Welcome to the Booman Tribune! This page is a handy guide to show you how to navigate the site and fully utilize the SCOOP software that is used here. For more info on the site’s purpose, as well as a few `rules of the pond’, check out the Frequently Asked Questions page.
First things first, you should register as a user of the site. It’s free. You’ll find that this place will come alive when you register because you can see all of the features that will be explained below. Time to dip your toes in the frog pond:
MAIN MENU
At the top of the homepage you will see the Main Menu that has the following links:
- Home – Booman Tribune Homepage
- Your Page – takes you to your personal homepage with tabs showing your User Info, Diary, Comments, Ratings, Stories and Preferences
- Recent Comments – shows you the latest comments by users logged into the site.
- Diaries – Lists the diaries posted starting with the most recent
- Store – Purchase Booman Tribune merchandise to support the community. There are tshirts, bumper stickers and books by BooTrib authors being offered at this time.
- Regional Threads (West, Midwest, South, East, World/Open) – local news, events and discussion are encouraged on these threads. The World/Open thread is for international users as well as general comments to the community.
DIARIES
The diaries are the heart of the BooTrib community. They can be posted by any registered user and are listed on the right side of the homepage screen. You will find that the diversity of the community is reflected in the diary entries. We all come from different backgrounds, and in some cases, different countries. This gives us an opportunity to hear varying opinions on the world’s political news as well as an occasional personal testimony of life.
One day you may feel brave enough to submit your own diary entry to the site. Simply click on the “New Diary Entry” link in the menu bar at the top right of the homepage screen. While HTML knowledge is helpful, it’s not required to submit a text-only diary. If you want to spice up your entry with features such as web-links or pictures, check out user superscalar’s very helpful beginners’ guide to HTML.
HOTLISTING DIARIES
Here at the Booman Tribune, there is a lot of collective passion and in-depth knowledge about the political issues of the day. Sometimes a diary will grab your attention and will be something you want to re-visit later. The site has a handy feature called “Hotlist” that allows you to bookmark your favorite entries. To put a diary on your hotlist, click on the plus sign (+) next to the title. This will create a menu on the right side of your screen with your selected diaries for quick viewing. To remove a diary from your hotlist, click on the minus sign (-) next to the title.
RECOMMENDED DIARIES
You may be asking yourself why some of the diaries are considered Recommended. This site operates on a rating system that allows the community to highlight diaries that they feel provide excellent commentary on an issue. Any registered user can recommend a diary by clicking on the “Recommend this Diary” button on the right side of the entry. The diaries that have the most Recommends are featured.
The software that runs the site also allows for time to play a factor in whether a diary makes the Recommended list. This helps to refresh the entries on a day-to-day basis so various diaries get featured.
RECOMMENDED WORLD DIARIES
One of the things that sets the Booman Tribune apart from other political blogs is the commentary by many bloggers outside the United States. Featured diaries by the international community are set apart in the Recommended World Diaries section. The same rules apply to these entries as the previous Recommended Diaries section. The authors’ country abbreviation is listed after their user name; for example: (GB) stands for Great Britain.
COMMENTS
The Booman Tribune is a democratic site. This means that dialogue and debate is encouraged for each of the issues raised. Every diary and front-page story has a comment function that allows users to interact with the author and fellow BooTribbers. Don’t overlook the spell-check feature when posting a comment, it’s there for a reason and helps with the flow of discussion.
Comments can be viewed using several different views. They are:
- Nested
- Threaded
- Minimal
- Flat
- Flat Unthreaded
- Dynamic Threaded
- Dynamic Minimal
Rather than completely confuse you on the different view options, you can play around with them while you’re reading the diaries. Choose the one you like the most. The default setting is Nested in case you were wondering.
RATING COMMENTS
As mentioned above, this site operates on a rating system; commonly known as `mojo’. Users are able to rate comments based on whether or not they feel the comment is helpful to the discussion. This does not mean that you should down-rate comments you don’t agree with. The ratings are used to frog-march any trolls, or pond scum, from the site. See the FAQ page for more info on trolls. The `mojo meter’ is as follows:
- none – no rating given for the comment
- 4 – Excellent
- 3 – Good
- 2 – Warning!
