Discover the features of the AMCA
on-line bulletin board

Using the Antique Motorcycle Clubs Bulletin Board is as easy as 1-2-3. After learning how to post messages, you are encouraged to share your thoughts. If you have questions which are not answered in this article, or that are not in the frequently asked questions (F.A.Q.) area on the bulletin board, please feel free to ask them on the board, in the forum titled "Make Suggestions, Share Ideas". You can also ask me directly at thewebguy@antiquemotorcycle.org.

To get you started here are some Bulletin Board common terms:
Board - This includes all the categories, forums, threads, posts and users.
User / member - someone who has registered or posted a message on the bulletin board.
Post - an individual message posted by a user.
Thread - a group of posts usually on a certain subject.
Forum - a group of threads again usually on a certain subject.
Category - forums can be grouped into categories

Additional terms can be found in the F.A.Q. area. - but this will get you started. You can see how the board is structured very much like a filing cabinet or a very long physical cork board.

Learn to navigate & Register to post messages
STEP 1.
When you click on any link to go to the Bulletin Board (BB), take note of the control center in the top right corner of each BB page (Purple buttons). The control center will look like the sample your see below and will contain the links necessary for you to register yourself, on the bulletin board, manage your personal information and preferences and discover some powerful features of this program.

The registration process asks for a user name and other unique personal data, including your email address and AMCA membership number. To validate you and your address, a randomized password is generated and immediately sent to your email address. You must use the user name you selected EXACTLY AS YOU TYPED IT along with the password to post messages and gain access to the other controls. You may change your password anytime by clicking on my profile and supplying your current password. Only then will you be able to change your personal information.

A general pointer would be to say yes to the option of using cookies. The private messaging and buddy list has been disabled for security reasons. You will also be given the option of displaying your email address to other users when registering. This option will give you complete anonymity when using the board if this is what you want. ie. I only want to talk to people through this board. I do not want anyone emailing me directly. Which is fine. We respect members "total privacy" if that is what they wish.

STEP 2.
To post messages on the AMCA BB, all you need to remember to do is click on either of the two "Post" buttons where ever you see them displayed. The "Post New Thread" button allows you to start a new Topic, or thread of messages, and will list it's subject as a text link on the list of topics in the forum you are viewing. The "Post A Reply" button is displayed only on the thread pages where the messages can be read, and will let you respond to the topic being discussed. It is a common rule to read the first post of the thread to know what the topic is about, then discipline yourself to "stay on topic" and keep your information in line with the train of thought presented. If you wish to change the subject of a discussion, it is best to use the "Post New Topic" button in stead. Below, are samples of the two buttons used on the board.


STEP 3.
After you have posted a message, be sure it reads the way you want it to by viewing it with your web browser. If it needs changed you can click on the edit icon below your displayed message to make changes. You will also notice other icons below each message which you can click on to find out more about the person who wrote the message.
Feel free to look around. Click on stuff. You can't break it. It's a live database. Practice posting in the general area. Many folks do this just to see what it looks like. And this is fine, don't be embarrassed. Have fun!

MORE GREAT STUFF TO KNOW
Placing photos and attachments in your posts is one of the nice features of the AMCA BB. Learn how to create links or display photos, by clicking on the IMG Code link found on any message editing screen. Read about attachments in the FAQ area. Or you can edit an image to fit into the 600 x 600 pixel size with a resolution of 72 pixels per inch. This .jpg image can be uploaded with your post to be stored on the Board.

Photos are not permitted in all forums, so be aware of the notes to the bottom left of the editing box on the editing screens.



Below, is a screen-capture image of a single forum heading form the AMCA Bulletin Board. What you are looking at is the forum link which leads into the list of topics, of the forum "General AMCA Forum". Notice the column labels on the mustard header bar indicating the various parts of data for the forum. One of which is "Posts" which shows the number of posts made to the forum. The grey bar is a category header listing the name of grouped forums directly below it. In this sample, six forums are shown.

The check mark icon on the left (when highlighted) indicates and new post has been added to that area. The arrow on the far right when clicked will take you directly to that last post.


Forums on the AMCA Bulletin Board are currently grouped into eight main categories.

General AMCA Forum, General Restoration Discussions, Technical Discussions Harley-Davidson, Technical Discussions Indian, Other Manufactures, Classified Ads, Judging Discussion, and Road Run Photos.

You'll find club news and help in the general area, and restoration and technical interest forums for everyone in the indicated areas. Please visit each of the areas to get better acquainted with this web site and it's many users around the world. Select show posts from beginning if nothing is showing. We welcome your input in any of the forums as you see fit. Ads may only be placed according to the rules and policies of this service. Feel free to review them at any time.

When you start a new thread you can include a "poll" that others can vote with. This allows others to vote on the same issue. Results are displayed live.

After you have had a good look around you can click the "Mark all forms read" button located at the bottom right of the home page. When you return another day, you can click the "View new posts" button under your user name welcome- top right. This is a great time saving feature and will show you every new post that has been added from your last visit.

This additional feature is super handy! You can subscribe to forums. Click on the forum title you want. On the top right under new thread button you will see "Subscribe to this Forum". Just click this title and a subscription to it will be automatically added to your profile. The database will auto email you when someone posts. You can un-subscribe in your user profile. A great feature for folks who are only interested in specific areas and want to get in and out quickly. This is the ticket!

The AMCA Bulletin Board is not only a friendly place to come, but it's also user-friendly. Every effort is made to simplify it's workings and policies to allow you the freedom to concentrate on the quality of the content you supply. It is our hope that you feel good by your visits to your club site, and inspired to contribute some of your knowledge, or maybe ask other members a simple question that has you stumped. So, enjoy this service, as you join the fun and "Let the good times roll."

© 2007 AMCA