Comments on: Admission to Hogsmeade

Official Admin Sponsor(s): gertiekeddle (http://www.cosforums.com/member.php?u=89756), Morgoth (http://www.cosforums.com/member.php?u=3)

Hogsmeade FAQ (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=68023)

This thread is for members who are not yet in Hogsmeade to ask questions of the staff about admission to Hogsmeade.

Since no one but staff actually knows the answers to these questions, please leave it to staff to post the answers.

This is exclusively and definitively what you need to do to get into Hogsmeade.

1. The minimum requirements are 30 days as a member and over 200 posts in the qualifying areas (which conveniently matches the post count in your profile)
2. Your most recent posts should be of good quality. This means that each post is at least a couple of sentences. That your post contributes to the conversation being held in the thread. That you're using proper spelling and proper capitalization. That you're being polite to other members even when they disagree with you.

That's it. That's all we look for. If you've had warnings in the past or made shoddy posts in the past but you've moved past that and you're now a good, polite, warning free poster then you should be fine.

I have a question:
What is the advantage of Hogsmeade?

I have a question:
What is the advantage of Hogsmeade?
The advantage of Hogsmeade is that you get to have an avatar and post in a new area that is a little bit more relaxed than the open forum.

Do you have to be a user on the CoS forums for a certain amount of time before you can be admitted into Hogsmeade?

Check out the Hogsmeade FAQs (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=68023) for more.

Basically Hogsmeade is only open to those who've been selected by staff. To be selected, you need to have a certain number of qualifying posts and be 3rd year and up (like the books!)

The answer is in Jessica's opening post.

Is this the thread to replace the "Comments on: Hogsmead" thread that used to exist around here?

Is this the thread to replace the "Comments on: Hogsmead" thread that used to exist around here?

This is the thread you're looking for; here you can ask all your questions pertaining Hogsmeade. But please keep in mind that we will not discuss anything other than the admission here; we will not discuss what's in it.

Thanks, I heard that your post count is now how many posts you have in the areas that "count" for Hogsmead, what about all the older posts from before DH, I know some of those didn't count, are they still in the post count? If so, is there still a link to get your "Hogsmead count" without searching for the qualifying areas?

Thanks, I heard that your post count is now how many posts you have in the areas that "count" for Hogsmead, what about all the older posts from before DH, I know some of those didn't count, are they still in the post count? If so, is there still a link to get your "Hogsmead count" without searching for the qualifying areas?You don't have to look what the qualifying areas are, you just look on your actual post count in your profile (I see 284). Up from 300 you're eligible for Hogsmeade, but if often takes longer until a member gets the final access. If you will be accepted, you'll get an owl by an admin to inform you.

Older posts count towards your postcount, if the threads they were made in were moved to the archives.

So all post count stuff counts...that's different... Thanks!

I think it's kind of silly to have the Anime forum a part of Hogsmeade's qualifying areas. Not everyone watches it so how would they discuss it?

Since the HP series are over, and we know people might not find much to discuss about them, the QA have been expanded to include other, non HP-related, forums. This was done to help those members increase their chances to get into Hogsmeade. However, you don't have to post in ALL of the QA to become eligible.

How much do signature warnings count towards your admission into Hogsmeade? I've gotten like 3 warnings in my time here at CoS and they were all for signatures that were a little too long.

They don't count. They aren't even real warnings.

Anyway old long since expired warnings are not counted against you.

Oh that's good. Thanks.

On the subject of qualifying areas, if all the non-hp stuff counts, then why doesn't Flourish and Blotts? I suppose I can understand that it would be unfair to judge people on their story-writing abilities, but the Book Club (the feedback threads) could surely counts. It's just that there are so many people who would be great Hogsmeade members but who only ever post in the Flourish and Blotts book club, leaving very valuable feedback, so they never get accepted.

Just a thought.
:)

The Book Club has a lot of posts saying that the reader liked the story and can't wait to read more and that's about it. Also, the area is not heavily moderated to give writers the option to chat about their stories rather than discuss it. If this was a qualifying area, the level of discussion would have to be raised and a lot of small talk would have to be restricted. This is not really in the best interest of the area, I'm afraid.

:tu: Oh Ok. It's just that there are a few people who leave really in-depth and constructive feedback, but don't get any recognition for it. But I understand your reasoning.

