Questions from New Members

[muggle_born1]

Since this is where new members are supposed to meet, what would the older COS memebers like to tell the new members?


--

ETA by staff: Tenshigave a brief review of the main areas here.

[Lucybird]

Have a look at the rules on the notice board.
Remember to seach before starting a thread (it's a good idea to advance search by titles)

And have fun

[mugglesrock]

And to add to that, introduce yourself here if you wish.

[sticky]

If you want to start a new thread on anywhere on this forum, make sure ti hasn't been done already, ........i know everyone has done that before!! and make sure it is in the right area of the forums.....

[Liselle]

Absolutely I agree with what everyone is saying above

The main thing is to abide by the rules and have fun! Ultimately it's what we're all here for.

[Claire_13]

wow, a lot of help already! this thing works!

sorry, pointless post but I couldn't resist lol!

[Phantomwish]

Um, this is probably an idiotic question... But how do you get avatars?

[Rell]

Originally Posted by Phantomwish

Um, this is probably an idiotic question... But how do you get avatars?

to cos! I hope you have fun posting here .

In order to get an avatar, you must be a member of hogsmeade. You can find out more about hogsmeade here:
Hogsmeade Review Guidelines
and you can ask questions about hogsmeade here:
Comments on: Hogsmeade

and it's not idiotic at all, it's a very common question.
Also, if you have questions in general about this site, you can ask them here:
Ask the Staff


edit
I think this is an excellent idea for a thread, and I'm so glad it's been stickied. I've made a list of things that I think would have been helpful for me to know about cos when I first joined.

1) The easiest way to join a conversation In many long threads (especially those that have multiple versions) it is hard to join the conversation. Many new members tend to come in with either a one or two line post, or they just randomly post their thoughts on the topic. While this isn't a problem, it won't help you get into the conversation. The best thing to do is read the first page and the most recent one or two pages. Then post a reply about what everyone is currently discussing.

2) Starting a new thread First do a search on the topic. At the top right of every page, you'll see a "search" button. Click on that and select on "advanced search". The search engine can be slightly confusing, so take a look at this tutorial.

3) Asking questions: There is a whole area here for asking questions. It's at the bottom of the main page and called The Wizengamot Administration Services

4) Subscribing to threads: This is the best way to find out if there are new posts in threads that you like. There are several options to subscribe.
- If you find a thread that you like, go to the top of the page (right above the first post), and click on "thread tools" and click on "subscribe to this thread"
- If you want to automatically subscribe to every thread that you post in, go to "magical me" (at the top of the page), click on "edit options". Under "messages and notifications", you'll see a section called "default subscription mode" You can opt to subscribe to threads with or without email notification.

To find your subscribed threads, go to "magical me", and click on "magical me". All subscribed threads with new posts will come up. Subscribed threads without new posts can be found in "magical me" and click on "the pensieve".

--------------
And have fun!

[Tonks]

Rell that is a great guide to our forums

One thing you should know about is the Post/Year List This list will tell you all about the different titles you get based one your posting.

Also, here are some helpful links on signatures

Signature Content Policy

Tutorial: Signature Questions and Help

[Chris]

The guide to having a pleasant conversation on any topic
and Alastar's Frequent questions
are both good reads.
Have fun, and the aurors aren't as scary as they may appear at first - they do a great job keeping the peace and keeping things running smoothly .

[8m57w6]

If you want to get an avatar and join Hogsmeade, don't do it by going to the appropriate area and posting a one line random thing in a bunch of threads that don't further the conversation, such as "great idea!!" and "I don't think so". Post something that actually adds to whats already been said, and you have a better chance.

[Tonks]

Originally Posted by 8m57w6

If you want to get an avatar and join Hogsmeade, don't do it by going to the appropriate area and posting a one line random thing in a bunch of threads that don't further the conversation, such as "great idea!!" and "I don't think so". Post something that actually adds to whats already been said, and you have a better chance.

Yes this is excellent advise! Quality of posts counts, not just the quantity. You should always post with the goal of expanding the discussion and adding new ideas to the mix. That is what keeps this forum fun and keeps it growing!

[Liselle]

And above all, if you're unsure just ask someone in blue (or red) a question and we'll be more than happy to help you out.

[terry_boot]

I keep seeing... im in ravenclaw or hufflepuff and patronus and animagus and i was wondering how people have come to that conclusion? is it something on this site that decides? i know its a silly question... i was just wondering.

[Tenshi]

Originally Posted by terry_boot

I keep seeing... im in ravenclaw or hufflepuff and patronus and animagus and i was wondering how people have come to that conclusion? is it something on this site that decides? i know its a silly question... i was just wondering.

No, those are Sortings made by other sites. I'd suggest using google to search for Sorting quizzes.

[gertiekeddle]

CoS has no sorting. If members have something like this in their signatures, they took it from sites like http://www.sorting-hat.com/. You can do tests there (like on other websites) to figure out in which house you would fit and then put the result in your signature (just remembering that all images have to be in between our rules alas no html codes allowed).
Or you just decide by your own which Hogwarts house suits your the most and put that in your signature.

[Aldawen]

I'm not a new member, but it's been a long time since I've been on. Does anyone know what the stars mean in the right hand corner of people's posts?

[Rell]

stars indicate how many years you've been on the forums
see this thread - What are those stars?

[EveEvans]

Hello there. I've been a member for some time now, but i'm never on much. I've got a question and I don't know where to post it!

I'm from the Netherlands (europe) and me and some friends are planning to go to a midnight release party in Londen. BUT I've got no clue where we should want to go and how to arrange it. Anybody any tips about where I could get the most and the best answers, should I open a new treath and where?
PLEASe help me out here

many thanks
eve

[snapegirl]

Hi,

check out this thread:
Will you attend the midnight release?

It has some imformation about different bookstores and their parties. Hope it helps.