The Question Thread

[Biochemkris]

First and foremost, before you ask a question in this thread, please be sure you've read through the The SS Board Rules and FAQ.

Other frequently asked questions can be found in this and other posts in this thread. Make sure you give this thread a quick browse before asking your question to see if has already been answered in the most recent pages.

To make it easier for you to find the answers to your questions, we've broken up the Rules and FAQ into several sections which are listed below.

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General Rules and FAQ breakdown:

• The SS Board Rules should be read by everyone in their entirety, period.
• Multiple Accounts
• Account Deletion
• If you delete my posts, does that mean my posts count goes down?
• I had 1000 posts yesterday and now I only have 500. WTF?
• I have 10 posts, why aren't I member yet?
• My password hasn't come in! My user name doesn't work!
• Posting and Thread Questions/Problems
• Sorting Questions
• Signature and Avatar Questions
• Can I be/How can I become a mod/staff/admin?
• Other Questions
• Hogwarts School FAQ
• vBulletin FAQ
• Gallery Rules
• Chatroom Rules and FAQ

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School Rules and FAQ breakdown:

• Sorting and Term Information
• The sorting starts today but, I can't find the link!!!
• General School FAQ
• The Hogwarts Express
• Diagon Alley
• Hogsmeade
• How to become a professor, prefect or Quidditch captain
• Role Playing in the School
• School History
• What year am I?

One of the common questions we see in this thread, over and over and over is: "I posted a thread in ____ forum and it disappeared. What happened?" The answer to this question is that in many forums, threads need to be approved by moderators BEFORE they appear in the forum. You should get a nifty message after you post the thread telling you this. For future reference, We've listed the forums where you currently need to have your threads approved:

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Forums Requiring Thread Approval
(Please be patient with the moderators, it could take up to 24 hours to approve your thread. If it isn't approved by then, you can PM one of the mods for that forum to check on the status of the validation or ask why it wasn't approved. Mods will not contact you when your thread is approved/disapproved.)

Flourish and Blotts and its subforums
Ollivanders Wand Shop and its subforums
Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor and its subforums
Knockturn Alley and its subforums
Gringotts Wizarding Bank and its subforums
Weasleys Wizard Wheezes
Magical Menagerie
Leaky Cauldron and its subforums

Mods for these sections can be found here.

Some people are unable to access the links in the Sections tab at the top of the screen. Unfortunately, this is a glitch that affects some people and it's javascript related. We haven't been able to fix this problem and there are a few places which only have easy access through the Sections tab. Here are those links: SS Chatroom SS Wizarding World RPGs SS Calendar SS Member List


The dates for the next sorting, Hogwarts Express, start of term, final exams, end of term, etc can be found on the front page in the School RPG block toward the bottom with the house points counter.


If you couldn't find the answer to your question in the Rules and FAQ (shortcuts to the various sections are listed above), you may post your answer in here for a staff member to answer.


Please refrain answering questions if you are not a member of the SnitchSeeker Staff Team.

It's not that we mind you helping; quite the opposite is true actually. It's more that mods are trained to know the up-to-date answers, the whole answers, and have the ability to check things not everyone is able. If you see us slacking on answering (it happens, we know) that you absolutely know you can help the members with: by all means, VM them and be your wonderfully helpfully self. SS Staff would appreciate it, the member would appreciate it, and that is what SS is all about anyway: community.

[Tegz]

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Originally Posted by Orla

Hiiii

I know this is very stupid but I was wondering if there was anywhere you can change the colour of your username?

The colour of your username reflects your usergroup. Your usergroup is Ravenclaw and that is why you're blue. The only way that your username colour would change would be if you were in a different usergroup, all of which denote some kind of responsibility on SS which you have to be asked to fulfil.

So the short answer is no, there's nowhere you can change the colour of your username. Aside from being asked to be a shopkeeper (teal and italic), department head (orange and italic), school staff member (dark orchid and bold), moderator (deepskyblue and bold) or admin (black and bold), a username will always be the colour that reflects your house group.

