<![CDATA[tost3 - Tips & Tricks]]> https://www.tost3.com/ Thu, 14 May 2026 06:13:54 +0000 MyBB <![CDATA[ADA Compliance]]> https://www.tost3.com/showthread.php?tid=721 Mon, 17 Apr 2023 03:58:15 -0400 ischiapp]]> https://www.tost3.com/showthread.php?tid=721
Code:
https://www.facebook.com/theshavenook/posts/pfbid0313D2wzucT52aRsVTHa5XWmpYRU4pqzvhhZDhJWf2knsAF3UGMoMkVYbYkf2CJ2E8l
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Code:
https://www.facebook.com/theshavenook/posts/pfbid0313D2wzucT52aRsVTHa5XWmpYRU4pqzvhhZDhJWf2knsAF3UGMoMkVYbYkf2CJ2E8l
]]> <![CDATA[The way I post pictures.]]> https://www.tost3.com/showthread.php?tid=535 Mon, 22 Nov 2021 22:42:04 -0500 GAW9576]]> https://www.tost3.com/showthread.php?tid=535 I'd post it.

So how I post a picture is. 

I use an app on my phone  aled image size to adjust the size of the picture to about 400KB a little over a little under doesn't seem to matter. I'm not sure what the max size is here but another forum I'm on its 400KB so the images work here and there at that size. You an use whatever program you want to size the images. Some go by pixel width. Sorry I don't know what the numbers are for that. 

Next we are ready to start a post. I greatly prefer to click on NEW REPLY in the little black box we're the red arrow is pointing. If you click were the green arrow is pointing and start typing then remember you want to post a picture you can click Preview post we're the yellow arrow is pointing and it will load a new screen with what you have already typed and allow you to post pictures too. It's kind of a hassle so I've made it a habit to just always try to remember to click on New reply.


.jpeg   1637635966547-01.jpeg (Size: 132.37 KB / Downloads: 40)

Next You should be on a screen like this.  Click in the area we're the red oval I drew is we're it say click or drop files here to upload. ( I'm on a cell phone 100% of the time on this site so I  an only click on it.) I ASSUME since it say OR DROP 
You most be able to drag and drop a picture into the box on a PC also. 


.jpeg   1637636087403-01.jpeg (Size: 172.36 KB / Downloads: 38)

Another window will open and you can find the photos you want to upload. Once you select them you should see the files pop up below were I had the red oval drawn. They have a big red rectangle around them in the next picture. After the file name to the right there is the option to remove or insert into post. Just click insert into post and if you have multiple images you can just click the next one and let them line up in the text area like were I highlighted in yellow. They will stack one on top of the other in the actual post. And not be side by side. ( at least that's the way they view on my Cell phone)


.png   Screenshot_20211122-212801~2.png (Size: 354.25 KB / Downloads: 38)

You can now click Post Thread, Preview Post or Save as draft.]]> I'd post it.

So how I post a picture is. 

I use an app on my phone  aled image size to adjust the size of the picture to about 400KB a little over a little under doesn't seem to matter. I'm not sure what the max size is here but another forum I'm on its 400KB so the images work here and there at that size. You an use whatever program you want to size the images. Some go by pixel width. Sorry I don't know what the numbers are for that. 

Next we are ready to start a post. I greatly prefer to click on NEW REPLY in the little black box we're the red arrow is pointing. If you click were the green arrow is pointing and start typing then remember you want to post a picture you can click Preview post we're the yellow arrow is pointing and it will load a new screen with what you have already typed and allow you to post pictures too. It's kind of a hassle so I've made it a habit to just always try to remember to click on New reply.


.jpeg   1637635966547-01.jpeg (Size: 132.37 KB / Downloads: 40)

Next You should be on a screen like this.  Click in the area we're the red oval I drew is we're it say click or drop files here to upload. ( I'm on a cell phone 100% of the time on this site so I  an only click on it.) I ASSUME since it say OR DROP 
You most be able to drag and drop a picture into the box on a PC also. 


