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Gadget
7th-August-2004, 01:42 AM
{The Ceroc Scotland Forum, Frequently Asked Questions (or FAQ) Version 1.1. Created by Gadget & revised with the help of DavidJames}

This thread is a general FAQ to encourage new members to post and show how to do fancy things in your posts. (Terms in italics are among the entries found in the <a href="#Glossary">Glossary</a> section of this document).

At the bottom of this post you will find both Word and PDF formats of this document as attachments for you to download / print out. (Both the main body of this FAQ and the additional Glossary section run to seven pages each.)

If you have any more questions, suggestions, or any more tips on how to use this forum, please add them onto the end of this thread.

<hr>
<a name="list" ></a>
<a href="#whatis">What is the forum?</a>
<a href="#scotland">Do I have to be Scottish or Dance in Scotland to contribute?</a>
<a href="#whoarethey">Who contributes to the forum?</a>
<hr align=left width=60%>
<a href="#whypost">Why should I post?</a>
<a href="#whyrespond">Why don't people respond to my thread?</a>
<hr align=left width=60%>
<a href="#whentopost">When should I post?</a>
<a href="#whennottopost">When should I not post?</a>
<hr align=left width=60%>
<a href="#whattopost">What should I post?</a>
<hr align=left width=60%>
<a href="#wheretopost">Where should I post?</a>
<a href="#wherecanifind">Where can I find...?</a>
<hr align=left width=60%>
<a href="#howtoreply">How do I post a reply?</a>
<a href="#howtoquote">How do I use quotes in my posts?</a>
<a href="#startathread">How do I start a thread?</a>
<a href="#startapoll">How do I start a poll?</a>
<a href="#giverep">How do I give rep?</a>
<a href="#postalink">How do I post a link to another post?</a>
<hr align=left width=60%>
<a href="#Glossary">Glossary</a>


<hr>

<a name="whatisthis"></a>
What is the forum?
The Forum is a discussion area where people talk (or more precisely "type") about Ceroc, Modern Jive, Dancing and just about every other topic you can imagine.

It has been compared to a ‘local pub’ where several tables of topics are discussed and people move freely between each of them, joining in here & there, or just listening in to the conversation. It has the same welcoming ethics (netiquette) and anyone deliberately spilling pints or causing trouble can be ejected from the premises by our publican, Franck.

You will find regulars propping up the bar and moderating barmaids trying to keep order. The music choice on the jukebox is fantastic, but there will always be people complain about over played tracks and the questionable taste of the record buying public.

Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on what you post :whistle: ) there is a record of everything said in here; every topic of conversation discussed, every question asked, every response given, every view point expressed, every piece of advice dispensed and every idea proposed. It’s all in the archives to read, re-read and perhaps resurrect again. You can spend days looking over past topics.

One warning to everyone new here: this forum can be as addictive as the dance that spawned it.

<p align=right><a href=#list>^ questions ^</a></p>
<hr>

<a name="scotland"></a>
Do I have to be Scottish or Dance in Scotland to contribute?
The forum happens to be "CerocScotland" because Franck (the owner of the main Ceroc franchise in Scotland) started it. It's here for the community of dancers to join in and share their wealth of knowledge and experience. Some of it is even related to dance! There are forumites from all across the globe who meet here to discuss and debate.

Please pull up a keyboard and join us.

<p align=right><a href=#list>^ questions ^</a></p>
<hr>

<a name="whoarethey"></a>
Who contributes to the forum?
This forum is populated by thousands of people who all share the same passion: Dancing. Specifically dancing Ceroc or Modern Jive.
Since it's our passion, there are quite a high proportion of teachers, taxi-dancers, organisers, competitors and such like. But everyone started with struggling to dance, move and listen to the music all at the same time. Your opinion is just as valid as theirs and you have just as much a right to express it.

To find out about specific members, either click on the member's name, or click on them in the <a href="http://www.cerocscotland.com/forum/memberlist.php?">Member's list</a> link.
You will also find a few "Introduction" threads where people have/can post more background to themselves, their likes and dislikes, etc. (some of it makes for ... interesting... reading :blush: )

<p align=right><a href=#list>^ questions ^</a></p>
<hr>

<a name="whypost"></a>
Why should I post?
There are people here of every level, from novice to multiple competition winner, but all dancers - there is a vast depth of knowledge and experience.
Every "good" dancer was once a beginner and they are always eager to help with advice and explanations.

With the vast range of people from every walk of life, you will also find discussion on philosophy, books, ethics, hobbies, holidays, gardening... you may find you not only share dancing, but other interests with fellow forumites.

Don't feel shy about posting; no-one should criticise or extract the urine... at least, not until they get to know you :)

<p align=right><a href=#list>^ questions ^</a></p>
<hr>

<a name="whyrespond"></a>
Why don't people respond to my thread?
It can be disheartening: you think of a great good idea for a discussion, you post a thread... then no-one responds to it, and your idea slowly sinks into obscurity. Don't worry about it - it's not a personal insult or intentional disrespect. Here are some tips that may help:


Put your thread in the right area (see <a href="#wheretopost">Where should I post?</a>)
Make the title relevant, put a summary of the main idea in the post, and use a smilie to categorise the post
At the start of the text, give the post a context (for example, "this post was prompted by...", "I had this happen to me and...", "Someone mentioned in another thread...", etc)
Phrase your post in the form of a question, but don't answer it fully (yet)
Don't make the question or answer too complex; most folk will only be able to put together a sentence or two response - not a whole thesis.
Don't try and go into too much detail; if curious, people will ask and it will stimulate discussion.
Don't respond to every post in your thread within seconds of people posting; give others a chance to comment and see where it leads. You may find that you kill you own thread by saying all there is to say in a short period of time.
Don't check on your thread every five minutes; a watched thread never rises. Sometimes people would like to respond, but don't have the time to create a decent answer - by the time they do, the window is lost and the post has sunk.

<p align=right><a href=#list>^ questions ^</a></p>
<hr>

<a name="whentopost"></a>
When should I post?
Threads are a form of conversation, and as with normal conversation, deviating from the main title of the thread is common. Moderators try and keep on top of it by splitting threads when they deviate from the title too much. Generally it is considered good netiquette to only post a reply in a thread if...

you have something constructive to add to a thread
you strongly agree with something said,
you disagree with something (if so, explain what you disagree with and
why - a post just saying "no that's wrong" is not much use without a reason)

<p align=right><a href=#list>^ questions ^</a></p>
<hr>


<a name="whennottopost"></a>
When should I not post?
There are a lot of threads here, and most common topics have been discussed in detail before - some come round every couple of months, others raise their heads when new members discover old posts they find interesting.

The most common topics seem to be:

why do people dance?
what do I do with my feet?
how do you define Ceroc/Modern Jive?
what classifies as Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced?


If you think on a question, it is perhaps worth searching the forum (http://www.cerocscotland.com/forum/search.php?) for a similar post before posting: you can always add on to the end of an existing thread if you have questions or want to bring the thread up to the top of the list.

Please don't post personal details like phone numbers or home addresses - there are some bad people out there: Think on this as a magazine with a global publication - anything you post could be read by anyone anywhere.

A note of warning: the forum has an area (Outside) where you get sent if your posts start heading towards personal attacks, abuse or slander (/liable). If your post was considered too abusive, it will be removed from the forum. Please consider twice before actually naming anyone or throwing insults about.

<p align=right><a href=#list>^ questions ^</a></p>
<hr>

<a name="whattopost"></a>
What to post?
Anything.
OK, so this is a dance forum, but you don't need to limit yourself to dance related topics; there is a thriving area of non-dance topics (that is getting bigger than the dance side of things :what: )

To repeat a point made above - abusive posts will not be tolerated, neither will direct marketing, or advertising.

When writing posts, it may be useful to follow a couple of guidelines:

Keep it short.
{yea, says he who posts pages and pages in one post :rolleyes:} If you have/want to post a lot of information, break it down into bite-size, digestible chunks.

Not that short.
Don't be monosyllabic about your answers; if you agree/disagree, say to which bits and why. If posting questions, perhaps give a bit more detail about the context it should be taken in. If you agree/disagree but have nothing really to add to the post, consider using the rep system instead of posting.

Avoid personal references.
Unless you are directly responding or quoting someone, try not to post hearsay or gossip - it is likely that the person involved will hear about it, if not read it themselves.

Try to keep it on-topic.
If something said in one post sparks a question or idea not relevant to the current discussion, it's better to create a new thread to discuss it: It keeps things tidy and you may attract folk to read it that were not involved on the source thread.

Don't try sarcasm or dry witted humour.
At least until you are known on the forum. Or if you do, please point it out - not everyone will share your sense of humour.

<p align=right><a href=#list>^ questions ^</a></p>
<hr>

<a name="wheretopost"></a>
Where should I post?
The forum is divided into four main areas:
Ceroc / dance technical discussions - Posts that are to do with the dance we dance or music we dance to
Discussion Lounge - Social posts and discussion; the 'lounge' area that everything non-dance is discussed
Fun & games - Posts that will waste time and provide some distraction.
Testing testing - Posts about the forum itself, a little test area to try out posting and some features, and an "Outside" area where all the bad posters go.

Each of these is sub-divided, but if you get the general idea of what you want to post, it should fall into one of the above areas. If you post in completely the wrong area, PM a moderator and ask them to move it.

<p align=right><a href=#list>^ questions ^</a></p>
<hr>

<a name="wherecanifind"></a>
Where can I find...

... a specific post: use the
Search (http://www.cerocscotland.com/forum/search.php?) tool or just browse. If you are looking for a specific post you made yourself, there is an option in the userCP to look through them. You can also see what attachments you have used in different posts from here.
Tip: if you click (and hold) on the "New Posts" part of the tool-bar, then drag your mouse pointer onto the desktop and release the button - you create a desktop shortcut.?If you later double-click on that shortcut you'll open a browser window (if ?there isn't one open) and automatically get taken to a page of all the new ?messages since the last time you logged on.{Tip courtesy of El Salsero Gringo}

... information about a user: Either through the Members list (http://www.cerocscotland.com/forum/memberlist.php?)
or by clicking on the user's avatar in a post.

... my rep/my PM's: in the User Control Panel. (http://www.cerocscotland.com/forum/usercp.php?)

... how to register: there is a link on your control panel to Subscriptions. (http://www.cerocscotland.com/forum/subscriptions.php?)

... who's on-line: The title page (http://www.cerocscotland/forum) has a list at the top, but paid-up members have a special link through the "Quick links" button that tells them what everyone on-line is doing as well.

... how to change it from orange: This option is only available to subscribed members of the forum. It's in your user control panel, or at the bottom of every thread.