You can however, after seven terms active in the school RPG, take a special re-sorting quiz in which case you could end up with a yellow, green or red username to reflect one of the other houses, but that is the only way you can influence a colour change in your own username.

[DanialRadFAN01]

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Originally Posted by tomewitch

Haiii.. This has been bugging me for a while now..
What does that cross sign mean?
You know, that one beside WitchLight's username..

Well hey there!

That little cross beside people's usernames down in that stalker bar is just a symbol used to mark the people that have been added to your contacts. Although it isn't as popular of a feature as it used to be you can still work with it.

If you go to the blue bar that spans across the top of the page just above where you check your pms and such you will see a drop down option about the middle of the screen on that bar called 'Community' and if you click that you get a drop down menu. On there will be the option 'Contacts' and if you click that it should show you a list of all the people you have sort of 'friended' and they are the ones that will display a little + next to in the stalker box.

Hope this helps!

[Tegz]

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Originally Posted by JennyWeasley06

i want an avatar & signature but i don't know how to do ANYTHING.. that is asked on the request forms for them.. i don't know how to fill them out or what half the stuff means.. :/ so how can i go about getting one without filling one of the request things out? if that's even possible..




^ did that even make any sence?

I'm not sure specifically what you're trying to find out.

Hmmmm I think you're talking about the graphics shops where you can request specific graphics? Yes? If you're requesting a graphics maker to make you something particular, you need to specify things like size, colours, fonts and particular images. Its actually pretty easy to get the hang of. Like if you are after a signature and avatar of an RPG charrie for example, you would search on google and find pictures of that character, (big, high quality images are preferred!) and then those would be the images you'd provide. You don't always need to be as specific about fonts/colours etc but if you want any text (like lyrics or a character's name or something) you need to say explicitly in the request what that would be, since after all graphics peeps can't read minds.

As for size, that is relevant because we have a limit on the dimensions of a signature image here on SS. If you want just the image itself in your signature then it can be full size 200x450 pixels, but if you like the idea of having some words above or below your signature (which wouldn't be part of your request, thats something you'd code and add yourself) then each line of text counts towards that pixel limit too, so you'd need to request a different pixel height.

I'm probably making it sound more complicated than it is, but your question isn't all that specific. If this doesn't answer you to the degree that you need, then please feel free to PM me

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Originally Posted by Ms.Lupin-Black

This is already partly addressed in the FAQ - but for some reason the link to submit signatures doesn't work on my computer. Do you know why? Is there someone I can PM with what i want to change it? or is there another way?

Absolutely do. The link in the FAQ hasn't been updated since the server was last switched. Thanks for finding that, in the meantime you can submit your siggy right here.

And here's a tip if you come across another link that doesn't seem to work: If it has /vb3/ in the url, take that out. That was the old way of linking up, but if you take that out, as long as the thread still exists, it will get you there just fine

[Tegz]

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Originally Posted by Augree

When is the sorting be opened again??
because i can't be here everytime...

Please make some effort to look for the answers to your questions before asking them. As it says on the front page, the sorting begins on December 12th and runs until December 30th.

This very thread directs you to the same place to find that answer.

Aside from the front page, the very same question was answered only a few posts before your own in the Q&A thread in the newbie forum, as well as in this thread which covers Guidelines of what every newbie should know.

As long as you come online to do the quiz at some time during the two weeks that the sorting is open you'll be sorted. Good luck on getting the house you hope for

[Tegz]

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Originally Posted by Katie Snape

Could you please tell me if I would be allowed to post a link to my dissertation survey? It's very relevant to the Harry Potter fanbase as it's investigating celebrity worship and relationships with fictional characters.

Thank you.

You could possibly include it as a link in your signature, assuming it does not contain anything which breaks SS rules. Alternatively, you could send it to a mod or an admin to specifically ask, so that its content can be reviewed and we'll let you know if/where it could possibly be posted in the forums. No guarantees on that though, so the best bet would be through your signature.