.jpeg   1637636087403-01.jpeg (Size: 172.36 KB / Downloads: 38)

Another window will open and you can find the photos you want to upload. Once you select them you should see the files pop up below were I had the red oval drawn. They have a big red rectangle around them in the next picture. After the file name to the right there is the option to remove or insert into post. Just click insert into post and if you have multiple images you can just click the next one and let them line up in the text area like were I highlighted in yellow. They will stack one on top of the other in the actual post. And not be side by side. ( at least that's the way they view on my Cell phone)


.png   Screenshot_20211122-212801~2.png (Size: 354.25 KB / Downloads: 38)

You can now click Post Thread, Preview Post or Save as draft.]]> <![CDATA[Building Community - New Threads, Posting, Replying, Liking, Rating & Other Goodness]]> https://www.tost3.com/showthread.php?tid=529 Sat, 20 Nov 2021 12:28:56 -0500 Old Sarge]]> https://www.tost3.com/showthread.php?tid=529
I'd be interested in hearing any ideas folks have on building community on this forum. Please share your thoughts and opinions!

The most obvious ways to build community are to create new threads, post (your experiences, information and/or images), and/or reply to someone else's post. I can think of no more satisfying reaction to one of my posts than to see others in the community reply and provide their input. recently posted a concern about not wanting to post too often and being spammy. Our fearless leader,  replied, the gist of which is don't worry about that and post away..."We like spam...fried or written." I too had the same concern and at times wondered if I were posting too much. I suspect many new members will feel this way and I think it's up to all of us to make them feel comfortable and encourage their engagement, which can be done publicly in a reply or via private message.

Below are some of the particulars of the forum software that I've observed. If you have different experiences or are aware of other functionality, please share by replying!

There are a number of ways to engage with a post, short of replying. 

- You can like a post by clicking on the "Like" button which is located on the bottom right of the post. When you like a post, your username is displayed on the bottom left side of the post.

- You can also rate a post, by clicking on the "Rate" button located on the bottom left of the post. It is my experience that the forum software will only allow you to rate a post if you first like it, otherwise you will get an error message stating "You have already given as many reputation ratings as you are allowed to for today." If you do like a post and choose to rate it, you can select "Positive (+1)", "Neutral" or "Negative (-1)". Note that the forum defaults to the "Positive (+1)" option. You also have the option to leave a comment. There is also the functionality to rate a private message, but it has not worked for me and I've gotten the same error message detailed earlier.

The +1/-1 rating refers to a member's reputation score, which is visible on the left side of a member's post or can be seen if you view a member's profile. If you go to your own profile or click on the "User CP" link located on the top left of the forum, you can view your own reputation score. By clicking on "Details" you can see all of the individual ratings you have received and there is a scoreboard on the top right showing your ratings totals over various time periods. It is my experience that the "Positive (+1)" default is what this community uses, as I've not seen a neutral or negative rating. As you scroll down and review the individual ratings you've received, you can click on the link to the right of "Rating given for" and it will take you to your post which your were rated for. Note it is my observation that you can see the details of all other members reputation score by going to their profile, unless they've been banned. I did not see an option to hide this from your profile.

As a relatively new member to the forum, it has taken me a while to get a feel for how the community generally uses the Like/Rating options. This is the part of my post I really would like to get feedback on from everyone, as I believe the liking/rating of posts strengthens the community and encourages further sharing. 

I am speaking now only for me when I say I GENERALLY use the like button if I appreciate a post, whether I agree with it or not...as we all have different takes on things. In liking a post, I want to let the member know I have read it and thank them for participating. There may be times when I do not like a post because if fell through the cracks and I didn't see it or if someone is being snarky and I don't want to encourage further behavior as this.

Again, speaking for me only, when it comes to rating a post, I've only left "Positive +1" ratings and have not seen a reason leave a "Neutral" or "Negative -1" rating. I GENERALLY leave a positive rating if I feel that the post provides important information, if I believe it will stimulate additional engagement and/or if I have a strong reaction to it. If there were an occasion I wanted to let someone know I had an issue with their post, I believe I would likely send them a private message, instead of doing it via a neutral/negative rating since the details of ratings are publicly available.

And in conclusion (I'm sure you are glad this post is coming to an end  Big Grin), I want everyone to know that for some time I've been occasionally using the option of leaving a comment when rating a post. I use this option if I want to just leave a brief message or comment that doesn't need to be shared with the community and/or doesn't warrant a reply or private message. I don't believe the member is notified of the comment and would have to review the details of their reputation score to see it. I consider it a little gem that I've left for you to stumble across!