:wave:
Quick question: I was wondering if you also check if a member is on the site alot. (like everyday, etc.) Do you take that into consideration when you choose people for Hogsmeade? (along with 300+ posts)

Couldnt you guys give feedback. like saying ok, you suck at this and this and this ... that is why you are not in.

I have been told my punctuation sucks. And that helps me try to improve , (well , I quitted, but was trying to improve) at this specific aspect, but if you just say qualifying posts, and one thinks ones post are ok, one might never improve.

I know you guys have a life. But I think one would like to know why others can make it and one cannot.

:wave:
Quick question: I was wondering if you also check if a member is on the site alot. (like everyday, etc.) Do you take that into consideration when you choose people for Hogsmeade? (along with 300+ posts)Those who haven't posted at all for a considerable time are perhaps not on the top of the list. :)
Mainly because it doesn't make sense to give access to someone who may have abandoned us forever.

But regular posters are fine even if they don't post every day.

But I think one would like to know why others can make it and one cannot.We can't tell anything about this in detail, for particular never giving out information about other members. Reasons why one gets in faster or slower can be manifold, mostly it's one issue violating the Hogsmeade guidelines only.

The best advice for what we consider as a good post is, is to find here (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=22994).

Best way to answer this is to show you what constitutes a bad post. A bad post is something that contains very little information or ideas. One-lined replies repeated throughout the forums by the same person won't work. Attempting to boost your post count in the qualifying areas will not get you into Hogsmeade. See our points above. A good post is something that contains information that helps the thread evolve and give people other means to debate Harry Potter.

I would try to stick to what several members of staff have told you in owls over the last months. It will help you getting into Hogsmeade. Additionally just have fun around. :)

Those who haven't posted at all for a considerable time are perhaps not on the top of the list. :)
Mainly because it doesn't make sense to give access to someone who may have abandoned us forever.

But regular posters are fine even if they don't post every day.

Ok thank you. :)

yeah...well, thanks.

I think it's kind of strange for a qualifying area to be Anime. Not everyone watches it, so what would they post there if they didn't watch it.

I think it's kind of strange for a qualifying area to be Anime. Not everyone watches it, so what would they post there if they didn't watch it.
You don't have to post in every single one of the qualifying areas to get into HM. It just means that the posts you do make in a section will be counted.

How often do you pick people for Hogsmeade?

There's no rule to it. Sometimes a bunch is picked already one week after the latest, sometimes it actually takes months. :)

Okay thank you. I was just wondering. :)

Quick question.

In my case I've been inactive for quite a while, but am going to get back into it. Do I start off from scratch again, or do my posts from bfore the lay-off count?

Quick question.

In my case I've been inactive for quite a while, but am going to get back into it. Do I start off from scratch again, or do my posts from bfore the lay-off count?

For post count, the posts beforehand count. However, your posts since you got back will probably be more important for your candidacy, once you achieve the 300 total posts :).

OK, thank you for your response.

How do you guys discern between someone who is on here posting everyday. And someone how is trying to up their post numbers? I know part of this may be a simple answer, but I have had people tell me I need to slow down on my posting due to that very fact!

So if I'm making my best effort at putting in well thought out posts that aid the thread and gives the other members more to talk about; should I be worried at all?

A considerable number of posts lacking any effort to contribute usually gives a post count booster away very quickly.So if I'm making my best effort at putting in well thought out posts that aid the thread and gives the other members more to talk about; should I be worried at all? If you do that in a friendly way, the answer is: Nope. :)

Ok thank you!

Another question I just got is when you say qualified post do you mean over 300 post, as in not matter if their short, like what is shown to the right of our name. Or do you mean 300 well thought out post that move the thread, don't insult/ hurt/ and are not rude to any other member, post? Mainly do you mean 300 posts that you deem acceptable?

If you reach 300 posts, you're eligible. If there are rude or snarky posts, it would count against you for getting in directly, but you're still technically eligible. Most members actually have more posts when entering Hogsmeade. Just have fun around and it most likely will happen. :)

I saw a member yesterday who had less than 300 posts but had an avatar (so I assume he/she had Hogsmeade access) and it wasn't a special profile made for elections. Am I going crazy? :lol:

I saw a member yesterday who had less than 300 posts but had an avatar (so I assume he/she had Hogsmeade access) and it wasn't a special profile made for elections. Am I going crazy? :lol:

You may go under the 300 req post count and still be in Hogsmeade so long as you have met the req before entry :)

So chances are the member was accepted into Hogsmeade and then some of their posts were culled to drop them below the 300 posts. It happens occasionally.