[allucha]

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Originally Posted by undesirable1

I submitted my sorting quiz and it logged me out the first time, so I went ahead and filled out another one because I didn't know if it submitted the first time. How do I distinguish if the first went through or not. I'm concerned because I know multiple submissions do not get sorted.

Don't worry too much about it, we'll sort the first form that was submitted.

Hope you enjoy the house you're placed in!

[Tegz]

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Originally Posted by XxSkaterJonasxX

Hey I was just wondering why I can't see SS Hogwarts Haven?

I just checked and you aren't part of the School RPG Addicts group. You need to join that to see the Haven. Go to this part of your CP and scroll down until you find:

~Fan Club: School RPG Addicts
a group of members who live in the school

Select that one then hit the join group button and enter a reason if it asks you for one. Once you are part of the group you can find us here

[Tegz]

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Originally Posted by Gabrielle

This is just a general RPG question. What year is it currently in the RPG? It makes birth dates hard to figure out for your characters is you don't know the current year!

The school year is 2076-2077. Students attend from September- June and the summer break is July and August. Within the Wizarding World forum, there are announcements that tell you what month it is. Each month lasts about ten days real time.

The easiest way to remind yourself of the year is to take a look at the archives where each term is dated with both the IC dates and the real dates.

[Tegz]

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Originally Posted by snelly0217

Who do I talk to if I want a character to be a Metamorphigus?

I would like to know, because I am hoping my next character can be one.

If its forthe school, Cassirin, if its for the Ministry, Anna Banana. I also suggest reading over this thread, which is a discussion on special abilities.

[Tegz]

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Originally Posted by alchemist_18

one question that stuck in my head maybe it sounds silly
does any mod or admin knew about the content of Private Message?

Generally not unless it is shared directly. However, site rules still apply to PMs and inappropriateness is usually reported.

[Anna Banana]

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Originally Posted by Wonderstruck

Hello
I had my username changed a couple of months ago, and if I am remembering correctly after three months has passed you're supposed to PM an admin so that they can remove the line underneath saying what your former username was. However, I can't for the life of me seem to find that thread where all that information was posted, so would anyone by chance know where I might be able to find the thread where all that information is listed or which admin I might be able to PM in order to get it removed?

After a three month time period, feel free to PM one of the site admins (I'll be glad to handle it for you), and we'll remove that tag for you.

Hope this helps!

[Tegz]

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Originally Posted by Jokun

I have a question I wish to before I might do something I might not be allowed to do.

But Is it allowed to post video links in ones signature and if your allowed to put in links what is allowed and what isn't. Generally I already know the basics like no adult content stuff so I was just wondering if I could put a video link from youtube into my signature?

You can if it falls in line with site rules but be aware it isn't just the video content that is important. You can be warned for linking to youtube if there is inappropriate content in the comments such as swearing or insulting behaviour. The best way to get around this is by linking only to videos with the comments disabled.

[allucha]

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Originally Posted by Hermione345

Hi!!

My question is whether we can access SS, just the way it is on computer, on a mobile phone..
Thanks in advance

You definitely can! We don't have an App or mobile site, so when you load it up through the phone's browser, it should be almost identical to how it is on the website (if your phone allows web page access).

However, if you find that the layout/graphics are too data-intensive, you can change the theme to "SS Lite" by scrolling down to the bottom left corner (just above the disclaimer) and scrolling through the layout options to find the "SS Lite" theme.

Happy New Year!!

[Dainsie]

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Originally Posted by Dan and Emma<3

I want to ask if I could change my username since I saw someone had changed theirs because there is a former name shown under.

Also I want to ask where can I get this?

SPOILER!!: Stretchy Image of Post Tags

Both of these questions are answered in the Site Rules & FAQ here and here (they will be at the very top when you click the links). Please make sure you read it carefully before posting.

Yes, but it's not that easy. In order to change your name you must be a member of the site for no less than a year. You also must have at least 4000 posts and NO warnings. We do not encourage you to change your name, however we know that sometimes your tastes change. To request a name change, please fill out the request form. Further questions should be PM'd to an admin, who will review the situation at their discretion.


