Getting Started
This website uses a software called Scoop, which is the same software used by numerous other sites, including DailyKos. It allows many people to interact by writing, commenting, reading, and recommending one another's work. If you're brand new here, the first thing you'll want to do is create an account and log in (on the right side of the screen, click New User under the heading Menu). Once you're logged in, you're set to go.
The Front Page: The front page is where editors post their diaries. Currently, there are three others besides myself who are editors: Asinus Asinum Fricat, JudithM, and Elanor. Once I get a feel for how frequently each is able to post and whether or not a few others I've invited to be editors decide to give it a go, I'll decide whether or not we need a few more people on the front page.
Recent Diaries: Anyone who is logged in may post a new diary. Once they do, all users may view it on the Recent Diaries list.
Recommended Diaries: When others read your diary, they will click the Recommend button (located on the right side of the screen) if they like it. The most popular diaries can always be found on the Recommended Diaries list (also called the rec list for short).
Recent Comments: On the left side of the screen, you can always see the most recent comments made on the site.
Hot List: If you look under the Menu on the right, you'll see your Hot List. This is where you'll be able to find any diaries you've bookmarked for later or (once I figure out how to set it up) any replies others left to your comments.
Your Page: Also under the Menu on the right, you'll see a link to your own page. Here, you can see diaries you've posted, comments you've made, and your profile. Until I get the Hot List working to show replies to your comments, I recommend going to your page to see your comments if you want to check if anyone has replied.
The Blog Roll: This is typically a list of blogs, but in our case I've included other food-related sites including links to organizations and books about food. It is located on the right side of the page. If you blog about food and you don't see your blog listed, let me know and I'll be happy to add it.
Posting a Diary
If you want to post a diary, first make sure you are logged in. Then look under the Menu on the right and click New Diary. A form will open up with the following fields:
Title: Fairly obvious - give your diary a title.
Tags: We use tags to group diaries together by topic and to search for them later. If you are writing a diary, for example, about your favorite recipe, you should give it a tag of "Recipes."
Main Text: Typically the rule is that you should write about 3 paragraphs of less in the Main Text box. Short paragraphs. Capture the reader's attention, tell them what the diary is about, and save the rest for the Extended Text box.
Extended Text: This is where you will usually post most of your diary. You have no limit on how much you write, although usually people stick to what would translate to a few pages or less if it were printed.
Quote: If you wish to quote a news article or anything else, highlight the text of the quote and click the quote button. This will make your text show up in a grey box, indicating to the reader that the words are not your own.
Preview: Once you are ready to go, click preview. Then you can proofread your diary before you post it.
Save: When you are all set to go, click Save and your diary will be visible on the Recent Diaries list.
Tip Jars: A common tradition among bloggers is posting a "Tip Jar." This is nothing more than a comment posted in your own diary labeled "Tip Jar." Bloggers who read your diary and appreciate it will then rate this comment as Excellent to let you know they appreciate your work. |