<p align=right><a href=#list>^ questions ^</a></p>
<hr>

<a name="howtoreply"></a>
How do I post a reply?
You have three options:

To post a quick reply, just click on the little page-with-quill icon at the bottom right of a post, then a blank text box appears. To put emoticons, quotes or other special features in your text, you
can either use tags, or click the "go advanced" button to take you tothe normal editor. Which leads to:
To post a standard reply, click the "Post Reply" button at the bottom of the page, to make a blank editor box appear. The default editor is WYSIWYG editor - fairly simple and you don't see any tags. The default editor type can be changed from your userCP.
If you click the "Quote" button to the bottom right of a post, the same editor will open, with the whole post quoted for you. See the next item for advice on dealing with quotes.

<p align=right><a href=#list>^ questions ^</a></p>
<hr>

<a name="howtoquote"></a>
How do I use quotes in my posts?
Best way to do this is to simply use the "Quote" button attached to a post (as described above).
However, for more advanced use of quotes within your post, you can:

Only quote a bit of text
Just delete the text you don't want. Try not to take stuff out of context and when doing this, you may want to use ~snip~ or ... to indicate that text has been removed. Please, do not quote all of a long post again in your reply: trim it down to a few relevant lines - assume people have already read it.


Multiple quotes
The forum "recognizes" quotes as text which starts with the tag [ quote ] and end with the tag [ /quote ] - so all you need to do is put text in between tags like that and you are quoting.


Multiple quotes: Splitting a quote
To reply to a bit of a post, then another bit; just add an end [ /quote ] tag, type in your reply, and start the quote again with a [ quote ] tag.


Multiple quotes: Copy & paste
When replying to a post, notice that you can scroll down; and under your editor you will find the last 20 or so posts. Simply highlight a section of text, right-click and copy (CTRL+C) then go back to your post, right-click and paste (CTRL+V)


Who said that?
{The following is automatically done for you when you use the "Quote" button - it’s only when working with multiple quotes from different people you need to worry about it}
When something is enclosed in quotes, it just boxes it in and highlights it. To add the "Originally posted by Gadget" to the top, you need to edit the start tag like this: [ quote=Gadget ] Note that this makes everything in the quoted text italic, so any text quoted that was originally in italics will lose its emphasis.


Quotes in a new thread
As with the copy/paste above, when you copy something, it remains copied in your clipboard until you either copy something else or shut your machine down. So just create a new thread and paste away. Alternatively; reply with a quote, copy what's in your editor, then go back and create a new thread - saves you a bit of typing.

<p align=right><a href=#list>^ questions ^</a></p>
<hr>

<a name="startathread"></a>
How do I start a thread?
It's very simple to start a thread: navigate to the area of the forum you think the post is relevant to (using the tree at the top of threads is useful in this) then click on the "New Thread" button.
Remember that the "Title" appears when people are browsing, so give good summaries.
You can also attach an icon to the post to give a quick visual clue as to the nature of it. (This is not used enough in my opinion.)

<p align=right><a href=#list>^ questions ^</a></p>
<hr>

<a name="startapoll"></a>
How do I start a poll?
To start a poll, you will find an option at the bottom of a new thread post along side a numerical field for how many choices you want. Type in the main body of your text, tick this box and click "submit new thread" - you will be taken to a page with the multiple choice options and other tic boxes to control the poll’s behavior.
Note: once the post has been submitted, you cannot change the text of your options, add/remove any other options, or change it from a ‘public poll’ to a ‘private poll’: so be careful!

<p align=right><a href=#list>^ questions ^</a></p>
<hr>

<a name="giverep"></a>
How do I give rep?
When you look under everyone's name/avatar there are green 'pips' - hover over them and it will say something like "forum member has a magnificent glow about them".
These pips are based on an accumulation of reputation (rep) points, as is the pop-up description. Everyone starts at one pip; you get another pip for every 100 points of rep you accumulate. Everyone starts with 10 points of rep.

To gain/lose reputation, anyone can click on the little scales (or cabbage) icon to the left of the post (beside the on-line green light) and post a comment with an "I approve" or "I disapprove" tag.

The number of points gained/lost is the power number you see beside the rep number. This value depends on your current reputation, the number of posts you have posted and the length of time you have been a member of the forum.
(Although you can rep having only a few posts under your belt, it won't carry any weight until a threshold has been reached)

To see your current rep, click the "User Control Panel" link at the top of the page and it appears: Thread/post title (linked to specific post), Good (green) or bad (red) rep, Date, and Comment.

(a blue square means you got rep from someone with no power)

Most people add a comment like "good post - I know where you're coming from. {Gadget}" or "What are you talking about; sheer nonsense - {Gadget}"
Note the names on the end. You don't have to put your name, and if you subscribe you can tell who the rep is from, but otherwise you may not know who has complimented / dissed you.

<p align=right><a href=#list>^ questions ^</a></p>
<hr>

<a name="postalink"></a>
How do I post a link to another post?
To make a section of text a link, you need to know the address (URL) of the place you want to link to. To do this, you can either:

Navigate to the page you want to link to, and copy the web address (CTRL+C)
If you see an existing link to a thread (for example having performed a search (http://www.cerocscotland.com/forum/search.php?) or looking at another post) you should be able to right-click and "Copy Shortcut" or "Copy Link Location".


If using the buttons on your editor, simply Right-click and 'paste' this into the box that asks you to. The URL should look like this -
http://www.cerocscotland.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8888 (www.cerocscotland.com/forum)

To link to a specific post within a thread, add &p=8888 to the end of the URL above. The easiest way to find this number is to hover over a link or button at the bottom of the post that refers to it:

The rate link (scales), the report link (warning triangle), the Quote button (says 'quote') and the Quick reply button (parchment & quill) all link to this number - if you look at the grey bit at the very bottom of your browser when hovering over any of these you will see something like this:
http:\\www.cerocscotland.com\forum\showthread.php? p=8888# (www.cerocscotland.com/forum)
(that number on the end is what you need to remember and add to the thread's URL)

You will also see that each post also has this number on the top right of it; r-clicking on this and copying the "link location" will send you to that post in isolation from the thread it’s in

Note: If you copy a link from a search you have done, you may want to remove the bit from the URL that highlights the key words you searched for: just delete the bit that says something like
&highlight=Ceroc from the end.

To manually enter a link, put a [ URL=www.cerocscotland.com\forum\ (www.cerocscotland.com\forum)] tag at the start of the relevant link text, and a [ /URL ] tag at the end of the text.

<p align=right><a href=#list>^ questions ^</a></p>
<hr>

<a name="Glossary"></a>Glossary
Dance/Event specific
Technical terms and dance related descriptions that you may be unfamiliar with...

Advanced Dancer - Several competitions define 'advanced' and there are multiple posts about what makes an "advanced" dancer. Generally, winning competitions helps.

Advanced moves - Dance moves that require specialist knowledge from both partners, like drops and arials. These moves normally involve signals that both partners understand - These moves should never be done without practice with that partner; getting them wrong could result in injury.

Aerial or Air-step - when both a dancer's feet leave the floor. Think 'ice-skating'. There is discussion on this forum about what is and is not an aerial, aerials in competition etc. Note: "Arial" is a washing powder; try not to confuse the two.

Assisted Spin/Turn - Where the lead gives additional conviction to the lead and assists the lady in turning. Normally this results in multiple spins/turns. (see Double Spin/Turn??

Backpass - Beginner Move: Right to left hand hold, lead steps to follower's right, turning away and keeping hand low; swap hands behind back and change places. ?(This move is also taught to place hand on outside hip, release and change places to collect)??Basket

- Beginner Move: Double handed hold; right to left, left to right. Right hand low as left hand goes over the right to turn the follower into lead's right side. twist back, then forward and reverse the movements out.?

BB - Acronym: Can either refer to the Aberdeen Beach Ballroom (one of the finest dance floors in the UK that has great parties) or the Beach Boogie (a week/fortnight long dance event held in the Isle of Wight with workshops/parties every day)

Beginner or Novice - Someone who has just started dancing. The line as to when this title no longer applies has been discussed at length; but Ceroc defines it as someone who has done less than 12 weeks of classes.

Beginner moves - a set of moves that are taught in rotation in every Ceroc Beginner's Class in the country. They give you the basic building blocks of movement that most other moves are based on. ?( First move, yo-yo, arm-jive, octopus, basket, side-to-side, in and out, man spin, step across, shoulder slide, back pass, shoulder drop, Ceroc spin, catapult, comb )

BFG - Acronym: Big Forum Gathering - an event spanning a weekend of dancing and workshops where all of the Ceroc Scotland forumites try to meet up and dance with each other in real life. Prizes, awards, showcases and a great deal of fun.

Block - Stopping the momentum of the follower. Normally with a flat hand hold or an arm acting as a barrier.

Blues dancing - A sub-form of dance, similar to Modern Jive which uses a lot of close moves and is normally danced to slower (blusier) music. Also see UCP

Break - A place in music where the sound changes completely for a bar or two, then resumes. This is normally when the base stops marking the rhythm and since dancers are interpreting the music, they like to "hit the breaks" with some sort of pose or dramatism within the dance.

Catapult - Beginner Move: From a right to right hold, the follower is led 'under' to the lead's right and behind to exit with a free spin from the lead's left.

Ceroc - The brand of Modern Jive that has the UK market share (or at least Scottish market share) of dancers. Also used as a generic term for Modern Jive in the same way as "Coke" is used for a cola flavored drink.

Ceroc Spin - Beginner Move: Catching the follower's wrist to block a turn and sending them into a free spin in the opposite direction. {Can be referred to as a "Lady-spin" or "American Spin" which are almost identical.}??

Classic Intermediate Moves - Ceroc have designated a handful of moves to be more advanced than your basic beginner moves, but still contain core concepts and movements that you will use in your dancing. ?There are some regular intermediate workshops that focus on these moves in more detail. (see press for details :))

Comb or Slo Comb - Beginner Move: {re-named the polish by some 'folically challenged' dancers} Right to right move from a turn, taking the follower's hand over. The "Slo" variation holds the comb position while both partners walk on the spot for a while.

Consolidation Class - A class run after the beginner's class, hosted by taxi dancers, and going over any beginner's moves. These allow novice dancers to practice the moves and get direct feedback on
how they can improve/develop their dancing.

Demo - the person who helps the teacher demonstrate moves.

Dip or Seducer - Where the follower is dipped in the lead's arms; in these moves, the person being dipped supports most of their own weight and uses the partner for balance more than support.

Double Turn or Double Spin - When a dancer rotates a full 360º twice without stopping in-between. Normally on the spot, but can be done travelling. Good spinners can do multiple spins, leads can also encourage followers into double spins with an assisted Turn/Spin.