If you get to this point, I thank you for taking the time read my post and strongly encourage posting of your opinions on how we can build community on TOST3! Thumbsup I agree completely with  from his post I linked to earlier, I too really dig this group!]]>
I'd be interested in hearing any ideas folks have on building community on this forum. Please share your thoughts and opinions!

The most obvious ways to build community are to create new threads, post (your experiences, information and/or images), and/or reply to someone else's post. I can think of no more satisfying reaction to one of my posts than to see others in the community reply and provide their input. recently posted a concern about not wanting to post too often and being spammy. Our fearless leader,  replied, the gist of which is don't worry about that and post away..."We like spam...fried or written." I too had the same concern and at times wondered if I were posting too much. I suspect many new members will feel this way and I think it's up to all of us to make them feel comfortable and encourage their engagement, which can be done publicly in a reply or via private message.

Below are some of the particulars of the forum software that I've observed. If you have different experiences or are aware of other functionality, please share by replying!

There are a number of ways to engage with a post, short of replying. 

- You can like a post by clicking on the "Like" button which is located on the bottom right of the post. When you like a post, your username is displayed on the bottom left side of the post.

- You can also rate a post, by clicking on the "Rate" button located on the bottom left of the post. It is my experience that the forum software will only allow you to rate a post if you first like it, otherwise you will get an error message stating "You have already given as many reputation ratings as you are allowed to for today." If you do like a post and choose to rate it, you can select "Positive (+1)", "Neutral" or "Negative (-1)". Note that the forum defaults to the "Positive (+1)" option. You also have the option to leave a comment. There is also the functionality to rate a private message, but it has not worked for me and I've gotten the same error message detailed earlier.

The +1/-1 rating refers to a member's reputation score, which is visible on the left side of a member's post or can be seen if you view a member's profile. If you go to your own profile or click on the "User CP" link located on the top left of the forum, you can view your own reputation score. By clicking on "Details" you can see all of the individual ratings you have received and there is a scoreboard on the top right showing your ratings totals over various time periods. It is my experience that the "Positive (+1)" default is what this community uses, as I've not seen a neutral or negative rating. As you scroll down and review the individual ratings you've received, you can click on the link to the right of "Rating given for" and it will take you to your post which your were rated for. Note it is my observation that you can see the details of all other members reputation score by going to their profile, unless they've been banned. I did not see an option to hide this from your profile.

As a relatively new member to the forum, it has taken me a while to get a feel for how the community generally uses the Like/Rating options. This is the part of my post I really would like to get feedback on from everyone, as I believe the liking/rating of posts strengthens the community and encourages further sharing. 

I am speaking now only for me when I say I GENERALLY use the like button if I appreciate a post, whether I agree with it or not...as we all have different takes on things. In liking a post, I want to let the member know I have read it and thank them for participating. There may be times when I do not like a post because if fell through the cracks and I didn't see it or if someone is being snarky and I don't want to encourage further behavior as this.

Again, speaking for me only, when it comes to rating a post, I've only left "Positive +1" ratings and have not seen a reason leave a "Neutral" or "Negative -1" rating. I GENERALLY leave a positive rating if I feel that the post provides important information, if I believe it will stimulate additional engagement and/or if I have a strong reaction to it. If there were an occasion I wanted to let someone know I had an issue with their post, I believe I would likely send them a private message, instead of doing it via a neutral/negative rating since the details of ratings are publicly available.

And in conclusion (I'm sure you are glad this post is coming to an end  Big Grin), I want everyone to know that for some time I've been occasionally using the option of leaving a comment when rating a post. I use this option if I want to just leave a brief message or comment that doesn't need to be shared with the community and/or doesn't warrant a reply or private message. I don't believe the member is notified of the comment and would have to review the details of their reputation score to see it. I consider it a little gem that I've left for you to stumble across!

If you get to this point, I thank you for taking the time read my post and strongly encourage posting of your opinions on how we can build community on TOST3! Thumbsup I agree completely with  from his post I linked to earlier, I too really dig this group!]]> <![CDATA[Direct Link To Individual Post]]> https://www.tost3.com/showthread.php?tid=525 Tue, 16 Nov 2021 13:25:49 -0500 Old Sarge]]> https://www.tost3.com/showthread.php?tid=525
I'm going to use 's post #5 from this month's SotD thread as an example. Click here to see the post.

