting code modification (to mung posted e-mail addresses) doesn't impact the Registration code bits at all.

33635[/snapback]

It's a good thing, too. I've seen my fair share of user-generated bad-word-laden user ids and passwords. :)
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It's a good thing, too.  I've seen my fair share of user-generated bad-word-laden user ids and passwords. :)

33637[/snapback]

No clue on passwords ... am thinking that the validation process stops most .. but will admit that I've pressed the Delete link on a couple of entries seen in the "Users awaiting authorisation" queue.

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  • 2 months later...
Recommendation:

In section three, the acronym BOFH should hyperlink to the definition in the Jargon file (for people who don't know what it means).

37445[/snapback]

Added link to glossary file, but it does not seem to work correctly.

If the URL is pasted into a blank browser window to goes directly to the referenced item, but clicking on the link (which inserts the exact same URL only brings up the glossary topic, it fails to continue to the specific link.

Maybe Wazoo can fix it.

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Added link to glossary file, but it does not seem to work correctly.

If the URL is pasted into a blank browser window to goes directly to the referenced item, but clicking on the link (which inserts the exact same URL only brings up the glossary topic, it fails to continue to the specific link.

Maybe Wazoo can fix it.

37535[/snapback]

...Works fine for me. Did someone fix it or is it a problem unique to dbiel?
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  • 5 months later...

Please note that on 5-12-06 this forum was upgraded from version 2.0.4 to version 2.1.6

The upgrade was done before we wanted to do it due to some serious attacks on the forum that could only be stopped by doing the upgrade.

Much of the look, feel and appearance of the forum has been changed due to the upgrade.

You will find that numerious things work differently now, may not work at all, or have disappeared. We are working on restoring much of the previous functionability. It will take some time to complete, as it requires a very significate amount of work to alter the code base. Please bear with us during this conversion process.

This forum FAQ also needs to be updated to reflect the current software version changes.

Thank you for your patience during this difficult time.

Please see topic: Forum upgrade from ver 2.0.4 to 2.1.6, There are a lot of changes to be aware of! for addtional information regarding the upgrade.

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  • 7 months later...

Change made to 'Subscription' settings.

Topic subscriptions will now be removed if the Topic has had no new posts made in 60 days.

Reason: multiple actually

.... now that I can see the mail logs, I'm seeing way too many errors. Folks that changed their e-mail address, folks that haven't visited in ages, folks that vivited one time, posted a questions, subscribed to that Topic, never seen again, folks that decided to block/blacklist e-mail from the Forum, on and on ....

.... simple clean-up of unnecessary data clogging up everything else

Noted here, but the FAQ itself needs work, admitting that the changes to 2.1.7 weren't incorporated .. and the 2.2.x version is even more massively changed ....

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  • 1 month later...
  • 1 month later...

This is a working copy of Section 4 for editing purposes. The edited copy will replace the current copy after the edits have been completed and approved.

Thank you for your patience.

SECTION 4 - My Controls & Forum Settings

My Controls:

Q. What is "<A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?s=&act=UserCP&CODE=00" target=_blank>My Controls / Your control panel</A>"

A. Your control panel is your own private board console. You can change how the board looks and feels as well as your own information from there. It allows you to:

Add or edit your contact information

Enter some personal information if you choose (the most important item being your time zone)

The initial screen is broken into two main sections:

A narrow section on the left labeled Menu

A larger section on the right labeled Welcome to your control panel

Starting with the Menu section you will find that it is broken up into the following subsections:

Messenger (The forum internal "email" system better know as PM (Personal Messenger)

Subscriptions (To manage your current topic and forum subscriptions as well as how and when notifications are sent)

Personal Profile

Options

While the Welcome to your control panel section is broken up into the following subsections:

Your account summary (Including a list of recently read topics)

Your personal note pad

You can edit your Signature and avatar

Change Email & Password Settings

Change your personal photo

Change Skins and Languages

Manage ignored users

View Subsciptions

4a: Signature

Q. What is a signature and how do I make one?

A. A board 'signature' is very similar to an email signature. This signature is attached to the foot of every message you post unless you choose to check the box that allows you to omit the signature in the message you are posting. You may use BBCode to format the text in your signature.

To edit/make a signature: <B>My Controls</B> > <A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?s=&act=UserCP&CODE=22" target=_blank>Edit Signature</A>

Q. Are there any signature guidelines/rules on size, color, type etc.?

A. Yes (just not documented yet <g>)

4b: Avatar Questions

Q. What is an Avatar?

A. An avatar is a little image that would appear under your username when you view a topic or post you authored. However, the use of Avatars in this Forum has been disabled.

4c: Private Messages

Q. What is my private message service?

A. Your personal messenger acts much like an email account in that you can send and receive messages instantly (SpamCop Forum only) and store messages in folders.

Q. Were can I get help with Private Messaging?

A. <A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?act=Help&s=&CODE=01&HID=6" target=_blank>Your Personal Messenger Help</A>

Q. I am getting spam/Abusive PM's. What should I do?

A. Always report it to a SpamCop Forum Admin. Don't reply or retaliate, a SpamCop Forum Admin will deal with the problem.