Doughnut - A spectacular aerial move seen performed by David & Lily Barker where Lilly forms a ring by grabbing her feet on the horizontal plane balanced above David's head, then drops round him.

Drop - A move where the follower must trust the lead to take most of their weight. Normally lower than a Dip and the follower "Freefalls" into it.

Essentials (or Ceroc Essentials) - Stepping and basic movements done at the start of a Ceroc Beginner class to get everyone moving in time with the music and introduce some very basic principles of dancing.

First move - Beginner Move: Lead's left to lady's right, step in side to side, twist partner out, then back in to step back. A core move - since ?a frame can be created from it that is common to almost every form of partner dance.

Fixed couples - Not changing partners during a lesson: Where as most MJ classes, workshops and events allow leads/followers to rotate, there are some that do not (normally the UCP ones).

Floorcraft - the skill of being aware of (and considerate to) other dancers on the dance floor. Also being sensible/aware enough to not place their partner in danger.

Follow or Follower - the person led around the dance floor; normally the lady of a partnership. The specific role(s) of the follower and the leadare discussed in great depth within this forum.

Footwork - The specific and deliberate placing of either/both partners feet to add stylistic impact to the dance, a more controlled look to the dance or to move yourself on the dance floor. Again, this is discussed in (extensive/boring) detail in various posts within this forum.

Frame - Term used to describe the connection between partners in a typical "ballroom" style hold. Firm, but not tense; the lead comes from the back and shoulders and the follower maintains connection through her back, hand and raised elbow.

Franchisee - Ceroc has multiple "managers" who over-see various areas/venues around the country. These people actually make a living from the rest of us dancers.

Free Spin - When a dancer spins without connection to their partner. ??Hatchback - Move: Right to right hold, step in side to side with the lead folding arm across chest & changing to flat hand. Lead's arm is extended, pushing the follower into a freespin as they turn to face and collect. ?If led incorrectly, followers can often confuse this move with the yo-yo.

Hipsters - A MJ club in London that has a reputation for "advanced" dancers.

In and Out - Beginner Move: With a double hand hold, partners step towards each other and away again.

Intermediate - Someone who has lost their 'beginner' status, but is not yet 'advanced'. Some competitions define this for themselves, but there is lots of discussion about it...

Intermediate moves - Any move that is not a beginner move or an advanced move is an intermediate move: Some are more difficult than others.?Ceroc consider a list of about twenty of the 'easier' moves to be 'classic' intermediate moves

Jango - A MJ Club in London, with a reputation for mixing jive, swing and tango.

Lead or Leader - the dancer in charge of the dance; normally the man in a couple. The specific role(s) of the lead and follower are discussed in great depth within this forum.

Man spin - Beginner move: Lead's left to follower's right, the lead rotates and releases hand as they pass the follower’s right shoulder while the follower steps forward, turning to face and catch.

Modern Jive (MJ) - The generic term for our type of dancing - that is, the dance as taught by organisations such as Ceroc, Leroc, Le Jive, MoJive, etc. It's the name that is used here to globally encompass all brands of this dance. There are multiple posts here trying to define what exactly this dance is, and even when / how it started.

Musicality - The interpretation of the specific music being played; altering your dance style to the tempo and style of each track. For example, hitting the breaks.

Neck-break - A signal of an 'L' shaped arm at shoulder height that the lady steps into; similar to a "clothes line" in wrestling :innocent:

Nosequins - (or Nose quins or No sequins) An extension to the Ceroc model in London that teaches ballroom dancing in the same format.

Octopus - Beginner Move: Double handed right to left, left to right hand hold. Starts like a basket, except lead steps through it, then puts themselves into a basket that the follower steps through. Repeat.

Open competition - a category of competition that is open to everyone of all abilities. Normally this is where the highest level of dancing is seen in a competition.

Pivot - A (normally) slow rotation on one foot, led rather than using momentum or the follower's own initiative.?

Pretzel - Move: Both lead and follower end up with arms in half-nelson positions. Multiple ways into and out of the move; looks like a complex tangle of arms. ?

Pushspin - Beginner Move: Taking the follower to a flat-handed block then pushing down to send them into a free spin. ?Normally tagged onto the end of another move like the first move or arm jive.?

Return - A turn that 'unwinds' a follower. It can be in either direction, normally opposing the last turn that the follower completed. ?Most beginners insert a return onto the end of a move to signify that move ending and another beginning.?Most intermediate dancers try to use them as little as possible. ?Most advanced dancers use them as preparation for other moves.

Ronde - An arced sweep with the trailing leg during a pivot, turn, or spin.

Semi-circle - In Ceroc, it is taught that every dance starts with a 'semi-circle' to signal the ladies to step back.

Shines - A term taken from Salsa that describes a form of break where both partners stop physical lead & follow to do some (normally synchronous) styling (normally footwork).

Shoulder Drop - Beginner Move: Right to right hold; lead turns back on follower, puts hand onto right shoulder, extends the arm, takes it back, releasing the hand and collecting with the left behind to turn the lady out in front.?A relatively new move that is one of the trickiest beginner moves to get right.??

Shoulder slide - Beginner Move: Left to Right hand hold, lead steps to the follower's left, placing hand on right shoulder and releasing to swap sides & catch.??

Side-to-side - Beginner Move: Partners come in to meet side to side, fore-arm to fore-arm, and then push off again. Repeat.

Signals or Signalling - A visual aid that lets the lady know what move is coming up next. The term "Signalling" normally refers to physical actions (think semaphore) like the neck break, and are commonly used by partners for aerials.?Leads should be wary of using signals with dancers they have not explained the signal to: the same signals have been known to be taught as different moves by different people. ?Followers must be sure of a signal before throwing themselves into a move - the lead may just be wiping their brow :what:

Spin - When a dancer rotates 360º or more without travelling. Normally led from a 'push' (see Pushspin)?If there is no contact with their partner, then it's referred to as a free spin to avoid confusing the term with a turn or assisted turn/spin.?

Spotting - Technique used by professional dancers to prevent getting too dizzy when spinning lots: Fix on a point (spot it) and let it be the last thing to look at before turning and the first thing when head snaps round.??

Step across- Beginner Move: Left to Right hand hold, lead steps to the follower's left, turning under the arm and swapping sides.??

Style - Movement that adds to the look and feel of a move rather than being necessary to perform it.??

Swizzle - Beginner Move: Double hand hold; Right to left, left to right. Lead raises outside arm into a turn, keeping inside arm low to end with the follower in a half-nelson with other arm extended to the side.

Taxi Dancer - Specifically in Ceroc, an intermediate/advanced dancer that helps beginners go through steps and gets them into dancing. Is also used as a generic term for "teacher's helpers" no matter what brand of MJ is discussed.

Travelling - The act of moving across the dance floor. ??

Turn - Can refer to a rotation of the dancer up to 360º, normally assisted with the connection between partners. (See also Double Turn)

UCP - Acronym: Up Close and Personal; a style of move using close/sexy actions. Also a slang term for a blues dancing and can mean "Unexpectedly cozy predicament" {thanks Lory :wink:}

Walk - Move: Various footwork patterns that can add some style to traveling.

Weekender - A weekend of dancing and workshops. normally taking in an introductory party on the Friday evening, workshops during Saturday with the 'main' party on Saturday evening, then workshops on Sunday with a wind-down party on the Sunday evening. Times in-between workshops and parts are normally taken with socializing, or sleeping :).

Workshop - A small 'focused' class that aim to teach isolated concepts in a closer environment where more detail is given and specific issued can be examined with the teacher.
"Ceroc Basic" workshops aim to give new dancers more confidence and the basics of 'how to dance'
"Ceroc Intermediate" workshops go through some principles of lead and follow as well as going through some of the core moves in more detail.
Other workshops tend to focus on specific areas of your dancing like "Style" or "Dips", "Drops" or "Aerials" where the moves may be dangerous if done incorrectly.

Yo-Yo - Beginner Move: Right to Right hold, step in side to side, lead folding right arm across chest. Lead extends the arm out to pivot the lady, then turns to face, blocking at shoulder height.

<hr with=80%>
Forum/Internet specific
Terms used on the internet in general, specific to the forum, and slang terms used on the forum

Attachment - any picture or document you put in/on a post. When creating posts, there is a link at the bottom of the page to 'manage attachments': this is where you upload them from your computer.

Avatar - The little picture to the left of posts, below folks names. There are loads to pick from under the "Edit Avatar" link in your User Control Panel. If you are a subscribed member, you can create and
upload your own avatar image.

Bible - Slang term for the 'Ceroc Bumper Book Of Moves' that every Ceroc teacher has for reference.

BTW - Acronym for "By The Way"

BTC - Acronym: "Better Than Chocolate"- used to describe some dances that are... well 'better than chocolate'. {Originally referring to Bill as a BTC dancer}

Collective - A slang term from star-trek's Borg analogy to refer to Ceroc (the company)

Control Panel - or User CP There is a button on the furthest left labeled "User CP"; from here you can see your rep, manage PM's, add / change info about yourself and manage the way you see the forum.

Forum - A discussion arena where anyone can participate in debate and put forward their own views and ideas. TheForum is used as an abbreviation to refer to this (the Ceroc Scotland Forum), however there are a few others - none as good though :wink:

Forumite - slang term for a user of this forum

Gimping - Slang: The action of taking your current dance partner to one of your friends to try out.?

Grinceing - Slang: Sleasier bluse dancing that has more groin contact than it should :blush: {Term coined by Pammy}?

IMHO - or IMO Acronym for "In My (Humble) Opinion"

Membership - See Subscribing.

Moderator - One of the forum gods who can change/move your posts and watches for any foul language or personal attacks.

MP3 - a compressed music format that is played through computers instead of playing the tracks directly from a CD.

Muggle - Slang term used here to describe a non-dancer. (plagiarised from Harry Potter)

Navigating - moving from page to page on the web by clicking on links and using the "back" button.

Netiquette - Slang term for "Internet Etiquette"; the social etiquette rules used throughout the world that keep communicating on the internet civil.
This FAQ contains an abridged version of these guidelines, but you can find one example <a href="http://www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html">here</a>.

Post - any text you type in and submit to part of a discussion. A thread is made up of multiple posts.

Power - How many reputation points (rep) a forumite can reward another forumite for posting. See Reputation (#giverep) above for more information..

Perv - Abbreviation from "pervert": Slang term for a dancer who's behavior is socially un-acceptable and sexually un-discriminating.

Private Messaging - or PM is a form of direct e-mail between forum members. You can use it like any other e-mail system and all the forum tags work as if it was a post (but not embedded HTML tags). You can view, create and manage your PM's through a link on your User CP.

Quick Reply - A feature on this forum that allows you to click on an icon beside a post to activate a simple text-only box at the bottom of the thread.

