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FAQs

Login and Registration Issues
Why can't I log in?
Why do I need to register at all?
I am getting 'You Are Not Authorized to View This Page'. What is the problem?
Why do I get logged off automatically?
How do I prevent my username from appearing in the online user listings?
I've lost my password!
I registered but cannot log in!
I registered in the past but cannot log in anymore!

Special Questions and Curiosities...
What are Moderators?
What is Fish4Tips! Member RANKING?
Why is there a Gravestone by my topic in the forums?
What is a Fish4Tips! SEA SLUG?
Can I ever get rid of slug votes?
Why does BlackBeard's Ghost look like a genie?
Who is Captain Scrod?

User Preferences and settings
How do I change my settings?
The times are not correct!
I changed the timezone and the time is still wrong!
My language is not in the list!
How do I show an image below my username?
How do I change my rank?
When I click the email link for a user it asks me to log in.

Posting Issues
How do I post a topic in a forum?
How do I edit or delete a post?
How do I add a signature to my post?
How do I create a poll?
How do I edit or delete a poll?
Why can't I access a forum?
Why can't I vote in polls?

Formatting and Topic Types
What is BBCode?
Can I use HTML?
What are Smileys?
Can I post Images?
What are Announcements?
What are Sticky topics?
What are Locked topics?

Private Messaging
I cannot send private messages!
I keep getting unwanted private messages!
I have received a spamming or abusive email from someone on this board!

phpBB 2 Issues
Who wrote this bulletin board?
Why isn't X feature available?
Whom do I contact about abusive and/or legal matters related to this board?

Why can't I log in?
Have you registered? Seriously, you must register in order to log in. Have you been banned from the board? (A message will be displayed if you have.) If so, you should contact the webmaster or board administrator to find out why. If you have registered and are not banned and you still cannot log in then check and double-check your username and password. Usually this is the problem; if not, contact the board administrator -- they may have incorrect configuration settings for the board.
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Why do I need to register at all?
You may not have to -- it is up to the administrator of the board as to whether you need to register in order to post messages. However, registration will give you access to additional features not available to guest users such as definable avatar images, private messaging, emailing to fellow users, usergroup subscription, etc. It only takes a few minutes to register so it is recommended you do so.
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I am getting 'You Are Not Authorized to View This Page'. What is the problem?
TTU uses cookies for site navigation, and these may have become corrupted. Try exiting the website, and (if you use Internet Explorer) go into Tools-> Options-> and select Delete Cookies, then re-enter the site. This will reset your cookies, and may fix the problem. If you are using another navigation tool such as Mozilla, check your documentation to reset/clear your cookie cache. If however you are actually viewing a webpage you are not authorized to see, you are out of luck. This problem may also occur if you are logged into TTU more than one session at the same time. For further problems, contact the site Moderator.
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Why do I get logged off automatically?
If you do not check the Log me in automatically box when you log in, the board will only keep you logged in for a preset time. This prevents misuse of your account by anyone else. To stay logged in, check the box during login. This is not recommended if you access the board from a shared computer, e.g. library, internet cafe, university cluster, etc.
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How do I prevent my username from appearing in the online user listings?
In your profile you will find an option Hide your online status; if you switch this on you'll only appear to board administrators or to yourself. You will be counted as a hidden user.
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I've lost my password!
Don't panic! While your password cannot be retrieved it can be reset. To do this go to the login page and click I've forgotten my password. Follow the instructions and you should be back online in no time.
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I registered but cannot log in!
First check that you are entering the correct username and password. If they are okay then one of two things may have happened: if COPPA support is enabled and you clicked the I am under 13 years old link while registering then you will have to follow the instructions you received. If this is not the case then maybe your account need activating. Some boards will require all new registrations be activated, either by yourself or by the administrator before you can log on. When you registered it would have told you whether activation was required. If you were sent an email then follow the instructions; if you did not receive the email then check that your email address is valid. One reason activation is used is to reduce the possibility of rogue users abusing the board anonymously. If you are sure the email address you used is valid then try contacting the board administrator.
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I registered in the past but cannot log in anymore!
The most likely reasons for this are: you entered an incorrect username or password (check the email you were sent when you first registered) or the administrator has deleted your account for some reason. If it is the latter case then perhaps you did not post anything? It is usual for boards to periodically remove users who have not posted anything so as to reduce the size of the database. Try registering again and get involved in discussions.
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Special Questions and Curiosities...