I know this is kind of a silly question; but does political views affect who you pick? If, for instance, a person is very active in political discussions and have strong opinions, do you think "we won't choose that person, he/she will cause trouble?" Or if a person said they were a nazi (hopefully they would then be excluded from the site) would that count against them, or would you allow them to join if they fit the demands?

In case of nazis, they indeed get excluded from the side. In others political views (or any other views) do nothing to your Hogsmeade access, as long as one discusses them politely. We don't judge about the opinions our members (might) have.

If, for instance, a person is very active in political discussions and have strong opinions, do you think "we won't choose that person, he/she will cause trouble?"

One can also post in the Quidditch Pitch and cause trouble. It doesn't matter where one does it, confrontational and aggressive posts reflect badly on one. This has nothing to do with the area or the thread it is posted in.

One can also post in the Quidditch Pitch and cause trouble. It doesn't matter where one does it, confrontational and aggressive posts reflect badly on one. This has nothing to do with the area or the thread it is posted in.

Ok. Well, it looks like I found the right thread!

So, I almost never post more than a paragraph per topic (per post), sometimes I even just have maybe two sentences and a smilie.

I really do try hard to contribute though, will this count against me?

Also, do you guys read EVERY SINGLE POST I've ever written, or just review the recent ones and use examples for references?

Ok. Well, it looks like I found the right thread!

So, I almost never post more than a paragraph per topic (per post), sometimes I even just have maybe two sentences and a smilie.

I really do try hard to contribute though, will this count against me?

Also, do you guys read EVERY SINGLE POST I've ever written, or just review the recent ones and use examples for references?

Most of your questions should be answered here:

Official Admin Sponsor(s): Jessica (http://www.cosforums.com/member.php?u=3571), Morgoth (http://www.cosforums.com/member.php?u=3)

Hogsmeade FAQ (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=68023)

This thread is for members who are not yet in Hogsmeade to ask questions of the staff about admission to Hogsmeade.

Since no one but staff actually knows the answers to these questions, please leave it to staff to post the answers.

This is exclusively and definitively what you need to do to get into Hogsmeade.

1. The minimum requirements are 30 days as a member and over 300 posts in the qualifying areas (which conveniently matches the post count in your profile)
2. Your most recent posts should be of good quality. This means that each post is at least a couple of sentences. That your post contributes to the conversation being held in the thread. That you're using proper spelling and proper capitalization. That you're being polite to other members even when they disagree with you.

That's it. That's all we look for. If you've had warnings in the past or made shoddy posts in the past but you've moved past that and you're now a good, polite, warning free poster then you should be fine.

You have about 100 posts to go before you qualify. I hope that helps.

Most of your questions should be answered here:



You have about 100 posts to go before you qualify. I hope that helps.

Um? I guess so... I looked at the FAQ page as well as the Review Guidelines, and neither answers my main question.

Do you (as staff) read and review every single post to make sure it qualifies, or do you just do a general look-over and use a few as example reference when judging for Hogsmeade access?

Do you (as staff) read and review every single post to make sure it qualifies, or do you just do a general look-over and use a few as example reference when judging for Hogsmeade access? That's our little secret. :evil:

That's our little secret. :evil:

:lol:

You guys just LOVE your jobs, don't you??!

The Halloween thread is not counted right? The one hosted by Molly Weasley and Severus Snape? Just checking.... :p

I dont think it is.

I made so many posts, just using smilies, pictures of food or dancing with Sirius one line comments:lol:- I doubt those do matter.

Yep, the posts made in Ministry of Magic area are not counting towards your post count.

Since no one but staff actually knows the answers to these questions, please leave it to staff to post the answers.Not to appear over stern (and no problem in this single case where the answer was wonderful anyway), but we had some misleading answers in the past in here, so decided to let them open for staff only in this particular WAS thread. :)

thought so... Thank you! :)

Looking through the FAQ, I'm still not clear on one thing: does one apply for Hogsmeade, or is just sort of automatic; once a user reaches the 300 post count, and said user's posts are deemed of a "good" and contributory nature, that they are automatically offered membership in Hogsmeade?

thanks

It's neither. Members are not expected to apply for it, and it is not automatical. When someone has reached the acquired number of qualifying posts the evaluation of said member begins. It may take a considerable time before the access to Hogsmeade is granted.