Quote - To insert a quote from another post into your reply.
See <a href="#howtoquote">How do I use quotes in my posts?</a> for more details.

Registered User - The title of someone who has created a user name and identity on the forum , but has not subscribed to gain extra features on the forum.

Reputation - or rep is increased (or decreased) by people approving of (or disapproving of) your posts. The level is indicated by green 'pips' at the bottom of the left-hand information panel against posts.
You can see your rep & how it was accumulated through your UserCP.
See <a href="#giverep">How do I give Rep?</a> for more information.

Senior member - The title of an existing member of the forum who has subscribed - these Forumites can be identified by having their name in bold.

Sharking - Slang term for a dancer who is dancing purely to pull.

Signature or Sig - A bit of text added to the bottom of your post - only available to subscribed members. Similar to the user name and avatar in that it helps other forumites get an idea of who you are. This is controlled from the UserCP.

Smilies or Emoticons - the small happy faces (:)) you see in posts; there are several and can simply be added by clicking on them when creating a post. (or typing in their : waycool : :waycool: tags)

Splitting a thread - When people discuss something and it goes off on a tangent, the thread may be split into two, keeping the original and creating a new one for the tangent conversation to continue on.

Stinker - Slang term for a dancer who does not change shirts/use spray/wash or generally smells bad.

Spam - Common internet term for junk e-mail. In the same way as you can get 500 circulars through your letterbox from, readers digest, credit card companies, insurance, ... you can also get it through your e-mail. Spam is unsolicited, targeted advertising. This forum should be free of anyone doing such things, and administrators deal with them the best they can.?

Subscribing or Subscription - Paying to have extra benefits and enhancements on the forum as well as your name in bold.
The cost of subscribing helps contribute to the administration and running costs involved in maintaining this forum: Please show your support of this forum by subscribing.
To subscribe, click "User CP" at the top left of the screen, and the option for "Paid Subscriptions" near the bottom of the left-hand menu bar.
See Paid Subscriptions (http://www.cerocscotland.com/forum/subscriptions.php?) for more information on the benefits.

Tag - A command code that makes text bold, italic, underlined, or adds a web link to text. In this forum they use square brackets [ b ] (to make something bold) but you can also use HTML &lt;b&gt; symbols.

Thread - A conversation on the forum, made up from sequential postings on a particular subject. Hopefully all relevant to the first post of the thread.

Title - The label shown immediately after each poster's name.
Usually these say either "Registered User" or "Senior Member".
Custom titles (such as "Omnipotent Moderator") can only be added by administrators of the forum and are generally awarded or "earned" for performing some notable feat. They can be requested, but their inclusion is at the moderator's discretion.

Trolling - Slang term for seeking a new partner to dance with.

URL or address - A web link: click on it and it will pull up the specified web site.

WYSIWYG - Acronym for "What You See Is What You Get"

Yanker - Slang term for a dancer who is forceful and pulls you about the dance floor.

Zouave - Fifteenth century, French infantryman. Renown for colorful uniforms and excellent drill-work. Nothing to do with dance, but had to have a Z in the list and thought Franck may appreciate this one :D

<p align=right><a href=#list>^ questions ^</a></p>

Gadget
7th-August-2004, 01:53 AM
This should really be in the "technical suggestions" area of the forum, but I've spent ages re-formatting it to work with links and things, then found that the "suggestions" area does not allow html code in it's posts :mad:
So it's here. Maybe it will get moved some day.

Lory
7th-August-2004, 02:19 AM
Congratulations Gadget!

I've only managed to skim though it, cos it's 2-15am and I'm Kn*****d but what I've seen looks brilliant! :cheers:

And I see you've even managed to get a sneaky little entry into the BFG spelling awards, in the title! :worthy: :wink:

TheTramp
7th-August-2004, 02:21 AM
I think that we need a forum award for 'longest post'.

You'll win hands down.

That's a lot of work there. Well done :clap:

Trampy

Dancing Girlie
7th-August-2004, 04:08 AM
Hi there Gadget

Just wanted to say that although I've only managed to read half of your message just now, (as it is rather late), I've found it very helpful being new to the forum....I look forward to reading the rest tomorrow! :D

Dancing Girlie :flower:

DavidY
7th-August-2004, 08:43 AM
:yeah:
What Trampy/Lory/Dancing Girlie said.

Excellent stuff and very comprehensive. :clap: :clap:

Alfie
7th-August-2004, 09:05 AM
Well Done Gadget,
Very comprehensive and very informative. It should be a great help for the not so technically adept. Maybe this post ought to be in its own slot so it will stay readilly available for ever. I think we all should buy you a drink next time we see you :cheers:

Andy McGregor
7th-August-2004, 01:07 PM
Keep it short.

Great post Gadget: well done :clap: :clap:

I just couldn't resist the above quote though :devil:

RobC
7th-August-2004, 05:42 PM
Jeez, how long did that take you ?


...BB - Acronym: Can either refer to the Aberdeen Beach Ballroom (one of the finest dance floors in the UK that has great parties) or the Beach Boogie (a weekend dance event in England with workshops and parties)

Small correction for you - Beach Boogie is a fortnight dance event (not a weekend event) on the Isle of Wight (although this year it was only a single week, it has been confirmed to be 2 again next year).

Kay
8th-August-2004, 03:48 PM
Well done Gadget - it must have taken you ages. It's very informative, not that I've had time to read it all yet, but I intend to as you've answered a few of my queries.

Tiggerbabe
8th-August-2004, 03:55 PM
Small correction for you - Beach Boogie is a fortnight dance event (not a weekend event) on the Isle of Wight (although this year it was only a single week, it has been confirmed to be 2 again next year).
I've corrected this in Gadget's post :hug:
Fantastic work Gadget and I'm sure Franck will be post it to an appropriate spot on his return :clap: :clap:

Gadget
9th-August-2004, 08:21 AM
that's the one thing I can't do: make any changes or corrections {ta sheena :wink:} - but I did put the most important BB first :D :devil:

Tiggerbabe
9th-August-2004, 11:28 AM
but I did put the most important BB first :D :devil:
I absolutely agree :clap: :clap: :D

Foofs
3rd-September-2004, 10:48 AM
One question: When, how and why did I change from being a 'Junior Member' to a 'Registered User'? Is this a good thing? :innocent:

Gadget
3rd-September-2004, 02:06 PM
One question: When, how and why did I change from being a 'Junior Member' to a 'Registered User'? Is this a good thing? :innocent:
"All new members start off as a "Junior Member". "Members" are people who have posted at least 30 times in any of the Forums. "Senior Members" are people who have contributed over 100 times to the forums." {<- this is the default, Franck may have changed it here}

you become a "registered user" after a newly registered user is approved/confirmed

The "User Titles" may have been changed recently, but only 'active' users will have changed theirs from "Junior member" to "Registered User" - but it depends on the setup of this BBS; ask Franck.

Foofs
3rd-September-2004, 02:11 PM
Merci!

CJ
3rd-September-2004, 02:18 PM
One question: When, how and why did I change from being a 'Junior Member' to a 'Registered User'? Is this a good thing? :innocent:

I thought "registered users" had a heroin habit :confused:

Dreadful Scathe
3rd-September-2004, 02:42 PM
no thats 'Heron' habit..you know like Bill Oddie :)

DavidY
3rd-September-2004, 06:49 PM
One question: When, how and why did I change from being a 'Junior Member' to a 'Registered User'? Is this a good thing? :innocent:I was a Junior Member, then a Senior Member.

However I notice I'd changed back to be a Registered User sometime after the forum was upgraded.

When I was upgraded to Silver membership I became a Senior Member again. :confused:

I guess Franck may be able to explain why...

Dance Demon
29th-January-2005, 12:21 AM
just noticed all my posts are being moderated...this never used to happen, I just posted & they came up, unless it was a new thread, and that was sent to the moderator first. Now all my posts are being sent to modrator first :confused:

PS how do you upgrade to silver membership?

TheTramp
29th-January-2005, 12:27 AM
just noticed all my posts are being moderated...this never used to happen, I just posted & they came up, unless it was a new thread, and that was sent to the moderator first. Now all my posts are being sent to modrator first :confused:

PS how do you upgrade to silver membership?
Read it more closely DD. You're not actually being moderated. It says "IF they need to be moderated they will be". Least, if you're in the same position as I am

To upgrade. Go to User CP, then down the menu bar on the left side of the screen, to paid subscriptions.

Dance Demon
29th-January-2005, 12:47 AM
Read it more closely DD. You're not actually being moderated. It says "IF they need to be moderated they will be". Least, if you're in the same position as I am

To upgrade. Go to User CP, then down the menu bar on the left side of the screen, to paid subscriptions.


Cheers Steve :cheers:

jivecat
29th-January-2005, 09:22 PM
Does anyone know why, in my list of rep messages, one of them has a blue square next to it instead of a green one? Is that a negative one? :confused: Obviously wasted on me if it is. :whistle:

Ta, jivecat.

Northants Girly
29th-January-2005, 10:34 PM
Does anyone know why, in my list of rep messages, one of them has a blue square next to it instead of a green one? Is that a negative one? :confused: Obviously wasted on me if it is. :whistle:

Ta, jivecat.No idea - don't think I've any had any neg rep :na:
Give me some if you like and I'll let you know what it looks like :D

and that dosn't mean everyone - just Jivecat!

Franck
30th-January-2005, 04:52 PM
Does anyone know why, in my list of rep messages, one of them has a blue square next to it instead of a green one? Is that a negative one? :confused: Obviously wasted on me if it is. :whistle: Nope, a blue square means you got rep from someone with no power, most likely to be positive, but could be negative I guess!
Anyone who has not made enough posts, or who's reputation is below 10, will have 0 power and will give 0 points though they can still leave a rep message, it will be neither green (positive) nor red (negative).

Northants Girly
30th-January-2005, 08:36 PM
Nope, a blue square means you got rep from someone with no power, most likely to be positive, but could be negative I guess!
Anyone who has not made enough posts, or who's reputation is below 10, will have 0 power and will give 0 points though they can still leave a rep message, it will be neither green (positive) nor red (negative).Please could you explain more how the power thing works Franck?
Are there any FAQs on this cos I can't find any . . . :confused:

Tiggerbabe
24th-June-2005, 09:03 PM
Updated FAQ from Gadget. :worthy:

{The Ceroc Scotland Forum, Frequently Asked Questions (or FAQ) Version 1.1. Created by Gadget & revised with the help of DavidJames}

This thread is a general FAQ to encourage new members to post and show how to do fancy things in your posts. (Terms in italics are among the entries found in the <a href="#Glossary">Glossary</a> section of this document).