What are Moderators?
Moderators are individuals whose job it is to look after the running of the forums from day to day. They have the power to edit or delete your posts and lock, unlock, move, delete and split topics in the forum they moderate (on this website, we call them Ship Captains, but we are weird). Generally moderators are there to prevent people going off-topic or posting abusive or offensive material. I would give them respect....they can make you walk the plank! ;)
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What is Fish4Tips! Member RANKING?
When you first get on board Ship at Fish4Tips!, you will be assigned a rank of 0 'New Club Member'.
For every post you make in the forums, you will be awarded Rank points. Your fishdollar symbol by your name will also change to reflect your new status- although all users are free to choose an Avatar also. Note that higher ranking goes a long way in showing credibility in our fishing ponds!

The following are Member Ranks are awarded at Fish4Tips!

- New Member

- Rookie

- Flyman [CYAN]

- Angler [RED]

- Guide [BLUE]

- Senior Guide [BRONZE]

- Silver Hook [SILVER]

- Gold Pro [MULTI GOLD]

- Fish Emperor [?legendary]

NOTE: Besides kow-towing to those with tenure here, there are also REVIEWS you can give to other Fisherman at Fish4Tips!.
To see any persons REVIEWS, check the Fish4Tips! Membership List and click on any user. Then click Read reviews or User fishing tips! to see what other Fisherman here have to say about this individual. Fisherman who consistently play fair and and true have a much better chance of winning TIPS at our site!
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Why is there a Gravestone by my topic in the forums?
Well, there shouldn't be ;). It is an archive feature from an old website that used to be here called The Temporary Union that was used to clean up the forums. Here's how it used to work: If a topic hasn't had activity and is becomes over 8 days old, it will turn into a tombstone.
Readers then have TWO DAYS to reply to it. If nobody replies, and it becomes more than 10 days old...the poor soul will disappear into ARCHIVE.
You can bring dead topics back to life by clicking the DOWN ARROW at the bottom of the forum page, selecting a larger time span and replying. Resurrected topics will live another 10 days.

There is also another time a tombstone will appear, although his happens very rarely....in order for it to occur, there has to be more than 6 replies to your topic, with less than 30 hits. In other words, the subject is being beaten to death.
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What is a Fish4Tips! SEA SLUG?
A 'sea slug' is a person who posts a question on Fish4Tips!, and refuses to tip even though one or many possible valid answers were offered [BOO! HISS!!].... Although we can't force a Tipper's hand, a Club Member can cast a 'slug vote' on YOU or someone else at the site if they feel someone gave a valid answer and the topic was still left open--- or that someone was treated unfairly by YOU. To cast a slug vote, point the mouse to and click the small SLUG next to the user's name after a question is CLOSED.
There can only be one SLUG VOTE cast per wager. Although being slugged doesn't really hurt anyone, it will affect the person's 'slug percentage'. The slug percentage shows in all member profiles, and may affect who is to taken seriously when people are considering who to award treasure to!
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Can I ever get rid of slug votes?
Anyone can reduce their slug percentage, by making posts. The slug percentage is the number of posts you have made, divided by the number of slugs you have received ( a person who has only posted once, with 1 slug, has been bad 100% of the time! ) Also when you are 'promoted' and attain rank levels of Senior, Gold, and Platinum your slug vote total is reset, we believe you have earned this just by your devotion to the site! A fisherman's tip: Posting more questions and giving good answers can both reduce your slug percentage!
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Why does BlackBeard's Ghost look like a genie?
Ok, give him a break. There's been alot of outsourcing in the pirating business. You have to make a living somehow!
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Who is Captain Scrod?
Captain Scrod was the original founder of Fish4Tips!, who disappeared at sea. He may make an appearance again someday. Then again, he may not.....:)
Note: There is an unconfirmed story about Captain Scrod somewhere on this website, and also some few souveniers left from the sunk website such as coffee mugs, magnets and shirts from the old company. These are priceless.....grab them while you can!
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User Preferences and settings

