Help / Frequently Asked Questions
We will be adding to the following list as we add new features or make changes.
Table of Contents:
- Why would I want to register?
- What sort of information goes into my user profile?
- What is a diary?
- How do I post a diary?
- What are popular diaries?
- What are these tags attached to the diaries?
- What is an open thread?
- How do I post a comment?
- Can I say say whatever I want in my comments?
- What's this comment rating thing?
- What is a podcast?
- How do I use HTML code?
Well, you don't have to if you don't want to. All the diaries and comments are available for public viewing, so if you're only here to lurk, you're more than welcome to do so. But only registered users can post comments and diaries or vote in polls - so if you want to interact, you'll have to register!
What sort of information goes into my user profile?
You are free to put whatever information you want in your user profile, but one of this site's new features is a color-coded bar linked to your political affiliation, so other users will know where you're coming from. Many users also like to leave a signature (usually a quote of some sort) that will appear at the bottom of all their comments.
A diary is similar to a story, written by an individual registered user. Currently you should be able to post your own new diary after being a registered user for one full day (this requirement is currently inactive). Also there is a limit of one diary per user per day (there is currently no limit). Diaries can be written on pretty much any political or news topic that the user finds to be in SwordsCrossed.org interest.
Once you register with the site and enough time expires for the diary function to become available to you (again, currently after one day), you will see the "New Diary" menu option on the right side of the main page - in the menu block. Posting rules are in effect for diaries. Also please use the Preview function before you save your diary. Try not to post very short (a sentence or two) diaries and use them to express your own thoughts in addition to or instead of just reporting the news.
Popular diaries are those that other members of the community have recommended because of their content. You'll notice a button at the top of each diary that gives you the ability to recommend it - enough recommendations, and the diary goes into the 'popular' list.
What are these tags attached to the diaries?
Diary tags make it easier to find other diaries on the same topic by allowing you to see all the diaries written on a particular topic. Whenever you submit a diary, it's a good idea to look through the list of existing tags to see what tags might be appropriate for your diary.
An open thread is space for users to discuss whatever is on their minds without the formality of a full diary. Here, you'll usually see links to news stories, shorter discussions on hot topics, and anything else users want to comment on.
Only registered users can post comments. Once you've registered, find the diary or the comment you would like to reply to and then click the "Reply" link right under it (in the case of replying to the Diary itself click on the "Post A Comment" link on the bottom of the diary page.
Can I say whatever I want in my comments?
Swords Crossed puts very little restriction on what you can post in your comments, but in an effort to keep the threads moving smoothly, we request that you refrain from profanity and attacks on other users. For more information, see Posting Rules.
What's this comment rating thing?
Actually, there is no comment rating thing at the moment. But once there is, we'll update this section of the FAQ with more information.
A podcast is a live recording of a debate that you can listen to on your computer. When SwordsCrossed began, the original founders recorded a handful of these, but with the shift in management they've become less frequent. Once the new site is settled, we may be seeing a return of the podcast, so you can hear your favorite (and least favorite) SC members duking it out in real time.
We have a diary here on the basic functions of HTML code to help you create links, post pictures, bolden text, etc.