At the bottom of this post you will find both Word and PDF formats of this document as attachments for you to download / print out. (Both the main body of this FAQ and the additional Glossary section run to seven pages each.)

If you have any more questions, suggestions, or any more tips on how to use this forum, please add them onto the end of this thread.

<hr>
<a name="list" ></a>
<a href="#whatis">What is the forum?</a>
<a href="#scotland">Do I have to be Scottish or Dance in Scotland to contribute?</a>
<a href="#whoarethey">Who contributes to the forum?</a>
<hr align=left width=60%>
<a href="#whypost">Why should I post?</a>
<a href="#whyrespond">Why don't people respond to my thread?</a>
<hr align=left width=60%>
<a href="#whentopost">When should I post?</a>
<a href="#whennottopost">When should I not post?</a>
<hr align=left width=60%>
<a href="#whattopost">What should I post?</a>
<hr align=left width=60%>
<a href="#wheretopost">Where should I post?</a>
<a href="#wherecanifind">Where can I find...?</a>
<hr align=left width=60%>
<a href="#howtoreply">How do I post a reply?</a>
<a href="#howtoquote">How do I use quotes in my posts?</a>
<a href="#startathread">How do I start a thread?</a>
<a href="#startapoll">How do I start a poll?</a>
<a href="#giverep">How do I give rep?</a>
<a href="#postalink">How do I post a link to another post?</a>
<hr align=left width=60%>
<a href="#Glossary">Glossary</a>


<hr>

<a name="whatisthis"></a>
What is the forum?
The Forum is a discussion area where people talk (or more precisely "type") about Ceroc, Modern Jive, Dancing and just about every other topic you can imagine.

It has been compared to a ‘local pub’ where several tables of topics are discussed and people move freely between each of them, joining in here & there, or just listening in to the conversation. It has the same welcoming ethics (netiquette) and anyone deliberately spilling pints or causing trouble can be ejected from the premises by our publican, Franck.

You will find regulars propping up the bar and moderating barmaids trying to keep order. The music choice on the jukebox is fantastic, but there will always be people complain about over played tracks and the questionable taste of the record buying public.

Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on what you post :whistle: ) there is a record of everything said in here; every topic of conversation discussed, every question asked, every response given, every view point expressed, every piece of advice dispensed and every idea proposed. It’s all in the archives to read, re-read and perhaps resurrect again. You can spend days looking over past topics.

One warning to everyone new here: this forum can be as addictive as the dance that spawned it.

<p align=right><a href=#list>^ questions ^</a></p>
<hr>

<a name="scotland"></a>
Do I have to be Scottish or Dance in Scotland to contribute?
The forum happens to be "CerocScotland" because Franck (the owner of the main Ceroc franchise in Scotland) started it. It's here for the community of dancers to join in and share their wealth of knowledge and experience. Some of it is even related to dance! There are forumites from all across the globe who meet here to discuss and debate.

Please pull up a keyboard and join us.

<p align=right><a href=#list>^ questions ^</a></p>
<hr>

<a name="whoarethey"></a>
Who contributes to the forum?
This forum is populated by thousands of people who all share the same passion: Dancing. Specifically dancing Ceroc or Modern Jive.
Since it's our passion, there are quite a high proportion of teachers, taxi-dancers, organisers, competitors and such like. But everyone started with struggling to dance, move and listen to the music all at the same time. Your opinion is just as valid as theirs and you have just as much a right to express it.

To find out about specific members, either click on the member's name, or click on them in the <a href="http://www.cerocscotland.com/forum/memberlist.php?">Member's list</a> link.
You will also find a few "Introduction" threads where people have/can post more background to themselves, their likes and dislikes, etc. (some of it makes for ... interesting... reading :blush: )

<p align=right><a href=#list>^ questions ^</a></p>
<hr>

<a name="whypost"></a>
Why should I post?
There are people here of every level, from novice to multiple competition winner, but all dancers - there is a vast depth of knowledge and experience.
Every "good" dancer was once a beginner and they are always eager to help with advice and explanations.

With the vast range of people from every walk of life, you will also find discussion on philosophy, books, ethics, hobbies, holidays, gardening... you may find you not only share dancing, but other interests with fellow forumites.

Don't feel shy about posting; no-one should criticise or extract the urine... at least, not until they get to know you :)

<p align=right><a href=#list>^ questions ^</a></p>
<hr>

<a name="whyrespond"></a>
Why don't people respond to my thread?
It can be disheartening: you think of a great good idea for a discussion, you post a thread... then no-one responds to it, and your idea slowly sinks into obscurity. Don't worry about it - it's not a personal insult or intentional disrespect. Here are some tips that may help:


Put your thread in the right area (see <a href="#wheretopost">Where should I post?</a>)
Make the title relevant, put a summary of the main idea in the post, and use a smilie to categorise the post
At the start of the text, give the post a context (for example, "this post was prompted by...", "I had this happen to me and...", "Someone mentioned in another thread...", etc)
Phrase your post in the form of a question, but don't answer it fully (yet)
Don't make the question or answer too complex; most folk will only be able to put together a sentence or two response - not a whole thesis.
Don't try and go into too much detail; if curious, people will ask and it will stimulate discussion.
Don't respond to every post in your thread within seconds of people posting; give others a chance to comment and see where it leads. You may find that you kill you own thread by saying all there is to say in a short period of time.
Don't check on your thread every five minutes; a watched thread never rises. Sometimes people would like to respond, but don't have the time to create a decent answer - by the time they do, the window is lost and the post has sunk.

<p align=right><a href=#list>^ questions ^</a></p>
<hr>

<a name="whentopost"></a>
When should I post?
Threads are a form of conversation, and as with normal conversation, deviating from the main title of the thread is common. Moderators try and keep on top of it by splitting threads when they deviate from the title too much. Generally it is considered good netiquette to only post a reply in a thread if...

you have something constructive to add to a thread
you strongly agree with something said,
you disagree with something (if so, explain what you disagree with and
why - a post just saying "no that's wrong" is not much use without a reason)

<p align=right><a href=#list>^ questions ^</a></p>
<hr>


<a name="whennottopost"></a>
When should I not post?
There are a lot of threads here, and most common topics have been discussed in detail before - some come round every couple of months, others raise their heads when new members discover old posts they find interesting.

The most common topics seem to be:

why do people dance?
what do I do with my feet?
how do you define Ceroc/Modern Jive?
what classifies as Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced?


If you think on a question, it is perhaps worth searching the forum (http://www.cerocscotland.com/forum/search.php?) for a similar post before posting: you can always add on to the end of an existing thread if you have questions or want to bring the thread up to the top of the list.

Please don't post personal details like phone numbers or home addresses - there are some bad people out there: Think on this as a magazine with a global publication - anything you post could be read by anyone anywhere.

A note of warning: the forum has an area (Outside) where you get sent if your posts start heading towards personal attacks, abuse or slander (/liable). If your post was considered too abusive, it will be removed from the forum. Please consider twice before actually naming anyone or throwing insults about.

<p align=right><a href=#list>^ questions ^</a></p>
<hr>

<a name="whattopost"></a>
What to post?
Anything.
OK, so this is a dance forum, but you don't need to limit yourself to dance related topics; there is a thriving area of non-dance topics (that is getting bigger than the dance side of things :what: )

To repeat a point made above - abusive posts will not be tolerated, neither will direct marketing, or advertising.

When writing posts, it may be useful to follow a couple of guidelines:

Keep it short.
{yea, says he who posts pages and pages in one post :rolleyes:} If you have/want to post a lot of information, break it down into bite-size, digestible chunks.

Not that short.
Don't be monosyllabic about your answers; if you agree/disagree, say to which bits and why. If posting questions, perhaps give a bit more detail about the context it should be taken in. If you agree/disagree but have nothing really to add to the post, consider using the rep system instead of posting.

Avoid personal references.
Unless you are directly responding or quoting someone, try not to post hearsay or gossip - it is likely that the person involved will hear about it, if not read it themselves.

Try to keep it on-topic.
If something said in one post sparks a question or idea not relevant to the current discussion, it's better to create a new thread to discuss it: It keeps things tidy and you may attract folk to read it that were not involved on the source thread.

Don't try sarcasm or dry witted humour.
At least until you are known on the forum. Or if you do, please point it out - not everyone will share your sense of humour.

<p align=right><a href=#list>^ questions ^</a></p>
<hr>

<a name="wheretopost"></a>
Where should I post?
The forum is divided into four main areas:
Ceroc / dance technical discussions - Posts that are to do with the dance we dance or music we dance to
Discussion Lounge - Social posts and discussion; the 'lounge' area that everything non-dance is discussed
Fun & games - Posts that will waste time and provide some distraction.
Testing testing - Posts about the forum itself, a little test area to try out posting and some features, and an "Outside" area where all the bad posters go.

Each of these is sub-divided, but if you get the general idea of what you want to post, it should fall into one of the above areas. If you post in completely the wrong area, PM a moderator and ask them to move it.

<p align=right><a href=#list>^ questions ^</a></p>
<hr>

<a name="wherecanifind"></a>
Where can I find...

... a specific post: use the
Search (http://www.cerocscotland.com/forum/search.php?) tool or just browse. If you are looking for a specific post you made yourself, there is an option in the userCP to look through them. You can also see what attachments you have used in different posts from here.
Tip: if you click (and hold) on the "New Posts" part of the tool-bar, then drag your mouse pointer onto the desktop and release the button - you create a desktop shortcut.?If you later double-click on that shortcut you'll open a browser window (if ?there isn't one open) and automatically get taken to a page of all the new ?messages since the last time you logged on.{Tip courtesy of El Salsero Gringo}

... information about a user: Either through the Members list (http://www.cerocscotland.com/forum/memberlist.php?)
or by clicking on the user's avatar in a post.

... my rep/my PM's: in the User Control Panel. (http://www.cerocscotland.com/forum/usercp.php?)

... how to register: there is a link on your control panel to Subscriptions. (http://www.cerocscotland.com/forum/subscriptions.php?)

... who's on-line: The title page (http://www.cerocscotland/forum) has a list at the top, but paid-up members have a special link through the "Quick links" button that tells them what everyone on-line is doing as well.

... how to change it from orange: This option is only available to subscribed members of the forum. It's in your user control panel, or at the bottom of every thread.

<p align=right><a href=#list>^ questions ^</a></p>
<hr>

<a name="howtoreply"></a>
How do I post a reply?
You have three options:

To post a quick reply, just click on the little page-with-quill icon at the bottom right of a post, then a blank text box appears. To put emoticons, quotes or other special features in your text, you
can either use tags, or click the "go advanced" button to take you tothe normal editor. Which leads to:
To post a standard reply, click the "Post Reply" button at the bottom of the page, to make a blank editor box appear. The default editor is WYSIWYG editor - fairly simple and you don't see any tags. The default editor type can be changed from your userCP.
If you click the "Quote" button to the bottom right of a post, the same editor will open, with the whole post quoted for you. See the next item for advice on dealing with quotes.