1) Go to the individual post that you want to link to and hover your pointer over the post # in the top right area of the post. Right click on the "#5" and a menu will appear. Click on "Copy Link".

[Image: Screen-Shot-2021-11-16-at-12-27-47.png]

2) Go to the post you are working on, click on the location in the post where you want the link to go (inserts the blinking text cursor) and click on the "Insert a link" icon, which is a little more than halfway across the bottom tool bar. A box will pop up.

[Image: Screen-Shot-2021-11-16-at-12-28-32.png]

3) Click in the text field below "URL:", right click and select paste. There are many different ways to paste, for example Control-V or Command-V. Then in the "Description (optional):" text field, you can type the text you want to be added that will be a hyperlink. For this example, I used "Click here to see the post." Click on the "Insert" button.

[Image: Screen-Shot-2021-11-16-at-12-29-12.png]

4) And you can see the outcome below and the actual link above. I captured screenshots along the way. If you scroll back up to the top of this post, you can click on the hyperlink "Click here to see this post." and it will take you to the individual post.

[Image: Screen-Shot-2021-11-16-at-12-30-20.png]

5) Here is an image of my recent tweet where I pasted the link to the Greg's post. Greg, I hope you don't mind that I used your post and image as an example...I enjoyed it very much!

[Image: Screen-Shot-2021-11-16-at-13-18-35.png]]]>
I'm going to use 's post #5 from this month's SotD thread as an example. Click here to see the post.

1) Go to the individual post that you want to link to and hover your pointer over the post # in the top right area of the post. Right click on the "#5" and a menu will appear. Click on "Copy Link".

[Image: Screen-Shot-2021-11-16-at-12-27-47.png]

2) Go to the post you are working on, click on the location in the post where you want the link to go (inserts the blinking text cursor) and click on the "Insert a link" icon, which is a little more than halfway across the bottom tool bar. A box will pop up.

[Image: Screen-Shot-2021-11-16-at-12-28-32.png]

3) Click in the text field below "URL:", right click and select paste. There are many different ways to paste, for example Control-V or Command-V. Then in the "Description (optional):" text field, you can type the text you want to be added that will be a hyperlink. For this example, I used "Click here to see the post." Click on the "Insert" button.

[Image: Screen-Shot-2021-11-16-at-12-29-12.png]

4) And you can see the outcome below and the actual link above. I captured screenshots along the way. If you scroll back up to the top of this post, you can click on the hyperlink "Click here to see this post." and it will take you to the individual post.

[Image: Screen-Shot-2021-11-16-at-12-30-20.png]

5) Here is an image of my recent tweet where I pasted the link to the Greg's post. Greg, I hope you don't mind that I used your post and image as an example...I enjoyed it very much!

[Image: Screen-Shot-2021-11-16-at-13-18-35.png]]]> <![CDATA[Adding a video]]> https://www.tost3.com/showthread.php?tid=508 Fri, 24 Sep 2021 17:26:29 -0400 GAW9576]]> https://www.tost3.com/showthread.php?tid=508 or anyone else if you click the new reply button you get the screen pictured below. If you click the little film icon were the red arrow is pointing it let's you enter the URL from YouTube or several other sites. First pick the site from the list then enter the link below.
I had to ask for help with this one too.


.png   IMG_24092021_172540_(1080_x_2300_pixel).png (Size: 326.79 KB / Downloads: 101) ]]> or anyone else if you click the new reply button you get the screen pictured below. If you click the little film icon were the red arrow is pointing it let's you enter the URL from YouTube or several other sites. First pick the site from the list then enter the link below.
I had to ask for help with this one too.


.png   IMG_24092021_172540_(1080_x_2300_pixel).png (Size: 326.79 KB / Downloads: 101) ]]> <![CDATA[Lessons Learned: Inserting Photos]]> https://www.tost3.com/showthread.php?tid=483 Tue, 14 Sep 2021 16:41:40 -0400 Old Sarge]]> https://www.tost3.com/showthread.php?tid=483
- If you have to resize pics to fit, it appears that resizing to a width of 1000 pixels allows for an edge to edge pic to post. At least this is what worked for me using the not so high quality pics from a 1st Gen iPhone SE. It may or may not be the same for you, but could be a good starting point.

