Unofficial FAQ for DavidCookOfficial.com
UPDATE: I had created an UNofficial FAQ here in this blog back in September in an effort to help everyone until the Web Nerds had an opportunity to create an 'official' one. I know many of you found this useful and may have bookmarked it and so I wanted to let you know that the Web Nerds have since taken my UNofficial FAQ and adopted it for the site ... making it "official" (very cool)! ::smiles::
The site's "official" FAQ may now be found at: http://www.davidcookofficial.com/faq
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Below is my original blog entry and UNofficial FAQ (now outdated - see new link above)
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Disclaimer: I'm not a Web Nerd, nor do I play one on TV, but I thought I would create this UNofficial FAQ to help everyone until the Web Nerds, who are no doubt very busy making this site perfect for David and all users, have an opportunity to create an 'official' one.
As this is a work-in-progress, please let me know if you have a question that still needs answering (I'll try my best to do so) or if something I've answered needs further clarification or is in error, etc. Cheers!
-- FoolsApril64 (aka Lisa)
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FORUMS - GENERAL
- Do you have a mailing and/or email address for David Cook?
- Are there posting guidelines for the DCO forums?
- Is there a way that I can make the text larger so I can read it?
- Is there a way to search the site for content or usernames?
- Who do I contact if I have a question about the forums?
- The "Flag as offensive" and "Write to author" options are blocking user information … is there any way to fix this?
- Oops! I made a mistake … can I fix it?
- Oops! I posted something in error … can I delete it?
- Is there a way to sort threads in each forum?
- How can I “reply” or “quote” another member’s post?
FORMATTING (BOLD, ITALICS, HTML CODE, ETC.)
ADDING IMAGES TO USERNAME, PROFILE/FAN PHOTOS GALLERY, SIGNATURE & POSTS
- How do I add a picture/avatar by my username?
- How do I change a picture/avatar by my username?
- How do I upload an image to my profile and the "Fan Photos" gallery?
- How do I create a signature that will appear on every post and comment I make?
- How do I add an image to my signature?
- How do I add an image to my post?
PRIVATE MESSAGING
- What is Private Messaging?
- How do I send a private message to someone?
- How do I read my private messages?
- How do I turn on/off the ability for someone to send me “Private Messages”?
- Is there a way I can be notified via email that I have a private message waiting for me?
- Are private messages really private, or can TPTB read them?
- Do people who send me private messages see my email address?
FRIENDS/BUDDIES
- How do I add David Cook as a Buddy/Friend to my profile?
- Is there a way to search the site for my friend(s) if I know their username?
- My Profile says that [#] number of people have added me to friends, but I don’t see any friends in My Profile so, how can I find out who added me?
- I logged on to My Profile and saw a list of people who added me as a friend/buddy, but then it disappeared! Now what do I do?!
- What’s the difference between the BUDDIES and BUDDY OF?
- How do I invite another forum member to be my friend/buddy?
- How do I remove a forum member from my friend/buddy list?
- How can I tell if I have added the members for whom I’m a Buddy of to my Buddies?
REGISTRATION / PASSWORDS / USERNAMES / USER NUMBERS
- Are passwords case sensitive?
- I registered, but didn’t get my password! Now what do I do?
- I forgot my password, what do I do now?
- Are usernames case sensitive?
- Can I change my username?
- What is my user number and how do I find it?
- Can I change the email address with which I registered?
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FORUMS - GENERAL
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- Do you have a mailing and/or email address for David Cook?
- Attn: DAVID COOK
c/o 19 Entertainment
8560 West Sunset Blvd, 9th Floor
West Hollywood, CA 90069
USAEmail: david@davidcookofficial.com
Private Message: PM David Cook
- Are there posting guidelines for the DCO forums?
- Yes, please CLICK HERE for Detailed Rules & Regulations under Forum Etiquette
- Who do I contact if I have a question about the forums?
- RCAJosh
- Is there a way that I can make the text larger so I can read it?
- Yes, press the "CTRL" and "+" keys on your keyboard to zoom in and the "CTRL" and "-" keys on your keyboard to zoom out. Alternatively, if you have a wheel mouse, you may CTRL-Scroll your mouse forward or backward to zoom in and out. Or, in the lower right hand corner of your browser window, you will see a little magnifying glass with 100% next to it ... click on it with your mouse to adjust the zoom.
- Is there a way to search the site for content or usernames?
- Yes. You will find a search box in the bottom right corner of the home page. Alternatively, enter http://www.davidcookofficial.com/search/node in your browser's address bar (Tip: to create a direct link to access from anywhere, bookmark this page to your browser favorites) and select the "Content" tab to search for content and the "User" tab to search for a user.
- The Flag as offensive and Write to author options are blocking user information … is there any way to fix this?