<p align=right><a href=#list>^ questions ^</a></p>
<hr>

<a name="howtoquote"></a>
How do I use quotes in my posts?
Best way to do this is to simply use the "Quote" button attached to a post (as described above).
However, for more advanced use of quotes within your post, you can:

Only quote a bit of text
Just delete the text you don't want. Try not to take stuff out of context and when doing this, you may want to use ~snip~ or ... to indicate that text has been removed. Please, do not quote all of a long post again in your reply: trim it down to a few relevant lines - assume people have already read it.


Multiple quotes
The forum "recognizes" quotes as text which starts with the tag [ quote ] and end with the tag [ /quote ] - so all you need to do is put text in between tags like that and you are quoting.


Multiple quotes: Splitting a quote
To reply to a bit of a post, then another bit; just add an end [ /quote ] tag, type in your reply, and start the quote again with a [ quote ] tag.


Multiple quotes: Copy & paste
When replying to a post, notice that you can scroll down; and under your editor you will find the last 20 or so posts. Simply highlight a section of text, right-click and copy (CTRL+C) then go back to your post, right-click and paste (CTRL+V)


Who said that?
{The following is automatically done for you when you use the "Quote" button - it’s only when working with multiple quotes from different people you need to worry about it}
When something is enclosed in quotes, it just boxes it in and highlights it. To add the "Originally posted by Gadget" to the top, you need to edit the start tag like this: [ quote=Gadget ] Note that this makes everything in the quoted text italic, so any text quoted that was originally in italics will lose its emphasis.


Quotes in a new thread
As with the copy/paste above, when you copy something, it remains copied in your clipboard until you either copy something else or shut your machine down. So just create a new thread and paste away. Alternatively; reply with a quote, copy what's in your editor, then go back and create a new thread - saves you a bit of typing.

<p align=right><a href=#list>^ questions ^</a></p>
<hr>

<a name="startathread"></a>
How do I start a thread?
It's very simple to start a thread: navigate to the area of the forum you think the post is relevant to (using the tree at the top of threads is useful in this) then click on the "New Thread" button.
Remember that the "Title" appears when people are browsing, so give good summaries.
You can also attach an icon to the post to give a quick visual clue as to the nature of it. (This is not used enough in my opinion.)

<p align=right><a href=#list>^ questions ^</a></p>
<hr>

<a name="startapoll"></a>
How do I start a poll?
To start a poll, you will find an option at the bottom of a new thread post along side a numerical field for how many choices you want. Type in the main body of your text, tick this box and click "submit new thread" - you will be taken to a page with the multiple choice options and other tic boxes to control the poll’s behavior.
Note: once the post has been submitted, you cannot change the text of your options, add/remove any other options, or change it from a ‘public poll’ to a ‘private poll’: so be careful!

<p align=right><a href=#list>^ questions ^</a></p>
<hr>

<a name="giverep"></a>
How do I give rep?
When you look under everyone's name/avatar there are green 'pips' - hover over them and it will say something like "forum member has a magnificent glow about them".
These pips are based on an accumulation of reputation (rep) points, as is the pop-up description. Everyone starts at one pip; you get another pip for every 100 points of rep you accumulate. Everyone starts with 10 points of rep.

To gain/lose reputation, anyone can click on the little scales (or cabbage) icon to the left of the post (beside the on-line green light) and post a comment with an "I approve" or "I disapprove" tag.

The number of points gained/lost is the power number you see beside the rep number. This value depends on your current reputation, the number of posts you have posted and the length of time you have been a member of the forum.
(Although you can rep having only a few posts under your belt, it won't carry any weight until a threshold has been reached)

To see your current rep, click the "User Control Panel" link at the top of the page and it appears: Thread/post title (linked to specific post), Good (green) or bad (red) rep, Date, and Comment.

(a blue square means you got rep from someone with no power)

Most people add a comment like "good post - I know where you're coming from. {Gadget}" or "What are you talking about; sheer nonsense - {Gadget}"
Note the names on the end. You don't have to put your name, and if you subscribe you can tell who the rep is from, but otherwise you may not know who has complimented / dissed you.

<p align=right><a href=#list>^ questions ^</a></p>
<hr>

<a name="postalink"></a>
How do I post a link to another post?
To make a section of text a link, you need to know the address (URL) of the place you want to link to. To do this, you can either:

Navigate to the page you want to link to, and copy the web address (CTRL+C)
If you see an existing link to a thread (for example having performed a search (http://www.cerocscotland.com/forum/search.php?) or looking at another post) you should be able to right-click and "Copy Shortcut" or "Copy Link Location".


If using the buttons on your editor, simply Right-click and 'paste' this into the box that asks you to. The URL should look like this -
http://www.cerocscotland.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8888 (www.cerocscotland.com/forum)

To link to a specific post within a thread, add &p=8888 to the end of the URL above. The easiest way to find this number is to hover over a link or button at the bottom of the post that refers to it:

The rate link (scales), the report link (warning triangle), the Quote button (says 'quote') and the Quick reply button (parchment & quill) all link to this number - if you look at the grey bit at the very bottom of your browser when hovering over any of these you will see something like this:
http:\\www.cerocscotland.com\forum\showthread.php? p=8888# (www.cerocscotland.com/forum)
(that number on the end is what you need to remember and add to the thread's URL)

You will also see that each post also has this number on the top right of it; r-clicking on this and copying the "link location" will send you to that post in isolation from the thread it’s in

Note: If you copy a link from a search you have done, you may want to remove the bit from the URL that highlights the key words you searched for: just delete the bit that says something like
&highlight=Ceroc from the end.

To manually enter a link, put a [ URL=www.cerocscotland.com\forum\ (www.cerocscotland.com\forum)] tag at the start of the relevant link text, and a [ /URL ] tag at the end of the text.

<p align=right><a href=#list>^ questions ^</a></p>
<hr>

<a name="Glossary"></a>Glossary
Dance/Event specific
Technical terms and dance related descriptions that you may be unfamiliar with...

Advanced Dancer - Several competitions define 'advanced' and there are multiple posts about what makes an "advanced" dancer. Generally, winning competitions helps.

Advanced moves - Dance moves that require specialist knowledge from both partners, like drops and arials. These moves normally involve signals that both partners understand - These moves should never be done without practice with that partner; getting them wrong could result in injury.

Aerial or Air-step - when both a dancer's feet leave the floor. Think 'ice-skating'. There is discussion on this forum about what is and is not an aerial, aerials in competition etc. Note: "Arial" is a washing powder; try not to confuse the two.

Assisted Spin/Turn - Where the lead gives additional conviction to the lead and assists the lady in turning. Normally this results in multiple spins/turns. (see Double Spin/Turn)??

Backpass - Beginner Move: Right to left hand hold, lead steps to follower's right, turning away and keeping hand low; swap hands behind back and change places. ?(This move is also taught to place hand on outside hip, release and change places to collect)??

Basket- Beginner Move: Double handed hold; right to left, left to right. Right hand low as left hand goes over the right to turn the follower into lead's right side. twist back, then forward and reverse the movements out.?

BB - Acronym: Can either refer to the Aberdeen Beach Ballroom (one of the finest dance floors in the UK that has great parties) or the Beach Boogie (a week/fortnight long dance event held in the Isle of Wight with workshops/parties every day)

Beginner or Novice - Someone who has just started dancing. The line as to when this title no longer applies has been discussed at length; but Ceroc defines it as someone who has done less than 12 weeks of classes.

Beginner moves - a set of moves that are taught in rotation in every Ceroc Beginner's Class in the country. They give you the basic building blocks of movement that most other moves are based on. ?( First move, yo-yo, arm-jive, octopus, basket, side-to-side, in and out, man spin, step across, shoulder slide, back pass, shoulder drop, Ceroc spin, catapult, comb )

BFG - Acronym: Big Forum Gathering - an event spanning a weekend of dancing and workshops where all of the Ceroc Scotland forumites try to meet up and dance with each other in real life. Prizes, awards, showcases and a great deal of fun.

Block - Stopping the momentum of the follower. Normally with a flat hand hold or an arm acting as a barrier.

Blues dancing - A sub-form of dance, similar to Modern Jive which uses a lot of close moves and is normally danced to slower (blusier) music. Also see UCP

Break - A place in music where the sound changes completely for a bar or two, then resumes. This is normally when the base stops marking the rhythm and since dancers are interpreting the music, they like to "hit the breaks" with some sort of pose or dramatism within the dance.

Catapult - Beginner Move: From a right to right hold, the follower is led 'under' to the lead's right and behind to exit with a free spin from the lead's left.

Ceroc - The brand of Modern Jive that has the UK market share (or at least Scottish market share) of dancers. Also used as a generic term for Modern Jive in the same way as "Coke" is used for a cola flavored drink.

Ceroc Spin - Beginner Move: Catching the follower's wrist to block a turn and sending them into a free spin in the opposite direction. {Can be referred to as a "Lady-spin" or "American Spin" which are almost identical.}??

Classic Intermediate Moves - Ceroc have designated a handful of moves to be more advanced than your basic beginner moves, but still contain core concepts and movements that you will use in your dancing. ?There are some regular intermediate workshops that focus on these moves in more detail. (see press for details :))

Comb or Slo Comb - Beginner Move: {re-named the polish by some 'folically challenged' dancers} Right to right move from a turn, taking the follower's hand over. The "Slo" variation holds the comb position while both partners walk on the spot for a while.

Consolidation Class - A class run after the beginner's class, hosted by taxi dancers, and going over any beginner's moves. These allow novice dancers to practice the moves and get direct feedback on
how they can improve/develop their dancing.

Demo - the person who helps the teacher demonstrate moves.

Dip or Seducer - Where the follower is dipped in the lead's arms; in these moves, the person being dipped supports most of their own weight and uses the partner for balance more than support.

Double Turn or Double Spin - When a dancer rotates a full 360º twice without stopping in-between. Normally on the spot, but can be done travelling. Good spinners can do multiple spins, leads can also encourage followers into double spins with an assisted Turn/Spin.

Doughnut - A spectacular aerial move seen performed by David & Lily Barker where Lilly forms a ring by grabbing her feet on the horizontal plane balanced above David's head, then drops round him.

Drop - A move where the follower must trust the lead to take most of their weight. Normally lower than a Dip and the follower "Freefalls" into it.

Essentials (or Ceroc Essentials) - Stepping and basic movements done at the start of a Ceroc Beginner class to get everyone moving in time with the music and introduce some very basic principles of dancing.