Right. By "automatic", I meant, it's not applied for, but that the staff will "automatically" consider the user, like I said, for qualifying posts deemed of a good and contributory nature. (and no serious warnings)
I didn't mean automatically grant access, per se, based on just post count.

So it's possible for someone to meet *all* the requirements and just never get the invite anyway?

It's neither. Members are not expected to apply for it, and it is not automatical. When someone has reached the acquired number of qualifying posts the evaluation of said member begins. It may take a considerable time before the access to Hogsmeade is granted.
I guess I am permanently disqualified, even if I clean up my act. I would really like an avatar, though.

Right. By "automatic", I meant, it's not applied for, but that the staff will "automatically" consider the user, like I said, for qualifying posts deemed of a good and contributory nature. (and no serious warnings)
I didn't mean automatically grant access, per se, based on just post count.

So it's possible for someone to meet *all* the requirements and just never get the invite anyway?

I've been wondering the same thing. Are the mods automatically notified when a user reaches 300, or are they just expected to notice? I am also confused about why it takes time after 300 posts.

I've been wondering the same thing. Are the mods automatically notified when a user reaches 300, or are they just expected to notice? I am also confused about why it takes time after 300 posts.

:lol: It takes time more because of us than you. Sometimes we get caught up in contests or takeovers of the forums by fictional characters and fall behind a bit on Hogsmeade. So please don't take it personally, those pesky real live just get in the way on occasion. :)


I guess I am permanently disqualified, even if I clean up my act. I would really like an avatar, though.

No one is permanently disqualified. If you have current warning points, you're ineligible but once they're gone you will be considered. If someone has been a problem then we like to see 30 days of good behaviour before we admit you to Hogsmeade.

Does the fact that I have participated in many areas that does not have post counts and have won some of the competitions like fanfiction writing contest or Harry Potter Caption Contest extra, give me added bonus when the hogsmeade qualification is guaged?

Every case is taken on an individual basis :)

Hogsmeade FAQs (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=68023)

From Jessica's initial post in this thread

This is exclusively and definitively what you need to do to get into Hogsmeade.

1. The minimum requirements are 30 days as a member and over 300 posts in the qualifying areas (which conveniently matches the post count in your profile)
2. Your most recent posts should be of good quality. This means that each post is at least a couple of sentences. That your post contributes to the conversation being held in the thread. That you're using proper spelling and proper capitalization. That you're being polite to other members even when they disagree with you.

That's it. That's all we look for. If you've had warnings in the past or made shoddy posts in the past but you've moved past that and you're now a good, polite, warning free poster then you should be fine.

Is speling and grammar realy important? :hmm:
The rest i can do. Would that be enough?

Is speling and grammar realy important? :hmm:
The rest i can do. Would that be enough?

We take spelling and grammar quite seriously.

:err:

Thats me out of the question then

*hides* :eeep:

Just as a caveat, if English is your second language, then we will cut you some slack. We expect you to do your best on spelling and grammar but your best might not be perfect English. We just want to see you trying.

Just as a caveat, if English is your second language, then we will cut you some slack. We expect you to do your best on spelling and grammar but your best might not be perfect English. We just want to see you trying.

English is my first and unfortnatly only language. Dyslexic makes it quite dificult... will this fall into the "doing your best"?
?

English is my first and unfortnatly only language. Dyslexic makes it quite dificult... will this fall into the "doing your best"?
?I believe we are able to see the difference between dyslexia and sloppiness.

Just do your best and don't lose hope for that particular reason. :)

This may seem like a bit of a silly question, but i read in the admission rules that someone is allowed to inquire to the mods about whether or not another member is under consideration for admission to Hogsmeade and they will receive a yes or no answer. Are we allowed to ask about our own consideration into Hogsmeade or does someone else have to ask on our behalf?

You can ask for yourself, too, but please do so via owl. :)

With the 'Through the Trap Door' contest going on, I guess it will take a long time for new students to get Hogsmeade access. :hmm:

I'm not sure whether this post goes here but as its relevant:

Do our user titles automatically change depending on number of posts or experience?

Yes, your usertitle will change based on the number of posts you have. You can see when you reach the next year at the Post / Year list (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=22992)

Hi, I have not been able to find a few sections that are required to get into Hogsmeade. I can not find Hogwarts Archive and Post DH Reference Books. Where are they?