- The Web Nerds are aware that this is an issue for those using Internet Explorer and are no doubt working on a resolution (though I'm sure may have higher priorities at the moment). In the meantime, as a temporarily work-around, press your F11 key twice to reset your screen when this happens, or use a different browser, such as Firefox or Safari (free downloads).
- Oops! I made a mistake … can I fix it?
- Yes! Simply click on the “Edit” button directly below your post.
- Oops! I posted something in error … can I delete it?
- Yes! Simply click on the “Delete” button directly below your post.
- Is there a way to sort threads in each forum?
- Yes. When you view the lists of threads within a forum, at the top the list there are headings “Topic”, “Replies”, “Created”, and “Last reply” … the forum will sort according to whichever of these headings you select in either ascending or descending order.
- How can I “reply” or “quote” another member’s post?
- At the moment, there is no option for this; however, you may copy and paste the following to use along with the code for italics to do the job until if/when the Web Nerds create/add this option.
---------- in reply to -----------------------
(paste quoted text here)
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or
---------- quote -----------------------------
(paste quoted text here)
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FORMATTING (BOLD, ITALICS, HTML CODE, ETC.)
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- Where can I get HTML/formatting help?
- HTML/formatting help/tips may be found by visiting http://www.davidcookofficial.com/filter/tips
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ADDING IMAGES TO USERNAME, PROFILE/FAN PHOTOS GALLERY, SIGNATURE & POSTS
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- How do I add a picture/avatar by my username?
- Avatar images must be uploaded from your PC and must have dimensions greater than 160 x 160 pixels but no larger than 1600 x 1400 pixels, and a file size no larger than 800 KB. If you have an image file that you want to use for your avatar, click on the “Edit” tab on your “MY PROFILE” page and scroll down to the section entitled “Picture”. Select the “BROWSE” button located next to the box under “Upload picture:”. A small window will pop up that will allow you to scan the files on your own computer. Select the file of the image you would like to use and then click “Open”. Now that you’ve selected the file, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on "Submit" to save it to your profile.
- How do I change a picture/avatar by my username?
- Click on the “Edit” tab on your “MY PROFILE” page and scroll down to the section entitled “Picture”. If you want to change a custom image you must first delete the old one by checking the box next to “Delete picture”, scrolling to the bottom of the page, and clicking on “Submit”. Next, upload the new image. Tips: (i) Do not use the same image name twice. (ii) You may need to exit your browser/clear your browser's cache between steps. (iii) Resize your image before uploading it.
- How do I upload an image to My Profile and the "Fan Photos" gallery?
- Go to your "MY PROFILE" page and scroll down to the section on the right that says "LATEST PHOTOS BY [your username]" and click on "UPLOAD" Next, select the "Browse..." button located next to the box under “Upload new image:”. A small window will pop up that will allow you to scan the files on your own computer. Select the file of the image you would like to use and then click “Open”. The image file size cannot be larger than 1 MB (1024KB) - if it is, you must resize your photo BEFORE uploading it. Select "Upload" (don't worry, your image will not be saved until the entire form has been submitted). Next, you must enter a "Title" for your image and then select an appropriate "Gallery" in which your image will also appear (see EXTRAS - Fan Photos for examples). Enter a caption (optional) and then press "Submit" or ""Submit and create another".
- How do I create a signature that will appear on every post and comment I make?
- Click on the “Edit” tab on your “MY PROFILE” page and scroll down to the section entitled “Comment settings”. You may then add a footer/signature in the box under the word “Signature:” Be sure to click on the “Submit” link at the bottom of the page to save any changes. Tip: Your signature cannot exceed 250 characters, including spaces.
- How do I add an image to my signature?
- Click on the “Edit” tab on your “MY PROFILE” page and scroll down to the section entitled “Comment settings”. You may then add an image/photo to the footer/signature in the box under the word “Signature:” by entering the HTML code for that image/photo. The easiest way to do this is to use a free image hosting services such as www.photobucket.com that will automatically provide this code for you once you have uploaded your image(s). Tip: The HTML code, combined with any other text that may currently be in your signature, cannot exceed 250 characters, including spaces. Remember to click on the “Submit” link at the bottom of the page to save any changes. Please consider limiting the size of your signature images.

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- How do I add an image to my post?
- You can add an image to your post by entering the HTML code for that image/photo. The easiest way to do this is to use a free image hosting services such as www.photobucket.com that will automatically provide this code for you once you have uploaded your image(s).
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PRIVATE MESSAGING
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- What is Private Messaging?
- Private Messaging is a way in which you may send a private note to another forum member without needing to exchange e-mail addresses.
- How do I send a private message to someone?
- The easiest way to send a private message is by clicking on a member’s username wherever it appears (e.g., in one of their posts, through the “FANZONE” member directory, your “FRIENDS”, etc.). When their User Profile appears, click the “Message Me” button. Alternatively, you may select the “Write to author” option beneath that member’s post. Compose your message and then press “Send private message”.