First move - Beginner Move: Lead's left to lady's right, step in side to side, twist partner out, then back in to step back. A core move - since ?a frame can be created from it that is common to almost every form of partner dance.

Fixed couples - Not changing partners during a lesson: Where as most MJ classes, workshops and events allow leads/followers to rotate, there are some that do not (normally the UCP ones).

Floorcraft - the skill of being aware of (and considerate to) other dancers on the dance floor. Also being sensible/aware enough to not place their partner in danger.

Follow or Follower - the person led around the dance floor; normally the lady of a partnership. The specific role(s) of the follower and the leadare discussed in great depth within this forum.

Footwork - The specific and deliberate placing of either/both partners feet to add stylistic impact to the dance, a more controlled look to the dance or to move yourself on the dance floor. Again, this is discussed in (extensive/boring) detail in various posts within this forum.

Frame - Term used to describe the connection between partners in a typical "ballroom" style hold. Firm, but not tense; the lead comes from the back and shoulders and the follower maintains connection through her back, hand and raised elbow.

Franchisee - Ceroc has multiple "managers" who over-see various areas/venues around the country. These people actually make a living from the rest of us dancers.

Free Spin - When a dancer spins without connection to their partner. ??Hatchback - Move: Right to right hold, step in side to side with the lead folding arm across chest & changing to flat hand. Lead's arm is extended, pushing the follower into a freespin as they turn to face and collect. ?If led incorrectly, followers can often confuse this move with the yo-yo.

Hipsters - A MJ club in London that has a reputation for "advanced" dancers.

In and Out - Beginner Move: With a double hand hold, partners step towards each other and away again.

Intermediate - Someone who has lost their 'beginner' status, but is not yet 'advanced'. Some competitions define this for themselves, but there is lots of discussion about it...

Intermediate moves - Any move that is not a beginner move or an advanced move is an intermediate move: Some are more difficult than others.?Ceroc consider a list of about twenty of the 'easier' moves to be 'classic' intermediate moves

Jango - A MJ Club in London, with a reputation for mixing jive, swing and tango.

Lead or Leader - the dancer in charge of the dance; normally the man in a couple. The specific role(s) of the lead and follower are discussed in great depth within this forum.

Man spin - Beginner move: Lead's left to follower's right, the lead rotates and releases hand as they pass the follower’s right shoulder while the follower steps forward, turning to face and catch.

Modern Jive (MJ) - The generic term for our type of dancing - that is, the dance as taught by organisations such as Ceroc, Leroc, Le Jive, MoJive, etc. It's the name that is used here to globally encompass all brands of this dance. There are multiple posts here trying to define what exactly this dance is, and even when / how it started.

Musicality - The interpretation of the specific music being played; altering your dance style to the tempo and style of each track. For example, hitting the breaks.

Neck-break - A signal of an 'L' shaped arm at shoulder height that the lady steps into; similar to a "clothes line" in wrestling :innocent:

Nosequins - (or Nose quins or No sequins) An extension to the Ceroc model in London that teaches ballroom dancing in the same format.

Octopus - Beginner Move: Double handed right to left, left to right hand hold. Starts like a basket, except lead steps through it, then puts themselves into a basket that the follower steps through. Repeat.

Open competition - a category of competition that is open to everyone of all abilities. Normally this is where the highest level of dancing is seen in a competition.

Pivot - A (normally) slow rotation on one foot, led rather than using momentum or the follower's own initiative.?

Pretzel - Move: Both lead and follower end up with arms in half-nelson positions. Multiple ways into and out of the move; looks like a complex tangle of arms. ?

Pushspin - Beginner Move: Taking the follower to a flat-handed block then pushing down to send them into a free spin. ?Normally tagged onto the end of another move like the first move or arm jive.?

Return - A turn that 'unwinds' a follower. It can be in either direction, normally opposing the last turn that the follower completed. ?Most beginners insert a return onto the end of a move to signify that move ending and another beginning.?Most intermediate dancers try to use them as little as possible. ?Most advanced dancers use them as preparation for other moves.

Ronde - An arced sweep with the trailing leg during a pivot, turn, or spin.

Semi-circle - In Ceroc, it is taught that every dance starts with a 'semi-circle' to signal the ladies to step back.

Shines - A term taken from Salsa that describes a form of break where both partners stop physical lead & follow to do some (normally synchronous) styling (normally footwork).

Shoulder Drop - Beginner Move: Right to right hold; lead turns back on follower, puts hand onto right shoulder, extends the arm, takes it back, releasing the hand and collecting with the left behind to turn the lady out in front.?A relatively new move that is one of the trickiest beginner moves to get right.??

Shoulder slide - Beginner Move: Left to Right hand hold, lead steps to the follower's left, placing hand on right shoulder and releasing to swap sides & catch.??

Side-to-side - Beginner Move: Partners come in to meet side to side, fore-arm to fore-arm, and then push off again. Repeat.

Signals or Signalling - A visual aid that lets the lady know what move is coming up next. The term "Signalling" normally refers to physical actions (think semaphore) like the neck break, and are commonly used by partners for aerials.?Leads should be wary of using signals with dancers they have not explained the signal to: the same signals have been known to be taught as different moves by different people. ?Followers must be sure of a signal before throwing themselves into a move - the lead may just be wiping their brow :what:

Spin - When a dancer rotates 360º or more without travelling. Normally led from a 'push' (see Pushspin)?If there is no contact with their partner, then it's referred to as a free spin to avoid confusing the term with a turn or assisted turn/spin.?

Spotting - Technique used by professional dancers to prevent getting too dizzy when spinning lots: Fix on a point (spot it) and let it be the last thing to look at before turning and the first thing when head snaps round.??

Step across- Beginner Move: Left to Right hand hold, lead steps to the follower's left, turning under the arm and swapping sides.??

Style - Movement that adds to the look and feel of a move rather than being necessary to perform it.??

Swizzle - Beginner Move: Double hand hold; Right to left, left to right. Lead raises outside arm into a turn, keeping inside arm low to end with the follower in a half-nelson with other arm extended to the side.

Taxi Dancer - Specifically in Ceroc, an intermediate/advanced dancer that helps beginners go through steps and gets them into dancing. Is also used as a generic term for "teacher's helpers" no matter what brand of MJ is discussed.

Travelling - The act of moving across the dance floor. ??

Turn - Can refer to a rotation of the dancer up to 360º, normally assisted with the connection between partners. (See also Double Turn)

UCP - Acronym: Up Close and Personal; a style of move using close/sexy actions. Also a slang term for a blues dancing and can mean "Unexpectedly cozy predicament" {thanks Lory :wink:}

Walk - Move: Various footwork patterns that can add some style to traveling.

Weekender - A weekend of dancing and workshops. normally taking in an introductory party on the Friday evening, workshops during Saturday with the 'main' party on Saturday evening, then workshops on Sunday with a wind-down party on the Sunday evening. Times in-between workshops and parts are normally taken with socializing, or sleeping :).

Workshop - A small 'focused' class that aim to teach isolated concepts in a closer environment where more detail is given and specific issued can be examined with the teacher.
"Ceroc Basic" workshops aim to give new dancers more confidence and the basics of 'how to dance'
"Ceroc Intermediate" workshops go through some principles of lead and follow as well as going through some of the core moves in more detail.
Other workshops tend to focus on specific areas of your dancing like "Style" or "Dips", "Drops" or "Aerials" where the moves may be dangerous if done incorrectly.

Yo-Yo - Beginner Move: Right to Right hold, step in side to side, lead folding right arm across chest. Lead extends the arm out to pivot the lady, then turns to face, blocking at shoulder height.

<hr with=80%>
Forum/Internet specific
Terms used on the internet in general, specific to the forum, and slang terms used on the forum

Attachment - any picture or document you put in/on a post. When creating posts, there is a link at the bottom of the page to 'manage attachments': this is where you upload them from your computer.

Avatar - The little picture to the left of posts, below folks names. There are loads to pick from under the "Edit Avatar" link in your User Control Panel. If you are a subscribed member, you can create and
upload your own avatar image.

Bible - Slang term for the 'Ceroc Bumper Book Of Moves' that every Ceroc teacher has for reference.

BTW - Acronym for "By The Way"

BTC - Acronym: "Better Than Chocolate"- used to describe some dances that are... well 'better than chocolate'. {Originally referring to Bill as a BTC dancer}

Collective - A slang term from star-trek's Borg analogy to refer to Ceroc (the company)

Control Panel - or User CP There is a button on the furthest left labeled "User CP"; from here you can see your rep, manage PM's, add / change info about yourself and manage the way you see the forum.

Forum - A discussion arena where anyone can participate in debate and put forward their own views and ideas. TheForum is used as an abbreviation to refer to this (the Ceroc Scotland Forum), however there are a few others - none as good though :wink:

Forumite - slang term for a user of this forum

Gimping - Slang: The action of taking your current dance partner to one of your friends to try out.?

Grinceing - Slang: Sleasier bluse dancing that has more groin contact than it should :blush: {Term coined by Pammy}?

IMHO - or IMO Acronym for "In My (Humble) Opinion"

Membership - See Subscribing.

Moderator - One of the forum gods who can change/move your posts and watches for any foul language or personal attacks.

MP3 - a compressed music format that is played through computers instead of playing the tracks directly from a CD.

Muggle - Slang term used here to describe a non-dancer. (plagiarised from Harry Potter)

Navigating - moving from page to page on the web by clicking on links and using the "back" button.

Netiquette - Slang term for "Internet Etiquette"; the social etiquette rules used throughout the world that keep communicating on the internet civil.
This FAQ contains an abridged version of these guidelines, but you can find one example <a href="http://www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html">here</a>.

Post - any text you type in and submit to part of a discussion. A thread is made up of multiple posts.

Power - How many reputation points (rep) a forumite can reward another forumite for posting. See Reputation (#giverep) above for more information..

Perv - Abbreviation from "pervert": Slang term for a dancer who's behavior is socially un-acceptable and sexually un-discriminating.

Private Messaging - or PM is a form of direct e-mail between forum members. You can use it like any other e-mail system and all the forum tags work as if it was a post (but not embedded HTML tags). You can view, create and manage your PM's through a link on your User CP.

Quick Reply - A feature on this forum that allows you to click on an icon beside a post to activate a simple text-only box at the bottom of the thread.

Quote - To insert a quote from another post into your reply.
See <a href="#howtoquote">How do I use quotes in my posts?</a> for more details.

Registered User - The title of someone who has created a user name and identity on the forum , but has not subscribed to gain extra features on the forum.