Tags are the words and quotes located above a member's post. These words are given by an administrator (such as a joke/for fun/at random). The limit is two tags. Unfortunately, tags cannot be requested by members - except during very special occasions. Please do not PM site moderators and administrators asking for a tag - be patient and your tag will come.

[allucha]

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Originally Posted by alchemist_18

I wanna ask, can we use custom emoticons such as MSN emoticons like this?



because it was taken from another site, maybe it can be called hotlinking

Hot linking is specifically the use of images from their origin source, without uploading them to your own image server; from the looks of that, you have uploaded it to PB so it's not hotlinking.

With regards to custom emoticons, you can't link them into the preconfigured smilies but you CAN post them with the [IMG][/IMG] coding. However, we would request that you do not excessively post them, as some can cause the page to take much longer to load (the example you posted is only 2KB so it's not as bad!). As always, all SS rules would apply to the images you're posting.

[Biochemkris]

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Originally Posted by Starbreeze

Hello! Okay, so sometimes I rate threads when I don't ever remember doing it. I can swear that I have never rated them, but then I go check and it says I have. It's not a big deal, but I feel bad because apparently I only rate one star sometimes and I don't want other people to think that I think their threads suck. Again, I have no idea how I am doing this. Any help?

Also, this is happening. I tried to clear the cache and all that jazz but nothing worked. Help?

Thanks very much.

That first problem is very mysterious. I'm not sure what's going on, but I'll look into it.

As for the second problem - you aren't the only one having it and we suspect an ad with faulty coding. Your best bet is to refresh like crazy until an ad with better coding loads. Sometimes enabling an ad blocker will help and sometimes the problems will occur even if you have one, depending on how the ad blocker works (some just hide the ad which means it loads, but you just can't see it and in that case you may still experience wonky issues if the coding is wrong).

[Biochemkris]

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Originally Posted by Jokun

I have a question it relates to PP's I was curious as to why it says we are not allowed animated PP I wish to put one up and was within all the limits I am just so confused... The pic was just to cute for words... *depressed*

As far as I'm aware there is no rule specifically preventing animated profile pictures. However, animated image files tend to be very large, so be sure you aren't over the 60kb filesize limit and try again.

[Tegz]

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Originally Posted by Jokun

I have tried it again using both the computer and as well as photobucket as for size wise its only 34kb and yet it is still not loading the link below is the actual image.

The Image itself

I put it in for you. Not sure what the issue was. But its in now. If you have any further troubles, send me a PM and I'll follow it up for you

[Hera]

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Originally Posted by Padfoot42

I've checked the notice board on the home page and it says the next sorting is on the 12/12. I thought this would be the 12th od december but that's ages away! Please tell me when the next one is and sorry if i'm being really dim about something here!!! Thank you.

Thanks for pointing that out, I'll mention it to the admins and hopefully that will be updated.

The next sorting is April the 12th

[Tegz]

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Originally Posted by Lollipop!

Hello!

I have a graphics competition and I've already done a poll. How do I set up a new one and take down the old one?

You need to ask a Madam Malkins mod as members cannot strip polls. Lissy Longbottom, cake.ninjak or Nabs are the MM mods.

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Originally Posted by Slytherin's Talon

So Cassirin is the mod to ask if I wanted a "special" character, and Anna Banana is for the Ministry. What about Diagon Alley?

Thanks in advance.

D.A Forever is now heading Diagon Alley. Only permanent characters need to be asked about in general, but to be safe it is still important to let them know if you are planning anything in particular so they can monitor it and make sure rules are being followed etc. Remember you can always make and RP thread in Knockturn Alley if you are unable to bring a special character to the Wizarding World RPG.

[Tegz]

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Originally Posted by Hermione345

Hi

I have two questions..

1) How does someone get expelled from Hogwarts RPG? Can that person nevr RP again?
2) Can I find a list of all whom I've sent a VM? Coz yesterday, I sent a VM to a newbie..I just don't remember who..