- How do I read my private messages?
- If you receive a private message notification, simply click on it to go directly to your “Inbox”. Otherwise, you may get to your “Inbox” and “Sent messages” by entering http://www.davidcookofficial.com/privatemsg in your browser’s address bar, or by clicking on “MY PROFILE”, then on “Message Me” and towards the bottom, left-hand side of the page you will see a blue link that says “PRIVATE MESSAGES”, click on it and it will take you to your “Inbox” and to your “Sent messages”. Tip: Any messages marked "new" in your "Sent messages" folder, have not yet been read by the recipient.
- How do I turn on/off the ability for someone to send me “Private Messages”?
- Click on the “Edit” tab on your “MY PROFILE” page and scroll down to the section entitled “Private Message Settings” and select the option you prefer.
- Is there a way I can be notified via email that I have a private message waiting for me?
- Yes. Click on the “Edit” tab on your “MY PROFILE” page and scroll down to the section entitled “Private Message Settings”. Under the heading “Receive email for unread messages:” select “Every message.”
- Are private messages really private, or can TPTB read them?
- A bit of a general statement about computing: Technically, the administrators of a computing system can read anything on that computing system. So, while it is not a policy of DCO to go through people's private messages, one should always use discretion when sending messages through any computing system. This advice is not specific to DCO, nor meant to imply anything about it. It is meant as generally good advice.
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FRIENDS / BUDDIES
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- How do I add David Cook as a Buddy/Friend to my profile?
- Go to David's profile page, which can be found here: http://www.davidcookofficial.com/user/davidcook and click on “ADD ME TO FRIENDS”.
- Is there a way to search the site for my friend(s) if I know their username?
- Yes. You will find a search box in the bottom right corner of the home page. Enter your friends username in the box under "Find people on davidcookofficial.com Search by username", then press "SEARCH". Alternatively, enter http://www.davidcookofficial.com/search/user in your browser's address bar (Tip: to create a direct link to access from anywhere, bookmark this page to your browser favorites)
- My Profile says that [#] number of people have added me to friends, but I don’t see any friends in My Profile so, how can I find out who added me?
- Type the following in your browser's address bar, substituting your user number where indicated:
http://www.davidcookofficial.com/buddylist/YourUserNumberHere(click here for directions on how to find your user number)Once you go to this page, you can select any buddy listed on the "Buddy Of" tab, go to their profile, and click on “ADD ME TO FRIENDS” to accept them as your “Buddy”. If you click on their profile and see only “REMOVE ME FROM FRIENDS”, then you have already added them.
Once you have added more than eight friends to your profile, a link will appear in the “FRIENDS” area in the bottom right side of your profile page that says “SEE ALL [#] FRIENDS” - if you click on it, it will take you directly to your friend/buddy page.
- I logged on to My Profile and saw a list of people who added me as a friend/buddy, but then it disappeared! Now what do I do?!
- Type the following in your browser address bar, substituting your user number where indicated:
http://www.davidcookofficial.com/buddylist/YourUserNumberHere(click here for directions on how to find your user number)Once you go to this page, you can select any buddy listed on the "Buddy Of" tab, go to their profile, and click on “ADD ME TO FRIENDS” to accept them as your “Buddy”. If you click on their profile and see only “REMOVE ME FROM FRIENDS”, then you have already added them.
TIP: When you receive friend/buddy notifications and wish to add these members as friends, right click on each member name and choose to open their profile in a separate browser window or tab so that you don't lose your list (which will happen once that page refreshes). Once you have added each to your friend/buddy list, you can then safely refresh your MY PROFILE page.
- What’s the difference between the BUDDIES and BUDDY OF?
- Members listed on your “Buddies” tab are those for whom you invited to be your friend/buddy; members listed on your “Buddy of” tab are members who have invited you to be their friend/buddy.
- How do I invite another forum member to be my friend/buddy?
- Go to that members profile and click on “ADD ME TO FRIENDS”.
- How do I remove a forum member from my friend/buddy list?
- Go to that members profile and click on “REMOVE ME FROM FRIENDS”.
- How can I tell if I have added the members for whom I’m a Buddy of to my Buddies?
- If you click on their profile and see “ADD ME TO FRIENDS”, you haven't, but if it says “REMOVE ME FROM FRIENDS”, you have.
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REGISTRATION / PASSWORDS / USERNAMES / USER NUMBERS
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- I registered, but didn’t get my password! Now what do I do?
- If you want to activate your account, please use this link to request a new password: http://www.davidcookofficial.com/user/password. If you still do not get your password within a few minutes, please send a note from the email address you are trying to activate to webmaster@davidcookofficial.com with the word PASSWORD in the subject line. If you have submitted a technical request via private message, e-mail or forum, it has been received and the Web Nerds are working diligently to resolve these issues as soon as possible.