How do I change my settings?
All your settings (if you are registered) are stored in the database. To alter them click the Profile link (generally shown at the top of pages but this may not be the case). This will allow you to change all your settings.
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The times are not correct!
The times are almost certainly correct; however, what you may be seeing are times displayed in a timezone different from the one you are in. If this is the case, you should change your profile setting for the timezone to match your particular area, e.g. London, Paris, New York, Sydney, etc. Please note that changing the timezone, like most settings, can only be done by registered users. So if you are not registered, this is a good time to do so, if you pardon the pun!
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I changed the timezone and the time is still wrong!
If you are sure you have set the timezone correctly and the time is still different, the most likely answer is daylight savings time (or summer time as it is known in the UK and other places). The board is not designed to handle the changeovers between standard and daylight time so during summer months the time may be an hour different from the real local time.
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My language is not in the list!
The most likely reasons for this are either the administrator did not install your language or someone has not translated this board into your language. Try asking the board administrator if they can install the language pack you need or if it does not exist, please feel free to create a new translation. More information can be found at the phpBB Group website (see link at bottom of pages)
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How do I show an image below my username?
There may be two images below a username when viewing posts. The first is an image associated with your rank; generally these take the form of stars or blocks indicating how many posts you have made or your status on the forums. Below this may be a larger image known as an avatar; this is generally unique or personal to each user. It is up to the board administrator to enable avatars and they have a choice over the way in which avatars can be made available. If you are unable to use avatars then this is the decision of the board admin and you should ask them their reasons (we're sure they'll be good!)
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How do I change my rank?
In general you cannot directly change the wording of any rank (ranks appear below your username in topics and on your profile depending on the style used). Most boards use ranks to indicate the number of posts you have made and to identify certain users. For example, moderators and administrators may have a special rank. Please do not abuse the board by posting unnecessarily just to increase your rank -- you will probably find the moderator or administrator will simply lower your post count.
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When I click the email link for a user it asks me to log in.
Sorry, but only registered users can send email to people via the built-in email form (if the admin has enabled this feature). This is to prevent malicious use of the email system by anonymous users.
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Posting Issues

How do I post a topic in a forum?
Easy -- click the relevant button on either the forum or topic screens. You may need to register before you can post a message. The facilities available to you are listed at the bottom of the forum and topic screens (the You can post new topics, You can vote in polls, etc. list)
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How do I edit or delete a post?
Unless you are the board admin or forum moderator you can only edit or delete your own posts. You can edit a post (sometimes for only a limited time after it was made) by clicking the edit button for the relevant post. If someone has already replied to the post, you will find a small piece of text output below the post when you return to the topic that lists the number of times you edited it. This will only appear if no one has replied; it also will not appear if moderators or administrators edit the post (they should leave a message saying what they altered and why). Please note that normal users cannot delete a post once someone has replied.
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How do I add a signature to my post?
To add a signature to a post you must first create one; this is done via your profile. Once created you can check the Add Signature box on the posting form to add your signature. You can also add a signature by default to all your posts by checking the appropriate radio box in your profile. You can still prevent a signature being added to individual posts by un-checking the add signature box on the posting form.
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How do I create a poll?
Creating a poll is easy -- when you post a new topic (or edit the first post of a topic, if you have permission) you should see a Add Poll form below the main posting box. If you cannot see this then you probably do not have rights to create polls. You should enter a title for the poll and then at least two options -- to set an option type in the poll question and click the Add option button. You can also set a time limit for the poll, 0 being an infinite amount. There will be a limit to the number of options you can list, which is set by the board administrator
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How do I edit or delete a poll?
As with posts, polls can only be edited by the original poster, a moderator, or board administrator. To edit a poll, click the first post in the topic, which always has the poll associated with it. If no one has cast a vote then users can delete the poll or edit any poll option. However, if people have already placed votes only moderators or administrators can edit or delete it; this is to prevent people rigging polls by changing options mid-way through a poll
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Why can't I access a forum?
Some forums may be limited to certain users or groups. To view, read, post, etc. you may need special authorization which only the forum moderator and board administrator can grant, so you should contact them.
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Why can't I vote in polls?
Only registered users can vote in polls so as to prevent spoofing of results. If you have registered and still cannot vote then you probably do not have appropriate access rights.
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Formatting and Topic Types