Thanks! :huggles:

The Archives and Reference areas are no longer open for posting, they're there to store older threads.

You don't need to post in all sections to get permission to Hogsmeade. In fact we rather look for substance of thoughts and longer posts than for spreading them widely or make as many posts as possible in fast time. :)

Oooh, thanks! I just read here (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=22994) that I had to. :shrug:

It wasn't intended to be read in exactly that way. :)

To post in just a few of the mentioned forums is enough. And the archive forums are listed only because if a thread where you have posted is moved to the archive, your post still counts.

Ooooh! Thank you! :huggles:

Yes, your usertitle will change based on the number of posts you have. You can see when you reach the next year at the Post / Year list (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=22992)

But there are some people who have different titles other than those in the Post/Year list thread?

I havent been active for several months, but I've been posting regularly before and after that, will this count against me? Also I feel that I cant make more than about 7 posts a day will this affect me in anyway?

But there are some people who have different titles other than those in the Post/Year list thread?

I havent been active for several months, but I've been posting regularly before and after that, will this count against me? Also I feel that I cant make more than about 7 posts a day will this affect me in anyway?Back a few years ago people who contributed to the site in some way got special usertitles. Recently for particular participants of forum contests got some too. Since we had many contests this increased a bit.

Seven posts a day is definitely enough to be considered for Hogsmeade, no worries. We take in account that with HP being finished we all aren't as insane anymore when it comes to discussing the series. :lol: One wouldn't be considered for Hogsmeade during an inactive phase, but it won't count against you if being active again later. It's just normal to have times in RL were there is just no time left for online communities. :)

If I post a lot in chatty-style forums like the Sorting Hat and only a little in the serious forums like the Stone and Muggle Studies, does that count against me?

No, having fun in the chatting area doesn't count against you - it shows that you enjoy the time you spend here, what's a plus actually. Chatting in the Stone would, but I know you don't do that. :lol:

Seven posts a day is definitely enough to be considered for Hogsmeade, no worries. We take in account that with HP being finished we all aren't as insane anymore when it comes to discussing the series. :lol:

I'd be extremely lucky if mods could see those seven poor posts between the hundred or so posts, posted everyday :lol:

We work with magic. ;)

Are there any particular reasons as to why someone won't get into hogsmeade, ever?

Members who, per our judgement, in one way or another do not meet the criteria listed in Hogsmeade Review Guidelines (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=22994) do not get in.

If I put on an invisibility cloak, use a secret map, and be very quiet, can I sneak into Hogsmeade?

If I put on an invisibility cloak, use a secret map, and be very quiet, can I sneak into Hogsmeade?

Nope. Best way to get in is to forget about it and make good posts. Good things come to those who wait.

Do the staff kind of have a 'record' which automatically recognises users which have passed the 300 posts count? Or do they have to actually look around for those users?

We are all-knowing beings, it all goes by instinct and such ^_^

Nah we have our ways of selection but the process, that's something we keep to ourselves.

Hogsmeade review guidelines (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=22994)

I think you are doing your best when recruiting members into Hogsmeade, but here is some critism. I noticed that a guy with around 800 posts isn't a Hogsmeade member, which makes me wondering if it's a place for special selected people or people with arguments that you selectors agree with. I know there are other factors that count too, like substance in the posts etc, but many people have lots of clever posts (much more than 300) and they are still not in Hogsmeade. And no, I am not one of those yet.

It's actually impossible that it is about agreeing with arguments 'of staff' since we're no homogeneous group of humans. We neither have the same friends on this board only nor share the same opinions.

We just never share when there are problems with members due to privacy reasons. If one has currently a warning, they won't come in. If they keep ignoring to spell properly (but are able to and tell us they don't want to take care for it), they don't come in. If they stay inactive for some months, they won't come in just then but easily could come in the moment they're active again. Some members don't want to be in Hogsmeade and ask us to not promote them.

There are many reasons, but I guess it's understandable that we don't share them if it's due to some rule violation - which isn't visible for members since posts get deleted and owls not shared.
We select by the standards shown in the Hogsmeade review only, but we're always open to listen to suggestions why a member should be in. Might be we overlooked someone.
I btw had almost 800 posts when I came in, so it's not very unusual that some need to wait a bit longer - admitted the board was way busier back then since it was before the series was actually finished. :)

Okay! If I'd been in a position having 800 posts and not being into Hogsmeade I'd lost hope long ago. Why say yes then when you have been ignored all the time?

