heatworld site help
We've tried to make heatworld as easy to use as we can – mainly cos we’re a bit simple ourselves – but there might be areas where you need that little extra help. Luckily for you we’ve made this hand help page. It’s split into four sections – just click on one of the links below to see our list of Frequently Asked Questions for each of them. If you still have problems using our site, e-mail geek@heatworld.com
Topics:
General help
What is the best browser to view heatworld in?
The heatworld website is best viewed in the browsers Internet Explorer 6 or 7, or Firefox.
How big should my screen be?
The minimum screen resolution is 1024 x 768, the optimum is 1280 x 720.
Do I need any other software?
You will need Flash version 8 or above to watch the movies?
Can I comment on any of the articles?
Yes, you can comment if you have a heatworld Passport and are logged in.
Why don’t you update the site at weekend?
Well, do you want to be in the office at the weekend? No, neither do we, so it’s a strict 9-5 day, thank you very much. Unless you want to pay our overtime…?
Do you have an RSS feed?
Yes, visit the RSS for more info.
Who do I tell about a broken link or non-existent video on the site?
We often link to content on other sites and are not responsible for their availability, but if you do spot something, then e-mail geek@heatworld.com and he’ll fix it.
What is My Passport?
To comment on stories or join in the discussions, you need to apply for a Passport. Your heatworld Passport allows you special VIP access to some fab features like competitions, newsletters and special hidden content, etc. You can customise your heatworld by changing your news alert – the sound that is played when a new story comes in. Your Passport page also gives you the latest information about what you’ve missed since you last logged in. Most importantly, other heatworld members can see who you are, what you’re like and all your little foibles. Fun!
What is “My fave channels”?
My fave channels: this area shows you which celebs you want to keep tabs on. Click on “edit” if you want to add/remove anybody.
You can also add to your fave channels while you are logged in and browsing the site – just click on this symbol and that person will be added to your “watch” list
What are My discussions?
Your discussions are those you have chosen to monitor. See discussions
What is Invite a friend?
If you want your mates to join you in heatworld, fill in their e-mail address and we’ll send them an invitation e-mail on your behalf.
My page & My profile help
Your Passport page is on display to the rest of the world, so be careful how you answer our insightful questions!
How many pictures can I have?
You can have up to five images in your passport, and one image can be selected as the main one. All images are subject to approval in accordance with our photo policy.
What happens if I want to change my home address or mobile number?
If any of your details change, you can update them in the “Edit my details” page (note your personal details are not displayed in your profile).
As a heatworld citizen how can I register for the newsletter?
You can choose to receive our fantastic weekly e-mail newsletter from the “Edit my services” page.
How do I unsubscribe from the newsletter?
When you receive the e-mail newsletter, there will be a link that will enable you to unsubscribe.
What are discussion boards?
Discussion boards let My heatworld users start their own conversations and debates on any subject they want. See below
Set up your profile to let others know a bit more about you, and set up My Page to customise My heatworld.
Discussions help
- Do I need to register to join a discussion?
- How do I register?
- How do I login?
- Why can't I login?
- Why do I get logged off automatically? Can I log off myself?
- Can I search the message board?
Your Profile/Subscription
Reading Messages
- I’ve heard of things called threaded and plain discussion boards. Which type of board does heatworld use?
- Do you have any shortcuts that can take me to the first unread post?
- What do I click to go to the latest post?
- Why are some messages are being flagged?
- What are message icons?
- Can I sort the way messages are displayed?
- How can I print out the message I want?
- What are sticky topics? (Oo-er)
Posting Messages
- How do I post a topic in a discussion?
- How do I reply to a post or forward it?
- What is e-mail notification?
- What are message icons?
- How do I insert the “smileys” into my post?
- Can I upload an attachment to my post?
- Can I preview my post before submitting?
- How do I report a post if it's offensive?
Register / Login / Search Issues
Do I need to register to join a discussion?
Anyone can read the discussion but in order to comment, you must register with heatworld first. Click here to register now.
Registration is quick and simple and allows you to access additional discussion features which are not available to guest users including:
• Posting messages and replying to posts
• Editing your posts
• Displaying your heatworld profile
• Receiving e-mail notification of replies to posts and threads you are in
It also allows you to access the full benefits of the heatworld site. Click here to see all benefits of joining heatworld.
How do I register?
It’s simple! To register, click here and fill in the lovely form. You’ll receive an activation e-mail to click on and then you’re ready to go!
How do I login?
You login by clicking on the Login link located at the top right of each discussion page. Just enter your username and password in the pop-up that comes up. Please make sure your pop-up blockers are switched off or you won’t be able to login and we’ll miss you. Lots.
