First things first! Head over to New Member Roll Call and post your first thread so we can get to know you!
Click here to post.
1. Where is my profile?
You should see your username at the top right of the forum, just under the search box. Click on your username, and then click it again in the dropdown box to be taken to your profile page.
2. How do I post a thread?
To the right of the forum towards the top, there’s a yellow button that says “post thread.” If you’re on the home page, a box will pop up prompting you to choose the forum you would like to post in. Choose the forum that fits your purpose. Give your thread a title and post your message in the box underneath it. There are buttons allowing you to format your text, add links, add photos, emojis, attach files, and more. When you’re happy with your post, click on “post thread” under the message box and it will be posted in the forum you chose. When someone responds, you should see notifications at the top right of the forum.
3. How do I find other members?
At the top of the forum is a button called “Members.” You can view members with the most messages, those with the most article comments, view the newest members, view who has a birthday today, or you can search for members in the box under “Find Member.” You can also see who the SMF Staff members are.
4. How do I send a private message?
Sending a private message on SMF is called “starting a conversation.” Click on the username of the person you wish to send a message. In the box that pops up, click on “start conversation” at the bottom right. You will be taken to a new page where you can send and receive messages. Enter a title for your message, then type the body of your message in the box below. Click the “Start conversation” button below your message to send it. When you receive a response, you should see a red icon appear on the bell at the top right of the forum showing that you have new messages or notifications.
5. How do I chat live?
You can chat with an individual member, or you can chat with a group. To chat with an individual member, click on their username, and in the box that pops up, click on “start chat.” Type your message and then click on “start a private conversation.” To chat with anyone who’s available, click on the Chat link at the top center of the forum menu. Click on “Join room” to enter a chat room and start talking.
6. I hate the ads. How do I get rid of them?
You can upgrade your SMF account to an ad-free account by navigating to the Home page, and then clicking on “ad-free browsing” just under the Home button. You have the option to upgrade to a monthly, yearly, bi-annual, or lifetime premier account with no ads.
7. I want to share pictures and videos in my posts. How do I do that?
In the text box where you reply to threads/posts, there are icons above and below the box that allow you to add different kinds of media. The little square with mountains inside allows you to insert an image, and the link button allows you to link outside videos. Videos can’t be imbedded, but they can be linked.
8. How do I search?
From any page in the forum, you can click in the box with the magnifying glass at the top right corner, type in your search term, and hit enter. You can also click on “Advanced search” after you click in the search box to refine the search results by forum or find posts by certain users, etc.
9. How do I respond to a thread?
Click on the title of the thread you want to respond to. To respond to the most recent post in the thread, click on ‘jump to new’ just above the first post. To respond to any post, click on quote or reply in the bottom right corner of the post. Quote will include the poster’s content; reply will simply be your response. You can write a message, add emojis, photos, etc, and then click “post reply” to add your response to the thread.
10. I’m not ready to cook outside yet, but I like it here. Can I hang around?
Of course! Everyone is welcome at SMF. You might enjoy the “Community” forum, which has the just for fun threads, but also there’s a wealth of information on cooking, gardening, and other topics found here. Enjoy looking around and we hope you stay!
11. Where can I find people near me who enjoy smoking outdoors?
At the top of SMF, you’ll see a button that says “Forums.” Click that, and then scroll down till you see a forum titled “Social Groups.” In that forum, find your state, (or any other social group that appeals to you) and then introduce yourself or message other users who have posted in your state’s forum to connect with them. Have fun!
12. I’m a little lost and confused and I have other questions. Who can I ask?
Click on the “Members” button at the top of the forum. Scroll down and there’s a box that says “Staff members.” You can message any member of staff directly with a question, or you can email us at support@smokingmeatforums.com. You can also use the search feature to search your question and see if an answer has already been posted.
13. What can I post about?
You can post about almost anything. However, we maintain a friendly community, and don’t allow divisive threads, particularly those about politics or controversial social issues. You may not post anything that is hateful, racist, sexist, or bully or harass any members of this forum. If you have an issue with another user, contact staff so it can be handled appropriately. We also strive to be family friendly, so posts with profanity or inappropriate content will be removed. You can read more of our guidelines here.
14. I’m having a problem with another member. Who can help me?
You may direct message any member of staff and give details of the issue you’re having, or you can email us at support@smokingmeatforums.com.
15. What happens if I break the community guidelines?
SMF's administrators and moderators are friendly enforcers, focused on maintaining a warm, welcoming community. If there's an issue, you may receive a warning, and your post may be edited or deleted at the discretion of our team. In most cases grace is given, but for egregious behavior you may be temporarily or permanently banned. The SMF admin team does a great job, and has sole discretion for these decisions. If you feel you have been treated unfairly or would like to appeal a decision, please email support@smokingmeatforums.com.
16. How do I add a custom cover page?
Click on your username in the top right under the search bar, and then click your name again to go to your profile page. To the right of your profile page, you’ll see a link that says “edit profile banner.” Follow the prompts to upload and image, adjust it to your liking, and select “okay” to save.
17. How do I change my profile picture?
Click on your username in the top right under the search bar, and then click your name again to go to your profile page. Mouse over your existing profile picture, and then click “Edit.” Follow the prompts to upload your image, and then click on “okay” to save it to your profile.
18. What is OTBS?
OTBS stands for Order of the Thin Blue Smoke. It’s a very special members’ group on the forum that anyone can be inducted into or nominated to if they meet certain criteria. You can read more about OTBS here and here, and you can also ask any of our staff members for more information.
19. What do all the other acronyms mean?
You’ll find a good list here. Let us know if we missed one!
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