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What is the "All" message view option?

When you select "All" from the message view list (the default), all the posts are shown in reverse chronological order (the newest posts are on top).

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What is the "Topics" message view option?

When you select "Topics" on the message view list, all the posts are grouped by the original Topic (or subject) that was posted. To view the original message in the Topic and all replies to it, click on any Topic in the list. To start your own topic, click on the "Post a Message" button.

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What is the "Recs/Prefs" message view option?

When you select "Recs/Prefs" on the message view list, only posts with more than 4 recommendations and at least 15% approval are displayed as well as posts from authors you have designated as "preferred."

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Why do I need to sign in?

You do not need to sign in to read messages, but to take advantage of all of the available features on our message boards, such as posting and recommending messages, you will need to be a registered member of EXPN. If you have already registered with EXPN directly or through one of the GO Network sites, enter your username and login information on the sign in page. If you have not registered before, follow the instructions to create a new account. Refer to our privacy policy for a description on how information you provide for these accounts will be used.

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What are "Hits-Recs" in the Message List?

Hits and recommendations. Hits are the number of times registered users have viewed a message. Recommendations are the number of times that registered users choose to add an endorsement to the message. You can recommend messages that you feel are worth reading by clicking on the "Recommend" button on the message you are reading (after you have signed in). The recommendation tally will increase, alerting other users that the message is of particular interest. A single user can recommend a message only once.

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What does it mean to "Prefer" or "Ignore" another user?

You can assign a status to any other user by selecting "Preferred," "Neutral" or "Ignored" in the header of the user's message. This status will affect how the posts are displayed on the message list to help you identify the users you particularly like or dislike. All users are neutral by default. When a user becomes "preferred" their text will become white on your screen and the user's message will be highlighted. Ignored user's text and messages will appear in a subdued tone on your screen so they appear less prominently than others. This makes it easy to identify which posts you would like to read.

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What are threads (or "Topics")?

Message threads are basically "conversations" that take place based on links between messages. Once a message is replied to, both the original message, the reply and all subsequent replies become part of the same thread, or "Topic." To view a list of all messages in a thread, click the Thread link in a message or select the "Topic" message view.

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How do you create bold and italic text within my messages?

Message Boards allow a limited number of html tags to help you format and customize your messages. You can use the following tags: <b>Bold</b>   <I>Italic</I>.

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How do you create a link within the text of my message?

To create a link, simply type the entire URL into your message, including "http://" The URL will appear in your message as a link.

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Why are asterisks replacing the text you type?

The Message Boards use a language filter to discourage profanity in Message Board discussions. Usually it will only filter out words that are commonly understood to be offensive. Occasionally the filter misinterprets inoffensive words as offensive. If you see a post that is offensive, please report it to comments@expn.go.com.

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Where can you ask questions or make comments about Message Boards?

If you would like to ask questions, make comments, or report problems with the Message Boards, e-mail comments@expn.go.com.We welcome your input and encourage you to provide suggestions on how the Message Boards can better serve your needs and interests.