Forum formatting questions

[CKorfmann]

Here are a few random questions about how the forum is laid out. 

On each of the topics pages, there are two columns to the left of the topics.  The first column has a legend at the bottom, but there is no legend for the second column.  Some of those symbols are obvious, but I'm not sure what each of them means. 

Also, when I see different usernames listed (mostly on the bottom of the homepage) they often appear in different colors.  I don't think this is simply because I've clicked on them to view the profile.  Is there a reason for the different colors?

Sometimes I think I'm a computer moron... how do you create a hyperlink in a post without the whole URL showing?  I've seen just about everyone do this, but I can't figure it out.  For instance, when someone says click here...

[chr15lynn]

how do you create a hyperlink in a post without the whole URL showing?  I've seen just about everyone do this, but I can't figure it out.  For instance, when someone says click here...

You need to type this:   

Code:

 [url=PLACE IMAGE LINK HERE]AND THE TEXT YOU WANT TO SHOW HERE[/url] 

To clarify, replace PLACE IMAGE LINK HERE with the link to your image and replace AND THE TEXT YOU WANT TO SHOW HERE with what you want to show in the thread....such as the word 'HERE' or 'LINK', etc.
 

[Gantry]

Here are a few random questions about how the forum is laid out. 

On each of the topics pages, there are two columns to the left of the topics.  The first column has a legend at the bottom, but there is no legend for the second column.  Some of those symbols are obvious, but I'm not sure what each of them means. 

Good question! When you create a post (or even a reply), just below the subject line there is a field called "Message Icon" where you can select the icon for the message.  It defaults to 2 diamonds (or sideways sheets of paper?), but you can also select exclamation and question marks, etc. It is up to the poster. When you do it for a reply, it shows up beside the post title, I chose a smiley for this reply (see above).

Also, when I see different usernames listed (mostly on the bottom of the homepage) they often appear in different colors.  I don't think this is simply because I've clicked on them to view the profile.  Is there a reason for the different colors?

Yes there is, however I don't think there is a legend or guide describing what they mean. They are based on the user's rank and position.  For instance, super admins (Matt & yours truly) are in red, guests are in black, etc. 

PS - I am adding a legend at the bottom right now, it should appear shortly.

[Gantry]

Okay, it is up, see announcement here.

[CKorfmann]

Thanks Gantry!  You're swell.   

[CKorfmann]

To clarify, replace PLACE IMAGE LINK HERE with the link to your image and replace AND THE TEXT YOU WANT TO SHOW HERE with what you want to show in the thread....such as the word 'HERE' or 'LINK', etc.

This is a test.  This is only a test.

Sweet!  Thanks!