If someone said 'no' at 300 posts, he still wouldn't be in Hogsmeade with 800 posts (or 2000). In my time climbing to ~800 posts was normal - but it was often done faster as well since we posted like insane to develop our super-clever HP theories... :lol:

If someone said 'no' at 300 posts, he still wouldn't be in Hogsmeade with 800 posts (or 2000). :)

Naturally! What if one haven't been asked at all? Forget about it. You are surely doing a great job.

Sure we do. :lol:

Ahem. It can be we really forgot someone, but usually active members are easy to spot (you need some activity to come in). In most cases where members wonder why A or B isn't in, it's due to some rule violation but which members can't see. So that's why I included that option.

I btw had almost 800 posts when I came in, so it's not very unusual that some need to wait a bit longer

:upset:

Do we need to post in more than one qualifying area?
Why do we have to be a member of Hogsmeade to get an avatar? Is it because it's a motivating factor to get into there? I understand that and I realize I can't complain about it being unfair (as I often do:lol:), but I still want an avatar :D
Manipulation :evil:

One qualifying area is all fine, for particular if you're an mostly active member anyway.

The avatar rule was invented before I even became a member here, but I think it's indeed some extra privilege since Hogsmeade mostly just is a new area of the forums. Mostly... I think the chocolate pool actually is some nice place, too, which we don't have on the main board... :whistle:

One qualifying area is all fine, for particular if you're an mostly active member anyway.

The avatar rule was invented before I even became a member here, but I think it's indeed some extra privilege since Hogsmeade mostly just is a new area of the forums. Mostly... I think the chocolate pool actually is some nice place, too, which we don't have on the main board... :whistle:

Chocolate pool? :err:
Aha :evil: I was in the library yesterday and I came across some rare piece of magic. I think it's called, as I understand it, a chocolate. I thought perhaps you would have some? You're wondering why I am not asking the other Moderators? Well, they are not like you. They might misunderstand. An avatar is a useful thing by the way. It's pity I haven't one, but it's not a big deal I suppose. *looks disappointed, smiles* Here is your chocolate, madam :) Good night!
http://www.abountifulharvest.com/xcart/images/P/1233b.jpg

I like the white background for the comments and threads. I can read them. Chocolate pool? Is this something techno? I am a bit lost about what you are discussing.

The chocolate pool belongs to humour land. It's all very secret and complex. :relax: ;)

The chocolate pool belongs to humour land. It's all very secret and complex. :relax: ;)

Why is very secret and complex? I am not very computer savvy, so if it's related to working on computers, I guess it would be complex. I don't mind relaxing, that's why I am here at the forum, I am relaxing.

The chocolate pool belongs to humour land. It's all very secret and complex. :relax: ;)
*facepalm*

Why is very secret and complex? I am not very computer savvy, so if it's related to working on computers, I guess it would be complex. I don't mind relaxing, that's why I am here at the forum, I am relaxing.
It's nothing you need to worry about. Mostly, this is staff playing with their answers.

Or they just haven't let me near the chocolate pool yet. (I think it's mythical, but then again, they could be hoarding it for themselves...)

In any case, it has no bearing on anything to do with Hogsmeade admittance. ;)

I think you are doing your best when recruiting members into Hogsmeade, but here is some critism. I noticed that a guy with around 800 posts isn't a Hogsmeade member, which makes me wondering if it's a place for special selected people or people with arguments that you selectors agree with. I know there are other factors that count too, like substance in the posts etc, but many people have lots of clever posts (much more than 300) and they are still not in Hogsmeade. And no, I am not one of those yet.

Hi Noldus,

To get back the the original question we do our absolute best to get deserving members in as quickly as possible. That said, we're not perfect, some of us have actual lives (not me I have grad school instead) and a lot of the time someone doesn't get in right at 300 just because the process takes longer than it should have. So please don't take it personally, you could be doing everything right.

That said, you can always owl any member of staff (except I don't recommend Morgoth or lanifiel) and ask if there's anything you need to improve. Most of us are pretty happy to throw you some pointers if there's something you should be working on.