Reputation - or rep is increased (or decreased) by people approving of (or disapproving of) your posts. The level is indicated by green 'pips' at the bottom of the left-hand information panel against posts.
You can see your rep & how it was accumulated through your UserCP.
See <a href="#giverep">How do I give Rep?</a> for more information.

Senior member - The title of an existing member of the forum who has subscribed - these Forumites can be identified by having their name in bold.

Sharking - Slang term for a dancer who is dancing purely to pull.

Signature or Sig - A bit of text added to the bottom of your post - only available to subscribed members. Similar to the user name and avatar in that it helps other forumites get an idea of who you are. This is controlled from the UserCP.

Smilies or Emoticons - the small happy faces (:)) you see in posts; there are several and can simply be added by clicking on them when creating a post. (or typing in their : waycool : :waycool: tags)

Splitting a thread - When people discuss something and it goes off on a tangent, the thread may be split into two, keeping the original and creating a new one for the tangent conversation to continue on.

Stinker - Slang term for a dancer who does not change shirts/use spray/wash or generally smells bad.

Spam - Common internet term for junk e-mail. In the same way as you can get 500 circulars through your letterbox from, readers digest, credit card companies, insurance, ... you can also get it through your e-mail. Spam is unsolicited, targeted advertising. This forum should be free of anyone doing such things, and administrators deal with them the best they can.?

Subscribing or Subscription - Paying to have extra benefits and enhancements on the forum as well as your name in bold.
The cost of subscribing helps contribute to the administration and running costs involved in maintaining this forum: Please show your support of this forum by subscribing.
To subscribe, click "User CP" at the top left of the screen, and the option for "Paid Subscriptions" near the bottom of the left-hand menu bar.
See Paid Subscriptions (http://www.cerocscotland.com/forum/subscriptions.php?) for more information on the benefits.

Tag - A command code that makes text bold, italic, underlined, or adds a web link to text. In this forum they use square brackets [ b ] (to make something bold) but you can also use HTML &lt;b&gt; symbols.

Thread - A conversation on the forum, made up from sequential postings on a particular subject. Hopefully all relevant to the first post of the thread.

Title - The label shown immediately after each poster's name.
Usually these say either "Registered User" or "Senior Member".
Custom titles (such as "Omnipotent Moderator") can only be added by administrators of the forum and are generally awarded or "earned" for performing some notable feat. They can be requested, but their inclusion is at the moderator's discretion.

Trolling - Slang term for seeking a new partner to dance with.

URL or address - A web link: click on it and it will pull up the specified web site.

WYSIWYG - Acronym for "What You See Is What You Get"

Yanker - Slang term for a dancer who is forceful and pulls you about the dance floor.

Zouave - Fifteenth century, French infantryman. Renown for colorful uniforms and excellent drill-work. Nothing to do with dance, but had to have a Z in the list and thought Franck may appreciate this one :D

<p align=right><a href=#list>^ questions ^</a></p>

Clive Long
24th-June-2005, 10:15 PM
Updated FAQ from Gadget. :worthy:

<< snip most worthy stuff >>

Zouave - Fifteenth century, French infantryman. Renown for colorful uniforms and excellent drill-work. Nothing to do with dance, but had to have a Z in the list and thought Franck may appreciate this one :D

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

... see some of us care enough to read it all ... well, speed read at least ... remember Woody Allen's comment on speed reading ...

oh, lots of :worthy: Gadget

Clive

David Bailey
27th-June-2005, 08:40 AM
Very much :worthy: to Gadget - he's spent a lot of time on doing this, and on the previous version.

This should cover most of the common areas, so can people please include a reference to this in "welcome" posts to people?

Something like:
"Welcome XXX, pull up a keyboard, join in the fun, and here's the FAQ (http://www.cerocscotland.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3458)"

(Feel free to cut&paste - preferably replacing the "XXX" :) )

I wish someone had pointed it out to me when I joined, it took me a month to realise this excellent resource was here :blush:

Anna
11th-August-2005, 04:24 AM
okay its stupid question time..

1. how do i make one of those signature things that automatically attaches onto the end of my posts?

2. how do i get a personalised picture thing under my name in threads?

3. what on earth does that whole power thing mean ?

and 4. are paid subscriptions worth it? and if they are, what are the extra perks ?

If anyone knows the answer to any of those.. PLEASE enlighten me asap.. thanku :D

Lou
11th-August-2005, 07:14 AM
and 4. are paid subscriptions worth it? and if they are, what are the extra perks ?
Well.... you'd be able to get 1 & 2, for a start. :D

Have a look 3 posts up this thread - to where Tiggerbabe reposted Gadget's FAQ. All your answers are contained in there & are written much better than I could ever aim to do in one short reply. Here's an example...



How do I give rep?
When you look under everyone's name/avatar there are green 'pips' - hover over them and it will say something like "forum member has a magnificent glow about them".
These pips are based on an accumulation of reputation (rep) points, as is the pop-up description. Everyone starts at one pip; you get another pip for every 100 points of rep you accumulate. Everyone starts with 10 points of rep.

To gain/lose reputation, anyone can click on the little scales (or cabbage) icon to the left of the post (beside the on-line green light) and post a comment with an "I approve" or "I disapprove" tag.

The number of points gained/lost is the power number you see beside the rep number. This value depends on your current reputation, the number of posts you have posted and the length of time you have been a member of the forum.
(Although you can rep having only a few posts under your belt, it won't carry any weight until a threshold has been reached)......

Hope this helps. :grin:

Anna
11th-August-2005, 07:21 AM
Cheers Lou !! *big hug* (call me overfriendly but the internet has no bounds :D)

stewart38
3rd-October-2005, 05:11 PM
Can you block someone so they cant see what you have written ?

cant see anything on here.

azande
3rd-October-2005, 05:56 PM
AFAIK you can only ignore a person so that you don't see what they post.

El Salsero Gringo
3rd-October-2005, 05:59 PM
Can you block someone so they cant see what you have written ?

cant see anything on here.You mean like we do every time we're rude about you?

Dreadful Scathe
3rd-October-2005, 06:40 PM
You mean like we do every time we're rude about you?
yeah , that brings back memories - The "stewart38 smells like a monkeys bum" thread was a classic :)

azande
3rd-October-2005, 06:44 PM
C'mon guys, it was supposed to be a secret!

Gadget
3rd-October-2005, 09:06 PM
Can you block someone so they cant see what you have written ?

cant see anything on here.
As Azande says, the only way for someone not to see what you've written is to be on their blocked list (Buddy/Ignore list in the User CP, under Misc on the left hand side)
Even then, if someone else quotes you, that quote will still show.

ducasi
3rd-October-2005, 10:39 PM
AFAIK you can only ignore a person so that you don't see what they post.
There's a setting in the vBulletin software called "Tachy Goes To Coventry" which allows the admin to create a global ignore list, so anything a person on this list posts is never seen by anybody but themselves!

Any nominations? :devil:

Dreadful Scathe
5th-October-2005, 12:33 PM
hmm Ive not seen any posts by ducasi in a while ? is he around? does anyone know ? :confused:

jivecat
5th-October-2005, 12:49 PM
hmm Ive not seen any posts by ducasi in a while ? is he around? does anyone know ? :confused:

I thought he might be in rehab? But I'm sure he's posted recently, or am I just looking at old threads?

ducasi
5th-October-2005, 01:26 PM
hmm Ive not seen any posts by ducasi in a while ? is he around? does anyone know ? :confused: :na:












:D

stewart38
16th-February-2006, 12:32 PM
How do you stop getting notification via e-mail

i go onto hotmail and see 25 e-mails from the ceroc forum :sad:

LMC
16th-February-2006, 12:34 PM
Go to User CP and select Edit Options from the menu on the left - there's a couple of tickboxes there to switch off e-mails and switch off PM notifications, etc.

stewart38
16th-February-2006, 01:45 PM
Go to User CP and select Edit Options from the menu on the left - there's a couple of tickboxes there to switch off e-mails and switch off PM notifications, etc.


thanks

Missy D
24th-August-2006, 09:51 PM
I am changing my server soon and signing up with Sky broadband. All my emails from the forum go straight to My BT internet account. How do I change this to my new servier?

Apologies if it seems I have become Jessica Simpson!

ducasi
25th-August-2006, 08:15 AM
I am changing my server soon and signing up with Sky broadband. All my emails from the forum go straight to My BT internet account. How do I change this to my new servier? Click here (http://www.cerocscotland.com/forum/profile.php?do=editpassword). (You can find this link in the "User CP" menu.)

stewart38
16th-October-2006, 10:20 PM
What does referrals in the stats mean ?? I got 2 ??? :sick:

Tiggerbabe
16th-October-2006, 10:58 PM
It means that two people have joined, naming you as the person who pointed them in our direction :clap:

Gadget
16th-October-2006, 11:01 PM
What does referrals in the stats mean ?? I got 2 ??? :sick:

When you register, you get the option of nominating someone who recommended you to the site - two people have registered because you recommended them.

{*snap*}

Beowulf
17th-October-2006, 09:53 AM
Was asked of me the last day

"how to do 'Neat' links' Like THIS (http://www.cerocscotland.com/forum/showpost.php?p=75284&postcount=1) as opposed to http://www.cerocscotland.com/forum/showpost.php?p=75284&postcount=1 <-- that"

The Link button (a little earth icon with a couple of links of chain next to it) acts like one of the Bold or Italic buttons. If you select text and press the link button it'll ask you for the URL you want to use as the link and wrap your text with that URL. If you just paste the URL into the thread you'll get the URL text displayed instead.

So in the example above I wrote "Like THIS" .. then selected the THIS part, clicked the link button and pasted my link into the pop up Dialog.

Easy Peasy.

Gadget
17th-October-2006, 12:43 PM
{Or if you wanted to do it 'long hand', you could type in THIS :)}

Genie
28th-October-2006, 06:08 PM
Bugger *sorry* I should have read this more closely. I've been repping people and not signing my name :-s Assuming everyone could see my name because I can see everyone elses.

So what is that little 'plus' sign next to people's name on the forum index page when you're online? Does that indicate who is a paid member?

Beowulf
28th-October-2006, 10:39 PM
So what is that little 'plus' sign next to people's name on the forum index page when you're online? Does that indicate who is a paid member?

The little Plus is people on your buddy lists. The paid up members come out as bold in the members list ;)

David Bailey
28th-November-2006, 10:56 AM
OK, I'm currently re-hacking Gadget's excellent work into several sections:


Introduction to the Forum
Posting Guidelines
"How do I...?"
Glossary


I'll submit each one of these documents as separate threads, for people to review and comment on, then the intention is that these will all be published as documents, replacing the current system FAQ information (http://www.cerocscotland.com/forum/faq.php)l.

This should happen Real Soon Now... :)