- 1 – Troll
- 0 – Mega Troll (only Trusted Users can give a Zero rating)
Users can give out mojo by clicking on the “Rate All” button that follows each comment on a thread. With this feature, you can submit all your ratings at once for a page after you’ve read through all the comments; rather than having to rate each comment individually.
TRUSTED USERS
After you have been on the site for awhile and gained some mojo, you may find yourself as a Trusted User. TU’s are BooTribbers who have accumulated a higher-than-average amount of mojo and interact regularly. If you become a Trusted User, you have a bigger responsibility to help keep the site running smoothly as well as welcoming newcomers like you. Who knows, you may even be asked to write a welcome page like this one!
That’s about all for this Newbie Guide. On behalf of the rest of the Booman Tribune community, welcome to the frog pond and remember, Splash Nicely or be Frog-Marched!
The first draft of this was posted on May 6, 2005 for group revisions; consider this Round Two.
and you’re still a stud-like hoss… 🙂
headline still freaks me out. I like the one I used here much better. 🙂
Thanks, Man E for the help for those of us who are still somewhat html challenged.
If you have any further questions, feel free to ask. The more people participating, the better the dialog around here.
and remember, the froggy golden shower rule…
Don’t be a prickasaurus. 🙂
Psst Damnit Ryan can’t seem to sign on. (?)
I keep my security settings at never accept, ergo, I have to reset when signing in…just a thought.
Peace
Damnit Ryan sent BooMan an email?
Here’s the addy: admin@boomantribune.com
Great summation Manny…this should become a part of the Menu…perhaps as Community Information
Kudos!
Peace
Rules? Instructions?
WTF? You want me to read something and play by the rules and understand what the ‘stuff’ is supposed to do???
What – you think we are Democrats or something?
Playing by the rules and reading instructions – pffffffffftttt!
always a trick to write out Instructions without turning them into Destructions.
“pffffffttttt” – is that a new mating call that I have yet to learn? 😛
heehee
Really–I’m just reading the comments!
Sorry, I can’t get behind this at all… there doesn’t appear to be anything at all about me in this guide for new users and that’s just wrong on so many levels…
😉
how about something like:
To join spiderleaf’s clique, click here.
well, although not ideal as it is not fawning enough, I suppose it will have to work for the sake of community unity and all…
but only if you stop raining on my Illuminati conspiracy theories… I draw a line somewhere… 🙂
You know…
I humbly asked to join Spiderleaf’s clique 4, count em, FOUR days ago.
Here was her initial response:
I’m still waiting.
It’s not as if I don’t have my own clique. Which needs no “click here” feature by the way. In my clique you don’t have to worry about endless clicking on the click here, clique joining button.
Oh fine, if you’re gonna be all sensitive about it, you can join my damn clique already.
😉
I can add a section on GBCFP diaries.
That was some of my best whining for sure… 😉
I’m struggling over the apostrophe in “First thing’s first.” To be there, or not to be there?! Does that mean, “First things are first?” In which case, it’s a contraction, and yes. Or does it mean, “That which belongs to the first thing must come first?” In which case, possessive, and yes. But does it mean simply, “First things (should come) first,” in which case, no.
This is dreadfully important, of course, and must be settled before the next Presidential election, or who knows what will happen?
Pigs will lay down with caterpillars?
The Gulf stream will reverse?
Martians will take over CNN?
Thank Yahweh you caught that kansas, I actually read that as “Frist thing’s first” and was quite concerned for Man E’s sanity.
😉
It will destroy the Institution of Marriage, and kill the baby Santa Claus.
“Frist thing’s.” Ew!
Well we’ll all end up arguing with ourself’s and end up with a mass banning’s…or somethings’ like that.”’
Peace
Funny link, dada.
IANAE, so I bow to your editorial skills. That’s why I put it out here for new eyes to see. 🙂
Aak! I knew you were going to say that! I’m just a writer. We need a real editor’s eye.
Maybe a contraction but singular instead of plural, as in (The)First thing is first. Although, if it’s singular thing rather than plural things, then there is no need to put it in order.