Finally on the 800 post members, I can't talk about individual cases but sometimes there's more than meets the eye - warnings, duplicate accounts, or the person stopped being active and has only recently come back.

We do our best, but we're not perfect and if you've got someone in mind you can owl a staff member. We won't tell you why/why not they're in Hogsmeade but we'll listen to the suggestion and take it under consideration.

One qualifying area is all fine, for particular if you're an mostly active member anyway.

The avatar rule was invented before I even became a member here, but I think it's indeed some extra privilege since Hogsmeade mostly just is a new area of the forums. Mostly... I think the chocolate pool actually is some nice place, too, which we don't have on the main board... :whistle:

Gertie! We aren't supposed to discuss what is in Hogsmeade with non-Hogsmeade members. For that, you are just going to have to give yourself a demerit and ban yourself from Hogsmeade...and the chocolate pool. :p :lol:

I just wanted to inquire about signature warnings; I am incredibly non-tech-savvy, and I swear I shall never understand how to look at a string of numbers and multiplication signs and know how large an image is, or which image names designate images that count as images and which ones don't.... I'm confusing even myself here. To make a long story short, during my time at CoS I've received quite a frightening amount of warnings asking me to edit my signature, because of to many/too large pictures, too large .gif files (how do you know how big a .gif file is anyway, and does it count as an image or something else?) .... However, my warn-percentage thing doesn't look like those have been counted against me, so will they count as warnings when/if I'm considered for Hogsmeade? Thanks! :)

Those informal sig warnings do not count against you. Unless you do it again often enough to get a warning point. And warning points don't count against you either unless they are very many or given very recently. :)

I can't find more than one informal sig warning registered in your name. If you have gotten those owls from non staff members just consider them friendly advise and don't worry.

Anything that is not text produced directly with your keyboard or a smilie from our smilie list is an image. Smilies from external sources count as images.

ETA: Sorry I forgot a part of your question.

To check dimensions in pixels and file size in KB, right click the image and then click properties.

Anything that is not text produced directly with your keyboard or a smilie from our smilie list is an image. Smilies from external sources count as images.

To check dimensions in pixels and file size in KB, right click the image and then click properties.

Yayy, okay, that cleared things up a lot. :) Thanks!

Hi.

I feel like the oldest-registered member here who isn't in Hogsmeade...can you help me out by just giving me the benefit of the doubt :)

Ok it might have something to do with the fact that I haven't posted in forever. I hope to start posting again and maybe things will happen. By the way, this place rocks.

edit: also, just to give you a sense of my old age...I fondly remember July 18, 2005 when there were the most members ever online at once. I was happy to be a part of such exciting times.

Inactivity actually is a reason for not getting admission. :)

If you post regularly and meet all other criteria there shouldn't be a problem.

Hm... Just to get things straight with my post count, does the post count to the top-left of this post mean my post count in the qualifying areas, or my overall post count? When I first joined these forums, I spent a fair amount of time living in the "Quidditch Pitch" which isn't a qualifying area. I'm not sure if those posts add towards my post count, so I'm not sure if I qualify or not. I'd just like to get a general gauge of where I am.

It was quite complicated in the past, but by now your post count raises only when posting in the qualifying areas, so you have 320 posts there.

Posting in QP doesn't count against you when it comes to Hogsmeade permission (in fact it rather shows us that you enjoy the forums what's always a plus), but it's likely people aren't accepted instantly when they've reached 300 posts. I, as example, had around 800 posts when I got in. (Admitted back then the HP discussion was way more active). :)

It was quite complicated in the past, but by now your post count raises only when posting in the qualifying areas, so you have 320 posts there.

Posting in QP doesn't count against you when it comes to Hogsmeade permission (in fact it rather shows us that you enjoy the forums what's always a plus), but it's likely people aren't accepted instantly when they've reached 300 posts. I, as example, had around 800 posts when I got in. (Admitted back then the HP discussion was way more active). :)
Thanks so much for clearing that up! I wasn't entirely sure what my "true" post count was. :)

I don't really post there anymore, anyhow. I have been a member of this forum for over one and a half years, but I wasn't really active until Deathly Hallows really started to heat up. Now I post entirely in qualifying areas, which I'm quite fond of nowadays.

Thanks again for answering - and much more promptly than I had been expecting, too!

You're welcome. :)

Hi! I'm just wondering how members know they've been accepted into Hogsmeade- do they get an Owl or some other form of notification?