If you tick the Remember Me box at the bottom of the form, you don't have to repeat your login info every time you use the discussion board. Remember, do not use this feature if you are using public terminals to access the discussions.
After you have logged in, you’ll see your name at the top each page.
Why can't I login?
Don’t worry – there’s a simple explanation. Firstly, you must have registered with heatworld in order to login. If you have registered and still can’t login, then you might be entering the wrong username and password (we all do it sometimes!). Click here if you have forgotten your password.
You also need to make sure your pop-up blocker is switched off. If you are experiencing other problems, contact our friendly geek at geek@heatworld.com.
Why do I get logged off automatically? Can I log off myself?
If you don’t check the Remember Me box when you login to the discussion, the system will automatically log you off 60 minutes after you close the browser. This helps stop anyone misusing and abusing your account. To stay logged in, check the Remember Me box during login, but this is not recommended if you access the board from a shared computer, eg in the library, internet cafe, or at university etc.
Can I search the discussion board?
Yes – and it’s easy! You can search the discussions for specific posts based on words or phrases within a particular thread, within an entire category or across all discussions. You can also search by author name and date range. To search, click on the Search link located on the top right of each page.
User Preference Subscription / Address Book (My Control Panel)
How do I add a profile image?
Your heatworld profile photo or avatar will be displayed beside your posts. To add a photo to your heatworld profile, click here
How can I track activity on a discussion or thread?
You can track the activity of a discussion by subscribing to individual discussions or threads. If you subscribe you will receive and e-mail every time there is a new post linking straight to the new message.
To subscribe to an individual discussion or thread, you must be logged in and be within a discussion or thread. Just click on the Subscribe icon right below your user name, and the discussion will take you to the subscription control panel for further customization. This page allows you to review your subscription, and you can also remove any subscription you no longer need.
I have heard of things called threaded and plain discussion boards. Which type of board does heatworld use?
heatworld’s discussions can be viewed in two different styles: Flat Style (Posts are just laid out) or Tree Style (Threads can be expanded and collapsed to show the posts within the thread).
You can switch between these two styles by clicking on the Tree Style icon underneath your user name.
Do you have any shortcuts that can take me to the first unread post in a thread?
We sure do – clicking on will take you to the first unread post within the thread.
What do I click to go to the latest post in a thread?
Clicking on will bring you to the latest (last) reply of that thread. This icon is at the far right of the posting in the Last Post section.
Why are some messages are being flagged?
Threads that have received replies within the last 24 hours will be flagged with after the message subject.
What are message icons?
Message icons or ‘smileys’ (appear on the left of each topic) and show the "mood" of the post. You can select the desired message icon that best describes your mood when you post.
Can I sort the way messages are displayed?
In the discussion pages, you can click on the any column header to sort the messages into both ascending and descending so you can see the discussions that have the most posts or the latest comments. There are also two drop down lists: one allows you to choose the display discussions within certain timescales and the other allows you to filter topics based on the tyoe of discussion (all messages, or FAQ's).
How can I print out the message I want?
You can click on the Printable Version link on the top right corner of the site if you want to print out the page.
What are sticky topics?
Well, they aren’t as rude as they sound… They’re the hot topics that appear at the top of the message list from time to time. They are often quite important, so you should read them when possible.
Posting Messages
How do I post a topic in a discussion?
To post a new thread, click on the located at the top left of the message boards. A pop-up window will appear and you can write your messages into it. You need to make sure that your pop-up blocker is switched off. You need to be registered and logged in to post.
How do I reply to a post or forward it?
Your post options are; Reply and Forward
You can click on the icons beside each post to reply or forward that post. Please note that in some circumstances, discussion moderators or administrator may edit your post.
What is e-mail notification?
Selecting e-mail notification means you’ll to be notified once someone replies to your post. An e-mail will be sent you with a link direct to the new post.
What are message icons?
Message Icons or “smileys” appear next to each topic. It gives you the ability to associate a "mood" with your posts.
How do I insert the “smileys” into my post?
To add a smiley face in your message text, just select one of the smiley face icons on the left. Click on it and the smiley faces will be inserted at the current cursor position within your message. Viola!
Can I upload an image or attachment to my post?
We’re afraid not. You are not able to upload images or attachments to posts.
Can I preview my post before submitting?
To see how your message will look to other users before submitting it, just click on the preview button underneath your message. When you have finished previewing your message, click on "OK" to submit the post or "cancel" to go back to your message in the posting window.
How do I report a post if it's offensive?
If a user has made a comment somewhere on our site that you think we should know about, e-mail us at geek@heatworld.com