Sgt_Pepper
08-10-2008, 12:10 AM
This post will be added to as I think of more questions that people should be asking but don't. If you have something you want to add to the thread, please keep it topical.
Q: I posted a list of items for sale and used numerals and parentheses to list the items. Why does the beginning of line 8 look like an emoticon (smiley face)?
A: Because the numeral 8 followed by a close parentheses ) is interpreted by the vBulletin software as an emoticon, like this 8). Remember, a computer program doesn't know what you want it to do, it only knows what you tell it to do. You can avoid this in one of two ways: 1. Below the message window is a box marked Additional Options. Before posting, click on the box marked "Disable smilies in text" to check it and the emoticon will not appear. 2. Don't use a numeral 8 and a close parentheses; instead, use a numeral 8 and a period or colon.
Q: My spelling, grammar, syntax and semantic and typographic skills make people wonder if I've been drinking heavily or perhaps suffered a head injury. They complain and make fun of me. What should I do?
A: If you have the skills and wits to read and understand high school-level English, get a copy of The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr and E.B. White. It is small, easy to use and has everything you need to write clearly. If you aren't capable of understanding the concepts in this excellent book, there's not much anyone can do for you except make sure you're fed regularly, learn how to use the toilet, have clean, warm clothing to wear and brush your teeth every day.
Q: How do those Quote thingys work?
A: Scroll down the page and find a small box on the left marked Posting Rules. Inside the box is something like:
You may post new threads
You may post replies
You may post attachments
You may edit your posts
-------------------------
vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
The first four items are self-explanatory. The next four items indicate what special posting features are turned on or off. Click on vB code and a new window will open onto a world of hitherto-undreamed-of knowledge.
As I said, more later.
Q: I posted a list of items for sale and used numerals and parentheses to list the items. Why does the beginning of line 8 look like an emoticon (smiley face)?
A: Because the numeral 8 followed by a close parentheses ) is interpreted by the vBulletin software as an emoticon, like this 8). Remember, a computer program doesn't know what you want it to do, it only knows what you tell it to do. You can avoid this in one of two ways: 1. Below the message window is a box marked Additional Options. Before posting, click on the box marked "Disable smilies in text" to check it and the emoticon will not appear. 2. Don't use a numeral 8 and a close parentheses; instead, use a numeral 8 and a period or colon.
Q: My spelling, grammar, syntax and semantic and typographic skills make people wonder if I've been drinking heavily or perhaps suffered a head injury. They complain and make fun of me. What should I do?
A: If you have the skills and wits to read and understand high school-level English, get a copy of The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr and E.B. White. It is small, easy to use and has everything you need to write clearly. If you aren't capable of understanding the concepts in this excellent book, there's not much anyone can do for you except make sure you're fed regularly, learn how to use the toilet, have clean, warm clothing to wear and brush your teeth every day.
Q: How do those Quote thingys work?
A: Scroll down the page and find a small box on the left marked Posting Rules. Inside the box is something like:
You may post new threads
You may post replies
You may post attachments
You may edit your posts
-------------------------
vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
The first four items are self-explanatory. The next four items indicate what special posting features are turned on or off. Click on vB code and a new window will open onto a world of hitherto-undreamed-of knowledge.
As I said, more later.