Permitted members get an owl by one of the Admins. :)

Thank you! :)

excuse me i just wanted to know how we can reach at least 300 posts and how we do it if we can't talk in the Hogsmeade section? where can i post messages?

thank you :D

If you want to reach 300 posts and be eligible for Hogsmeade access you need to post in the Qualifying Areas. For the record you don't have to post in all of them. These are the areas below:

Harry Potter

* The Stone
* Legilimency Studies
* The Cloak
* The Pensieve
* The Wand
* Muggle Studies
* Flourish and Blotts
* Magical Masterpieces
* Hogwarts Archive
* Post DH Reference Books

Diagon Alley

* In Cinemas & General Movie discussion
* Television
* Music (Entertainment)
* Anime

Off Topic

* Department of International Magical Cooperation
* Office of Science & Nature
* Office of Culture
* Office of the Spirit Division
* Office of the Muggle History Division

The Writing on the Wall

* Fiction
* Writer's Corner
* Novella

Be aware that we expect members to have posts of substance and not merely posts with little to no content.

More information can be found here:
Hogsmeade Review Guidelines (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=22994)

I have a question. I have been away for a few years (college and all that fun stuff took away some of my time!) But I am back now and intend on being very active again. I was just wondering how often older members are brought up for consideration?

I see that I have well over the amount of posts necessary, although that doesn't really matter to me I just enjoy posting and sharing ideas with everyone.

I did receive one warning in the past for being too sarcastic in a serious discussion but I dont think that should count against me because it was years ago.

I have a question. I have been away for a few years (college and all that fun stuff took away some of my time!) But I am back now and intend on being very active again. I was just wondering how often older members are brought up for consideration?

I see that I have well over the amount of posts necessary, although that doesn't really matter to me I just enjoy posting and sharing ideas with everyone.

I did receive one warning in the past for being too sarcastic in a serious discussion but I dont think that should count against me because it was years ago.

It really depends on how active you are. If you show to us that you are back in action and committed to spend time and effort on your posts you will be noticed by us.

Warnings do count but that really depends on how long ago it was and if we see an obvious improvement. So be on your best behavior and everything should be fine :)

We made a little change in our Hogsmeade admission rules. From today on it's possible to get the Hogsmeade owl when at least 200 posts have been reached.

It's still likely that a member needs more posts to actually receive the admission owl, but we want to take in account that this HP forum doesn't offer discussions any more which are as active as they were in the past. Still... happy posting, and also Merry Christmas / Great Holidays!

I've had more warning points than most all-time members. It's time to forgive disciplinary history and invite active users. It's not just a random buff for them, it's a benefit for those of us who've known and loved them for years. Do it.

We just checked. Yesterday at the some very active minute twenty-two members have been on, only two of them not yet in Hogsmeade. Whom shall we promote?
There's not so much traffic left on this board; not even this weekend.

Still, we keep checking and the forum's will be just the same during the next months. There's no intent to change any rules or policies. But we still won't promote quite new members - that's a rule people trust in who gave some very personal information away in HM. :)

We just checked. Yesterday at the some very active minute twenty-two members have been on, only two of them not yet in Hogsmeade. Whom shall we promote?
There's not so much traffic left on this board; not even this weekend.

Still, we keep checking and the forum's will be just the same during the next months. There's no intent to change any rules or policies. But we still won't promote quite new members - that's a rule people trust in who gave some very personal information away in HM. :)
All I'm saying is it might do to weigh past activity and current activity slightly differently than has been done before. And it might not, who knows :)

Those who aren't as active, shouldn't be left out of the loop either. Just because rl might make it harder for them to come on as often, doesn't mean that they don't like the site or don't like to post on it.

Just my two cents :).

We just checked. Yesterday at the some very active minute twenty-two members have been on, only two of them not yet in Hogsmeade. Whom shall we promote?

Meeeeee! Meeeeee! http://i.imgur.com/tHkL8pV.gif

Just kidding :p

Midnightsfire :relax:

Hmm...

*muses*

I joined the Mugglenet forums back in April 2002. Then..stuff happened. And in response, cosforums was created. And Matt sent me an e-mail July 31st inviting me here

And no Hogsmeade??? After all this time?? :shrug:

Posts seemed to become mixed up in this thread...
And no Hogsmeade??? After all this time??
*whistles innocently*