... a beginner’s guide to entering the message forums on www.swcs.org.uk

As you navigate the forums you will find more advanced features that include, for example, setting your computer to automatically remember your username and password so you don’t have to type it in every time you go online, and also to vary the amount of time you are on line before being logged out. However if all you want to do is browse or add messages then all you need to know is right here …

We do recommend that you print this page off before trying to follow these instructions.

EASY STEPS TO ACCESSING SWCS MESSAGE BOARD AND FORUMS

1) Go to www.swcs.org.uk home page

2) On the left hand side in yellow, just above 'contact us' click on 'message board'

3) You will now see a dialogue box. If you are already a member, enter your details. If not, continue …

4) Click the section on the right of the 'username' section marked 'create new account' then follow the prompts on screen to complete. You will be asked a few simple particulars and requested to choose a username and password. At the bottom you will be asked to retype some half a dozen or so characters that you see on the screen. The characters are quite clear but be sure to get this right first time otherwise you'll just be asked to do it all over again until you do. Wait a few seconds for it all to grind into place then follow any further on screen directions.

please note - when registering with the message board you will automatically be sent an email to ‘confirm that this email is correct’. Certain email systems (eg. some webmails) are not able to process links so therefore the message will look like a coded link - which isn’t the case, it’s just the way it appears. It is highly unlikely this should affect you but if this is a problem contact SWCS direct for advice on how the Webmaster can activate your account for you.

Do please now take a little time to read the terms and conditions about what can be posted on the message board; this states the obvious about anything that is illegal, libellous or downright nasty. SWCS has an overall Webmaster who has also appointed Moderators. This is a facility whereby we can weed out junk, porn and other vile stuff that may find its way onto our slot before it causes too much offence. It also means we can modify or delete content which, although perhaps placed in all innocence and good faith, may be libellous, illegal or simply plain offensive. Plus we can have a spring-clean every so often to remove items that are wildly out of date. In certain categories you will also find further advice as to what may or may not be placed in that particular category.

Meanwhile, having accessed the forums, it’s back to your computer screen …

In front of you will be a list of Forum Names. You now have a number of options depending on whether you wish to just browse the comments of others, or add your comments to an existing topic or start a new topic or 'thread'. Click, for example, on 'General Chit-Chat' and up will pop a number of topics within that forum name. Now click on any one to read the comments.

To add a further comment go to the dialogue box at the bottom of the page, type your message and click 'post reply'.

If instead you wish to create a new topic within the 'General Chit Chat' section then back-click on the arrow at top left to take you again to the sub-headings under 'General Chit Chat', look in the blue bar to the top right, click 'new thread' and follow the prompts. Give a bit of thought here about what the 'new thread' is you want to create; you will see there are already a number of different topics on the main opening board including for example 'Pubs', 'Non-related Boat Chat' and 'Where to Get What' so if you have a comment on your favourite watering hole it makes sense (and will be easier for others to access, which is after all the whole point) if it goes in the 'Pubs' section rather than 'General Chit Chat'. If in doubt just keep clicking back until you get back to the opening sequence and start again.

A password is required to enter the 'SWCS Members only section' on the opening board. All other threads and discussions are freely accessible.

In its first 12 months of operation alone www.swcs.org.uk received over 1,000,000 ‘hits’ (and increasing) from just about every continent on the planet including such exotic locations as the Solomon Islands. Yes, that’s right - even now someone in the Solomon Islands may be browsing, in real time, an item you have just posted.

The website is an extremely powerful facility which is simple to use, accessible worldwide and entirely free at the point of use. Most importantly, it's yours to enjoy. So please do.