Thanks in advance for help!!!

1) By breaking site rules (and Hogwarts rules) within the RPG. Site staff would never share the reasons any one member has a suspension for privacy reasons, so if its just a matter of feeling nosy about another member, you won't find out from us. However, if it is a situation you ever find yourself in, I can assure you that the reasons will be communicated very clearly and it is not an action taken lightly. Suspensions/Expulsions, just like banning, take into account the safety of other members and the well-being of our community as a whole.

Usually a suspension is a limited time thing arranged with the member in question. It may be a term, or two or indefinite. It varies. It is NOT a common occurrence though, and other action is taken first, as outlined in the site rules here.

2) You can only do this if you have a conversation with another member. If they've VM'd you, you can see what you have VM'd them. My suggestion, if you don't remember, is to look at your browser history, otherwise you'll just have to wait until they send a message back to you

[Tegz]

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Originally Posted by CrazySammi

Okay so I feel I should know the answer to this question but I'm not sure so..

Say we wanted to create a PP and we wanted to use a picture of a model who has no shirt on but everything else is completely covered, would be allowed to? This is the image I want to use for my PP. Just wanted to make sure I wouldn't be breaking the rules before uploading the PP.

- Sammi (:

Thanks for checking first. I'm going to go with no on that one because its entirely possible that some of our members might find it a bit uncomfortable or offensive and I'd be concerned that any cropping would make it appear like the person is entirely naked. If you wanted to go ahead and make the PP and then PM me or another mod about it to see if its alright, you're welcome to, but at this stage I think you should look for an alternative image to avoid it becoming an issue.

[sweetpinkpixie]

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Originally Posted by masterofelves

Hi how do you join the ministry

If you go to the Ministry of Magic's FAQ thread, you will see that it is fairly simple to join.

You will need to take the Placement quiz, which is typically open for a two week time period the month after school sorting. The next school sorting won't be until April, so you have some time to think out your character and develop them in the Diagon Alley RP prior to the sorting

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Originally Posted by potterhead4lyf

I was looking in the fan fiction forum and well, I write Head cannons. Much shorter then a fan fiction... I was wondering if I would still post m head cannon in the fanfiction page or some where else?

If you read the descriptions of each Fan Fiction section in the Gringotts Fan Works threads, you will see that we have divided it up into categories based on themes. The categories in the regular vaults are Character, Adventure, Romance, Other, Crossover. Head canon is welcome on SS as long as it follows SS rules. Many members chose to write about their school RP characters, their own made up characters who were in the shadows during Harry Potter's time, or their own original spin on the story JK Rowling created.

As an example, I have a fan fiction that revolves around Hedwig and what she was doing at Hogwarts while Harry was busy saving the wizarding world.

There is no length minimum for fan fiction, and there are writers who choose to write one shot stories.

So, what I suggest you do it after writing your story, check out Gringotts and see which category it best fits in and then submit a new thread. One of the Fan Fiction moderators will review it and approve the thread. If there are any problems, one of us will PM you.

And, it's canon with one "n" No British machinery here

[sweetpinkpixie]

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Originally Posted by potterhead4lyf

So very helpful. I am used to cannon. One last thing I asked it in the newbie thread but I was wondering could I take the wand quiz now even though I won't get to be a student until april? That way I know what my wand will be?

Even if you take the quiz NOW, you will not be able to get your results until you are able to RP your school character in Diagon Alley which will not be until the current term is over. So, it really would not benefit you to take it now.

The wandmakers will not PM you your results. You may only get them through RPing.

If you have further questions regarding this or other Diagon Alley related thing, I suggest going to the Diagon Alley Questions thread

[Tegz]

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Originally Posted by alchemist_18

I have a... sensitive question maybe

I wanted to post some pics at personal pictures in the quibbler forum, but is it breaking the rules if someone on the photo wear such as a... religion symbol (I talked about veil bytheway)

PM me the pics and I'll let you know if they're okay as they are