What is BBCode?
BBCode is a special implementation of HTML. Whether you can use BBCode is determined by the administrator. You can also disable it on a per post basis from the posting form. BBCode itself is similar in style to HTML: tags are enclosed in square braces [ and ] rather than < and > and it offers greater control over what and how something is displayed. For more information on BBCode see the guide which can be accessed from the posting page.
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Can I use HTML?
That depends on whether the administrator allows you to; they have complete control over it. If you are allowed to use it, you will probably find only certain tags work. This is a safety feature to prevent people from abusing the board by using tags which may destroy the layout or cause other problems. If HTML is enabled you can disable it on a per post basis from the posting form.
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What are Smileys?
Smileys, or Emoticons, are small graphical images which can be used to express some feeling using a short code, e.g. :) means happy, :( means sad. The full list of emoticons can be seen via the posting form. Try not to overuse smileys, though, as they can quickly render a post unreadable and a moderator may decide to edit them out or remove the post altogether.
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Can I post Images?
Images can indeed be shown in your posts. However, there is no facility at present for uploading images directly to this board. Therefore you must link to an image stored on a publicly accessible web server, e.g. http://www.some-unknown-place.net/my-picture.gif. You cannot link to pictures stored on your own PC (unless it is a publicly accessible server) nor to images stored behind authentication mechanisms such as Hotmail or Yahoo mailboxes, password-protected sites, etc. To display the image use either the BBCode [img] tag or appropriate HTML (if allowed).
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What are Announcements?
Announcements often contain important information and you should read them as soon as possible. Announcements appear at the top of every page in the forum to which they are posted. Whether or not you can post an announcement depends on the permissions required, which are set by the administrator.
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What are Sticky topics?
Sticky topics appear below any announcements in viewforum and only on the first page. They are often quite important so you should read them where possible. As with announcements the board administrator determines what permissions are required to post sticky topics in each forum.
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What are Locked topics?
Locked topics are set this way by either the forum moderator or board administrator. You cannot reply to locked topics and any poll contained inside is automatically ended. Topics may be locked for many reasons.
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Private Messaging

I cannot send private messages!
There are three reasons for this; you are not registered and/or not logged on, the board administrator has disabled private messaging for the entire board, or the board administrator has prevented you individually from sending messages. If it is the latter case you should try asking the administrator why.
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I keep getting unwanted private messages!
In the future we will be adding an ignore list to the private messaging system. For now, though, if you keep receiving unwanted private messages from someone, inform the board administrator -- they have the power to prevent a user from sending private messages at all.
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I have received a spamming or abusive email from someone on this board!
We are sorry to hear that. The email form feature of this board includes safeguards to try to track users who send such posts. You should email the board administrator with a full copy of the email you received and it is very important this include the headers (these list details of the user that sent the email). They can then take action.
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phpBB 2 Issues

Who wrote this bulletin board?
This software (in its unmodified form) is produced, released and is copyrighted phpBB Group. It is made available under the GNU General Public License and may be freely distributed; see link for more details
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Why isn't X feature available?
This software was written by and licensed through phpBB Group. If you believe a feature needs to be added then please visit the phpbb.com website and see what the phpBB Group has to say. Please do not post feature requests to the board at phpbb.com, as the Group uses sourceforge to handle tasking of new features. Please read through the forums and see what, if any, our position may already be for features and then follow the procedure given there.
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Whom do I contact about abusive and/or legal matters related to this board?
You should contact the administrator of this board. If you cannot find who that is, you should first contact one of the forum moderators and ask them who you should in turn contact. If still get no response you should contact the owner of the domain (do a whois lookup) or, if this is running on a free service (e.g. yahoo, free.fr, f2s.com, etc.), the management or abuse department of that service. Please note that phpBB Group has absolutely no control and cannot in any way be held liable over how, where or by whom this board is used. It is absolutely pointless contacting phpBB Group in relation to any legal (cease and desist, liable, defamatory comment, etc.) matter not directly related to the phpbb.com website or the discrete software of phpBB itself. If you do email phpBB Group about any third party use of this software then you should expect a terse response or no response at all.
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