New web site features and shortcuts
The new Redline Derby web site looks different but there are several big changes that were made elsewhere. This quick guide should give you the rundown but if you have any questions or trouble, please post a reply or send a message.
Preview as you write
Gone is the old forum bracket code used to style your posts. Writing a new post works just like your other word processors, like Word or Google Docs. As you type, highlight words and use the toolbar to style content. What you see in your writing space is what you'll see in the final post.
Images and videos
Posting an image in your post still requires you host the image somewhere else, either PhotoBucket, Flickr or Uploads.im. But now just click the image icon in the toolbar and paste in the image link.
Right now only YouTube videos are supported, and to share one just paste the full YouTube link on a separate line within your post. The site will take care of the rest.
Thumbs up comments vs. full posts
You'll see a "thumbs up" icon below every post in a thread. You should use this icon to post a quick reply to a post, something like "Good job" or "Great photo" are things that lend themselves to a thumbs up comment. Save full posts replies for questions and discussion. No need to have tons of posts with nothing more than "Nice job!" in them.
Follow a topic to receive alerts
When you click the "Follow topic" button at the top of any post, you will receive an email alert when someone posts a new reply. You can manage your followed topics using your account profile under the Alerts section.
Private message alerts
You will not receive an email alert when you get a new private message unless you subscribe to that alert. Use the Alerts section under your account profile to make those changes.
Unread, latest and trending topics
You'll see three tabs on every category page, including the home page - Unread, Latest and Trending.
The Unread tab only appers when you're logged in and will display all the topics that you haven't read since their last update.
The Latest tab lists topics from most recent to oldest, regardless of their unread status.
The Trending tab will show you a short list of posts that were viewed by a visitor. This list is a great way to discover old posts you may have missed or find ideas you have forgotten.