First things first; none last.
?
I’d leave the apostrophe out, because I hear “things” as plural (as in first things come first) but that’s just me… with the apostrophe before the “s” it becomes singular and that doesn’t look right at all…
Maybe you can help me with this ‘chicken and egg’ thing I’ve been working on…
🙂
Yeah, is it the chicken’s egg or the egg’s chicken?
Exactly. First things first.
the errant apostrophe, how does it look now?
Thank you! I feel strangely relieved! My sinuses cleared up and my complexion improved. Plus, you saved the baby Santa.
Seventy-something may be on the outer end of adolescence (well especially for us fellows) but it is by no means “old.”
Please, New Users who are more than seventy something do not think that you are not welcome at the BooMan Tribune. Just register and choose the last option offered in the poll.
ManEgee is still learning how high numbers go, and besides people are always posting pictures of his body parts, which has caused him to have to make adjustments in his medication.
I was considering answering with the final response myself and then figured since my days of considering myself a 30-something are numbered – we’re literally talking days now as the big four-oh is rearing its head late this month – I’d milk my 30-something status for as long as I can.
Actually, I’m thinking of taking the Jack Benny approach and simply remaining 39 for the remainder of my existence. 🙂
I beseech thee thy forgiveness for my transgressions. As penance, I shall flagellate myself with uncooked spaghetti and seek out the High Priest for confession.
you are only allowed to use cooked pasta, and it must be rotini or bow tie. You are, however, allowed to put alfredo sauce in your hair for extra penance.
I should’ve read up on the documents from the Second Vermicelli Council. The damn liberal reformers are screwing everything up!
Do you have any idea how hard it is to get a good grip on bow tie pasta for the purpose of flagellation? Oh, dear. You do?
The alfredo has excellent conditioning and adhesive properties which serve both to repair damaged hair and secure those attractive capellini extensions so vital to fashion conscious penitents.
ouch! I thought the public floggings were out, or is there still the exception for entertainment?
Expecting us to be serious. Or maybe not expecting so much as hoping. Or maybe not hoping so much as wagering against the odds. Or maybe not betting against the house so much as making a last-ditch effort. Or maybe he’s just crazy from having to stop taking his meds because of all those body parts showing up in public places.
We love you, ManE! It’s a really really good thing you did!
<‘s? s’? s?>
Thanks Man E, I’ve been looking for an update with expanded helpfulness.
In particular I’ll use your links for “Scoop Software” and “Beginner’s Guide to HTML”. Most of the rest I got by context and months of lurking, but anything more than plain text has me buffaloed.
Oh, and I took the poll. I won’t tell you but this hint -I increased my category by 50% !
Also took poll! All I am saying is that I am having a birthday next month that I am NOT looking forward to!
thanks for the feedback. If you’re ever looking for specific HTML help, drop a line in one of the Froggy Bottom Cafe threads. Someone usually comes around and helps out with instructions.
Have a good day!
Now I’m confused. Is this a guide for new users or a user guide that is new? Enquiring minds want to know.
I respond with a blank stare, will you be pacified?
I’m easily pacified. 😉
That’s what Darth and his pet monkey-goat are hoping.
If new users are reading these comments, some may probably never log in again!!
I,m an old user. Is there a guide for that?
but I may have a pump somewhere around here to inflate that apostrophe of yours. It looks like it could use a lift 😀
I jest, leezy. We’re still debating the apostrophe in the diary…awaiting an editor like Cedwyn to massacre my masterpiece.
Hi!
ROTFLMAO….This whole thread is hysterical. Feels good to come here and read and laugh for a change. I am so sick of crying and being angry.
Just so you know… I was being completely serious & don’t appreciate being laughed at…
😉
Cry baby!You want some cheese and crackers with that whine?
only if you’re serving brie and french bread thank you very much.
😉
Only the best for you my dear and some shrimp stuffed with water chestnuts and jalepenos wrapped in bacon and grilled…yum!
