Questions About Pod Chat

The Images option gives you access to a bunch of images that you can insert into your messages, and express yourself graphically to your fellow pod chatting partners. You can view the list of images available to you by selecting either the Images tab or Images option, depending on which interface you're using. In Java or ActiveX, select the Images tab; in Java Light, choose "Show Images" under the Options tab; and in HTML, select "Images" from the Options tab.

After you have found the list of images, note the name of the image you want to use. Type the image's name with // in front of it in your Chat Send box at the bottom of the window. You can type a message on either side of the image code, and send it to either a private user or a public chat room by clicking on Send.

For example, if you're crazy about New York, and want to send a "heart" graphic in your message about it, you should type something like this:

I //heart New York!!!

Use graphics in Pod Chat rooms or in direct messages to add a fun twist to regular chat conversations. Adding images to your messages adds a new dimension of creativity and interactivity to Pod Chats on Tripod!

Q: How do I send a direct message?

Sending a direct message to anyone in the Pod Chat system is easy. Follow these simply steps for success:

In the User list, highlight the user's name you would like to send a direct message to.
Click the Direct Message button. (In the HTML interface, just click on the user's name to get to the message panel.)
In the dialog box that pops up, type your message in the "Message Text" field. You can also redirect the message to another person my typing another user's name in the "Send Message To" field.
Click Send to (ummm... ) send the message. You can click Cancel to — guess? — cancel the message if you want.

S'more tips:
If the user you've chosen to send a message to has indicated that they do not want to accept any direct messages, your message will be refused. You'll find out about this in a confirmation message that will appear in your Messages window.

You can select multiple users and send a message to each simultaneously. Just hold down your shift button on your keyboard and click on the users to select more than one user; then click Send Message. Notice that the users are all listed in the "Send Message To" field.

Q: Is it possible to change chat rooms?

Yup. Just highlight the name of the chat room you want to go to, and click the Change Room button. You'll be whisked away and set down in the new room.

Q: Can I create a private room?

You sure can. In a private room you can carry on private conversations with other users that you invite into the room. You're the only one who knows the name of the room. In order for other people to visit you there, you have to give them the name of the room. Here are some easy steps to follow to create your own private room:

Make sure you click on the Rooms tab on the right side of your window.
Next, click on the "Enter/Create Private Room" button that appears at the bottom of your window.
Choose a name for your private room, and enter it into the space provided, then choose "Private" for the room type.
Lastly, click OK, and you'll find yourseld in your brand spanking new private chat room!

Q: What does it mean if a red message appears?

In the Java Light interface, a red message appearing in your Chat window means you've just received a private, direct message. (i.e. somebody loves you!) The Java, HTML, and ActiveX interfaces have a separate area or window for incoming messages.

If you want to reply to the sender in Java Light, you can double-click on the incoming message to bring up a reply window. Or, you can highlight their user name, and choose "Direct Message".

Q: Can I change my user name?

Nope. Sorry, you can't change your user name, but, you can create a new account if you want a different user name. Just select "Create New User Account" on the mail login page, fill in the required fields on the left side of the window, and then log into your new account with another user name.

Q: Is it possible to follow someone into a private room?

You can only enter someone else's private room if they've given you the name of the room — hence the name "private room"! If you do know the name of the private room here's how you can get in: To enter a private room choose "Enter Private Room" from the Rooms tab (or "Private Room" if you're using the HTML interface). In the window that pops up, type in the name of the private room you wish to visit. Presto, you're there.

Q: How do I clear my chat window?

From time to time, you may want to clear out all of the messages in your chat window for clarity's sake. To do this choose the following:

Java client: Choose "Chat" Clear History from the menu at the top of your window.

Java Light: Choose "Clear" from the Options tab.

HTML: Sorry, this interface doesn't allow you to clear your chat window!

ActiveX: Choose "Clear" from the Options tab.

Q: How do I silence private messages?

Usually, you receive an audible alert when someone sends you a private message. To turn off the alert, just do the following:

Java Light: Choose "Silence PM" under the Options tab.

ActiveX: Choose "Silence PM" under the Options tab.

Q: Can I refuse private messages?

Sure. Here are some tips on how:

In Java: Choose "Accept Messages" under the Messages menu on the top of your screen. It's a little counter-intuitive, but this will actually reverse the command which allows you to accept messages.

For Java Light or ActiveX: Select "Refuse PM" from under the Options tab.

Q: How do I follow someone from chat room to chat room?

This is a useful feature if you want to travel through individual Chat rooms with a buddy — sort of "room hopping." If you want to follow another user in and out of Chat rooms, follow the directions below and you will be automatically transported with them if they enter another room. If the new room is password-protected, you will be asked for the password before entering; if the new room is a Private Room, you will be asked to enter the room name.

To follow another user:

Highlight their user name on the User list.
Choose the "Follow" button.

To stop following someone, highlight the user's name again, and click "Stop Following," and you'll be traveling solo once again.

Q: How do I block messages from a specific user?

You can "ignore" a user and you'll never hear from that person again (at least during that chat session). Go to the User List and Highlight their user name. Then click the "Ignore button", and you won't be bothered anymore!

Please note that even if you ignore what the bozo is saying, the bozo can still hear what you are saying, unless you send a private message to someone.

Q: Can I change the font size in my chat window?

Sure can. Here are some quick steps to help you change the size of the text in your Chat window:

Java: Choose "Font Larger" or "Font Smaller" under the Chat menu at the top of your screen.

Java Light: Choose "Font Bigger" or "Font Smaller" under the Options tab.

HTML: Choose a font size of 1 through 7 under the Options tab. The smaller the number, the smaller the font.

ActiveX: Go to the Options tab and choose "Select Font." Change the font size in the window that pops up.

Q: How do I stop scrolling?

Normally, incoming messages scroll the rest of the messages in the Chat window upward. If you’d like to pause for a moment and turn automatic scrolling off:

in Java: De-select "Enable Auto Scroll" under the Chat menu at the top of your screen.

and in Java Light: Choose "Stop Scroll" under the Options tab.

Q: How do I find a current chat user?

To find a user, search for their name under the User tab. Normally, this is the list of users in the room in which you currently reside. To see all of the users on the server, choose "All Users." You'll receive a separate window listing all of the users.

Q: How do I create a buddy?

You can make any logged-on user your buddy. Simply highlight their name in the user listing, and click on "Make Buddy." You can have more than one buddy — and be oh-so-popular! Press the "Buddy" tab to see the log-on status of your current buddies. You can choose to be audibly alerted when your buddies log on and off. This option is under the "Buddy" tab as well.

Q: What is moderated event?

A moderated event is somewhat like a large meeting. It has both a speaker and a moderator. When you send a message in a moderated event room, it goes first to the moderator, who is in charge of the flow of messages. If and when your message is deemed appropriate for the conversation, the moderator will forward it into the room. If your first comment doesn't make it into the discussion, try again!

Q: How do I attend a moderated event?

When you enter an auditorium — a room that contains a moderated event — you're participating in an exciting way of having a conference on the Web! Find a comfortable seat, relax, and start typing! Your comments in a moderated room go first to the moderator, who then forwards appropriate comments into the room.

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