- I forgot my password, what do I do now?
- Use this link http://www.davidcookofficial.com/user/password and enter the username or email address with which you registered, then press “Email new password”. DCO will generate a new temporary password for you to log in with and it will be sent to you at the email address under which you registered. Follow the instructions provided.
- Can I change my username?
- Yes, as your user number is your unique identifier, you may change your username at any time and still maintain all settings, friends/buddies, etc. Click on the “MY PROFILE” link on the top menu of the home page or on your username anywhere it appears, then click on the “Edit” tab located to make changes. Don’t forget to press “Submit” at the bottom of the page to save your changes.
- What is my user number and how do I find it?
- Your user number is assigned during the registration process and is how DCO identifies you. You can discover your user number a couple different ways -- when on your "My Profile" page, if you select the "Edit" tab, your user number will appear as part of the URL in the address bar of your browser, and if you hover your mouse over the "Message Me" link in your profile, you will see your user number in the status bar at the bottom of your browser window.
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Comments for this Blog post
Thanks for the wonderful helpful suggestions.
Thanks for all the wonderful helpful suggestions to make this site more fun. This site is still new to me, so I am glad that I have some wonderful great information that will help make this better for me on here. Greatly appreciated!
A Fellow Word Nerd: Christina Morrison Word Nerd #2772
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Keeper Of Cookie's Magic Rainbow Pants!!!
Thanks for the helping hand!
Thank you so much for taking the time to put this up for us. Though I have used the computer for years (OK, decades) this forum thing is new to me and i have so much to learn. I really appreciate your help and will probably refer back to this many times. Thanks, Lisa!
Why does the server keep crashing, or get unbearably slow? What can we do about it?
Why does the server keep crashing, why does it suddenly start taking so long to log in, or post comments? Does it have to do with heavy volume? Is it linked to an event or new official blog being posted? Does DCO need to upgrade its server? Most importantly, what can we do to get the problem fixed?
Thank you for any advice.
THX!
Thank you so much for taking the time to post this. I am a complete newbie to this type of thing and this helps immensely. In fact, I would have to say that it's partly due to your help I have eased out of Lurkersville (where I was quite comfortable by the way!). Now, how do I add you as a friend again?!? Ha, ha -- just kidding
. Thanks again! Courtney
Thanks!
This was very informative. Thanks for taking the time to compile it!
Well done!
I imagine that this guide will be very helpful to many of the word nerds who have been having problems with navigating DCO. While many of the issues can only be remedied by the admin level, (i.e order of posts, skins, forum branching, html codex, rich text editors, etc) your FAQ was well researched and certainly helpful, addressing questions and concerns a lot of people have. THANK YOU so much for doing this.
It is very much appreciated. You definitely win the award for the most diligent word nerd this week. =)
Cheers!
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*~ (BIO)LOGY WORD NERD 2008 ~*
I have 2 questions...
Is there a way to figure out what forum the posts that show in "latest activity" on the right side of the screen are in?
Can the time stamp on messages be turned into 12 hour instead of 24? I confuse easily
Thanks
Background Color
This is probably a ridiculous question, but is there a way to change the background color from black to something else and the typed letters to black? I use Safari.
This is a great section. Thanks for your research. We appreciate all your hard work.
CAN'T THANK YOU ENOUGH!
You don't know how helpful your faq's have been for me -- a total neophyte of all things techie! This has been such a godsend -- I for one am eternally grateful to FoolsApril64!
You ROCK
This sure helps us novices.
MAKE DAVID A FRIEND
HOW CAN I MAKE DAVID A FRIEND? FRANWESSEL

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Avoiding Multiple Posts
I just discovered how to prevent multiple posts during periods of heavy demand. You should give your comment a reasonable length of time to post (a minute seems to work), ignore the status bar at the bottom, then hit the back button. This sends you to the last prior page. If you then go back to the thread you commented, the comment is there, and only once. I have done this several times now with perfect success. This would be a good thing to solve!
Nice!
This is really nice! thanks for taking the time to make it
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"If I could have a super power, I'd like the ability to...fly...so I can, you know?...soar...with...the birds."
A Million Thanks
Wow, was this ever needed! Thanks! You are now my one-stop shop for my questions, and I will direct others over here, if you don't mind.
Thank you, thank you, thank you
You are my hero, Foolsapril.
Great!
very helpful...thank you for sharing this info!!!!
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G. ~ Apolaustic WordNerd #1206~
Nice Job!
Way to go!!!
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--Kathy
aka "That (American) Girl From Vietnam"
Thanks so Much!
What a big help this will be now that I have been given my password access!
Applause for you!
Fabulous job, thank you!
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WOW
You rock, thank you for it
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