How about Velveeta and Spam on Ritz? Nothing but the best for a lady of your stature Spidey ;o)
Damn! I’m hungry AGAIN!! Woke up a few nights ago and was hungry as hell…Actually cooked for the first time in a few weeks. Now, after reading all of these comments, I want to eat again. Just checked the fridge and cupboards and the best I can do is a peanut butter sandwich or dry cereal out of the box. Hell, there’s food in the house, but not all the stuff necessary to eat a good meal. Snowed today and I felt like sleeping most of the day, so I didn’t bother to go out. Recuperating’s tough! Seriously, I cannot believe how much energy this bronchial pneumonia took out of me!
It is necessary for recuperation from illness.
I’m a vegetarian!!!! (Also have some other food alergies!)
I had what’s called walking pnuemonia about ten years ago. It took forever for that to go away if indeed I ever really fully recovered from it. The Dr. said to get in bed for two weeks and rest. I laughed my ass off and told her to give my boss a call with that absurd request. Shit, this is America afterall.
P.s.
What kind of dry cereal? Got any pancake syrup in the house? Mix that with some peanut butter and heat it up over the cereal. Bonus if it’s Cap’n Crunch ;o)
Then again, that mixture might do more damage to your body than the pnuemonia.
In fact, you should disregard this comment entirely ;oP
Cereal/everything is organic–raisin bran, granola, wheat crunch and a couple of others. So far I have had 6 spinach and 3 broccoli pancakes w/garden vegetable tofu/cream cheese–hey, its good! (None left!) Scrambled eggs, cheese wrapped in organic tortillas, yogurt (none left), a peanut butter sandwich, and now I’m drinking some fruit juice! I know what would really hit the spot–vegetarian lasagna–but I don’t have the energy to do the dishes, let alone cook it!
Wouldn’t suprise me if we have/had the same thing, just under a different name! Take it easy for a few weeks! Right! I’m a winter person!!! And there was a nice snowfall today! (Friend of mine just got a new snowmobile too!) Know how bad I want to go outside? But it just wears me out! That’s torture!!!!
Kinda like my boobs…teehee!
Sooo made me laugh.
LOL, never knew about the rate all question. Just thought some people spent a lot of time doing that on the cafe’s.
err.. option.
When did someone post pictures of Manny’s booty??? I must’ve miss that! I demand a re-post post haste. Please 🙂
Thanks for the above info, I’ll pass it on to Ryan.
I could say it was my booty… O:-)
Was it a scary nasty haircut in order to make your loved ones giggle??
Regardless… you are gorgeous Manny! Inside and Out.
Aw, nuts.
Interesting age distribution in the poll so far… we skew older here at Boo than I expected (I’m not going to admit which bar on the graph represents my bracket– you can ask me, but I will lie). I wonder how this compares to other sites… let us imagine if there were, hypothetically, a similar site– let’s call it Daily Floss. I wonder what their age distribution would look like, and if it’s the reason for this site’s, um, different tone compared to the hypothetical other (I’m not going to be more specific about the tone difference or name names, because I don’t want to start another one of those sibling rivalry threads that are so tiresome; I like both sites and frequent them daily, even if I don’t post comments here or there very often).
Here’s a link to a similar poll at DKos this past December.
under 14 43 votes – 0 %
15-20 352 votes – 2 %
21-25 989 votes – 7 %
26-30 1144 votes – 8 %
31-35 1255 votes – 9 %
36-40 1647 votes – 12 %
41-45 1729 votes – 13 %
46-50 1742 votes – 13 %
51-55 1661 votes – 13 %
56-60 1186 votes – 9 %
61-65 611 votes – 4 %
Over 66 395 votes – 3 %
12754 Total Votes
Thanks. So much for my hunch– both poll roughly the same.
This is insane–I was just going to call it a nite, and all of a sudden, I’m hungry again!!!!!!!!!!!
hmmmm, I would like to add: “Gator Menu” ; )
LOL….thanks ManE…peace
the guide’s all yours, señor. I hope it will help more lurkers get active around here. Let me know if you need anything else.
I just watched the documentary, “Orwell Rolls In His Grave,” over at Freespeech.Org. What a nightmare!
They even have that bass clef “G” sustained continuo note that sounds like Jaws coming up to the surface to bite you in half!
Please watch the film while you still can!