Q. How can I stop/block a member from sending me PM's?

A. <A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?s=&act=Msg&CODE=02" target=_blank>PM Buddies/Block List</A>

Q. How do I toggle pop-up / e-mail notification on and off when I get a new private message?

A. <B>My Controls</B> > <A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?s=&act=UserCP&CODE=04" target=_blank>Board Settings</A>

4d: Forum Settings & Options:

Q. Were can I change my Time Zone?

A. <B>My Controls</B> > <A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?s=&act=UserCP&CODE=04" target=_blank>Board Settings</A>

Please note: setting your time zone is very important as it used to record and view time stamps on all posted topics and replies.

There are some oddities in the current software version that you should be aware of. When a topic or reply is posted, the forum software records the current time stamp as well as GMT offset, unfortunately the GMT offset does not get displayed. What is displayed is the time stamp of the post converted to the time zone you have set in your options.

The next oddity is the recording and displaying of time stamps when using the p_quote.gif button.

When a reply is created, the time stamp of the original post is converted to the time zone of the person posting the reply and is also changed from a date string to a text string which means that time stamps that appear in any quote will NOT be converted to the current time zone of the viewer.

Q. How do I turn off (not see) signatures & avatars in forum posts?

A. <B>My Controls</B> > <A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?s=&act=UserCP&CODE=04" target=_blank>Board Settings</A>

Q. How do I remove the quick reply box?

A. <B>My Controls</B> > <A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?s=&act=UserCP&CODE=04" target=_blank>Board Settings</A>

Q. How do I change Number of posts /Number of topics /Number of days to show for each topic page?

A. <B>My Controls</B> > <A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?s=&act=UserCP&CODE=04" target=_blank>Board Settings</A>

4f: Subscriptions

Q. What's a subscription?

A. This board can notify you when a new reply is added to a topic. Many users find this useful to keep up to date on topics without the need to view the board to check for new messages.

Q. How do I subscribe to a topic?

A. To do this, simply click on the 'Track This Topic' link found at the top of any topic. When you click this link, the topic will be added to your subscriptions that are managed from your control panel.

Q. How do I view / manage which forum & topics I'm subscribed to?

A. <B>My Controls</B> > <A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?act=UserCP&CODE=26" target=_blank>Topic Subscriptions</A>

<B>My Controls</B> > <A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?act=UserCP&CODE=50" target=_blank>Forum Subscriptions</A>

<center>

<SELECT

name=trackchoice> <OPTION value=unsubscribe selected>Unsubscribe</OPTION>

<OPTION value=none>Change to: No Email Notification</OPTION> <OPTION>Change to: Immediate Email Notification</OPTION> <OPTION>Change to: Delayed Emailed Notification</OPTION> <OPTION>Change to: Daily Email Digest</OPTION> <OPTION>Change

to: Weekly Email Digest</OPTION></SELECT>

    </center>
  • Unsubscribe: Unsubscribe action just seems to happen.
  • No Notification: This will not send out any emails but it will retain the forum or topic in the subscriptions panel which will allow you to 'bookmark' useful or favourite topics/forums.
  • Immediate: This will email you immediately after a new topic has been made (forum subscription) or reply has been made (topic subscription). This will send an email regardless of activity and it will send multiple emails if there are multiple replies.
  • Delayed: This is 'classic' mode. The board will email you notification when you're not active on the board.
  • Daily Digest: This will email you a digest of all new topics (forum) or replies (topic) in one email - once per day
  • Weekly Digest: This acts in the same way as the daily digest but it will digest the week and send it - once per week.

4h: Email Notification

Q. Why do I keep getting "Topic Subscription Reply Notification" Emails?

A. Because someone has posted a reply to the topic that you have subscribed to, and you asked to be notified of any replys via email.

You can change your <A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?act=UserCP&CODE=02" target=_blank>Email settings</A> to turn ON/OFF 'Email Notification' by default.

Q. How do I stop getting "Topic Subscription Reply Notification" Emails?

A. You can unsubscribe to the topic via the instructions inside email you received.

Q. How do I stop getting "New PM" Emails?

A. You can change your <A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?act=UserCP&CODE=02" target=_blank>Email settings</A> to start/stop sending a confirmation email when you receive a new private message.

4i: Changing Forum Skins

Q. How do I change the color / look of the forum?

A. In the lower-left corner of the forums at the very bottom, there is a drop-down box entitled, "Select a skin:". You could choose a skin style from there. However, purchasing, developing, or installing additional skins has not been actioned here.

4j: Common Forum Settings Questions

Q. Where is the option to add a member to my Buddy List?

A. <A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?act=Msg&CODE=02" target=_blank>PM Buddies/Block List</A>

Q. I want SpamCop Forum members to be able to use an Instant Messaging program to contact me.

How do I let them know what my IM contacts are?

A. <A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?act=UserCP&CODE=01" target=_blank>Edit Profile info</A>

Q. I want to take down a note or save some text. Can I do this on the SpamCop forum?

A. Yes. Your personal note pad can save & store short peices of text.

<A href="http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?act=UserCP&CODE=00" target=_blank>My Controls</A></B> > Your personal note pad

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  • 2 months later...

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