- To insert pics, click on the big box at the bottom of the post "Click or drop some files here to upload...", a box opens where you can select a file from your computer to upload. Once uploaded, the file(s) is/are listed below the box where you are give the option to either "Remove" or "Insert Into Post".

- If you have a pic listed as an attachment and "Post Thread" without clicking the "Insert Into Post" button, the pic will show up at the bottom of your post as "Attached Files"/"Images".

- However, if prior to posting your thread you click on "Insert Into Post", your photo will be inserted using a tag (example "[attachment=####]"). If you insert multiple pics, you will have multiple tags that are sequentially numbered. You can cut and paste these tags if you want to move the pic within the post to allow for text in-between.

- While the edit button is available to adjust a post, the "Preview Post" button is your friend to review your post before it goes live.

Please let me know if I've been less than clear or incorrect in the above. Also, please add your own lesson learned on what works for you when posting pics. I'm not sure if it will be the same for those working on a phone vs. a computer.]]>
- If you have to resize pics to fit, it appears that resizing to a width of 1000 pixels allows for an edge to edge pic to post. At least this is what worked for me using the not so high quality pics from a 1st Gen iPhone SE. It may or may not be the same for you, but could be a good starting point.

- To insert pics, click on the big box at the bottom of the post "Click or drop some files here to upload...", a box opens where you can select a file from your computer to upload. Once uploaded, the file(s) is/are listed below the box where you are give the option to either "Remove" or "Insert Into Post".

- If you have a pic listed as an attachment and "Post Thread" without clicking the "Insert Into Post" button, the pic will show up at the bottom of your post as "Attached Files"/"Images".

- However, if prior to posting your thread you click on "Insert Into Post", your photo will be inserted using a tag (example "[attachment=####]"). If you insert multiple pics, you will have multiple tags that are sequentially numbered. You can cut and paste these tags if you want to move the pic within the post to allow for text in-between.

- While the edit button is available to adjust a post, the "Preview Post" button is your friend to review your post before it goes live.

Please let me know if I've been less than clear or incorrect in the above. Also, please add your own lesson learned on what works for you when posting pics. I'm not sure if it will be the same for those working on a phone vs. a computer.]]> <![CDATA[How to tag people ?]]> https://www.tost3.com/showthread.php?tid=482 Tue, 14 Sep 2021 15:06:35 -0400 Dave in KY]]> https://www.tost3.com/showthread.php?tid=482 The @ sign is used before the name with no spacing. @ tobyc with no space between the @ sign and the name and it will show up as this

If the name has spaces in it, it's just a little trickier. You'll need to use the " before and after the name as it appears online. So looks like @ "old sarge" with no space between the @ sign or the name in quotes.]]> The @ sign is used before the name with no spacing. @ tobyc with no space between the @ sign and the name and it will show up as this

If the name has spaces in it, it's just a little trickier. You'll need to use the " before and after the name as it appears online. So looks like @ "old sarge" with no space between the @ sign or the name in quotes.]]> <![CDATA[Changing your Theme]]> https://www.tost3.com/showthread.php?tid=142 Thu, 16 Jul 2020 16:51:32 -0400 Flintstone]]> https://www.tost3.com/showthread.php?tid=142
  1. Click this link:  Open My Control Panel

  2. Go to the bottom right of the screen where it says:  Other Options

  3. Find the "Board Style:" (last thing in the other options) and drop down lis to see your theme choices

  4. Select a theme choice from the drop down list and click the "Update Options" button at the very bottom of the page

  5. If the above doesn't work -- yell for help with a PM to a Mod or Admin
]]>
  1. Click this link:  Open My Control Panel

  2. Go to the bottom right of the screen where it says:  Other Options

  3. Find the "Board Style:" (last thing in the other options) and drop down lis to see your theme choices

  4. Select a theme choice from the drop down list and click the "Update Options" button at the very bottom of the page

  5. If the above doesn't work -- yell for help with a PM to a Mod or Admin
]]>