Greetings Newcomers!
Aidpage Team has put together a page just for newcomers, but as with any large forum site I know that even I did not find things right away and just wanted to add to the ease of use of Aidpage.
Namaste-Anora
Profile Basic Information: It is important for the ease of other users that you fill out your profile. Aidpage will not ask you for your personal information, but there is a spot for your city, state (country). Fill this in so that when people are doing searches to aid you they have a better idea of where to start. My own advise is to at least give a workable user name or at least a first name or nick name. It makes it easier to speak with those online. This is not speak for others, this is just what I've noticed in years of online forum activity. Using the name such as "Sally needs help" is far easier to manage in responses than "Mad as fox in a hen house", if you take my meaning.
Profile Picture:The second thing I recommend, and again this is my own humble opinion and not that of aidpage or other users is to post a picture. Online it is common to see avatar's other then our own picture when on websites. We know from studies done in communication studies that people are more likely to help another human being if they look them in the eyes. On a site where the entire premise is "help", a picture speaks volumes that we might not otherwise be able to send with just our words.
Profile Biography: This is not as ominous as it seems. A brief explanation about why you are on Aidpage, your needs, wants, and a bit about yourself can add a great deal to the inter-relations between others. It allows someone to view you as not just a random name on a webpage, but as an invidual. You've now personalized the experience not only for yourself but for another.
Get Involved: Even if you are here because you need to assistance get involved. Try to put up one helpful link in your blog each time that you log in, and comment on at least one other person's request. There is no requirement for participation at Aidpage, this is simply my own humble advice. When you give, you get.
Posting Links: I often times forget this myself, but use the link icon in the tool bar to post links to websites. Long website links do not wrap and make it impossible for another to view. The best way to do this is to type the name of the article or website, highlight the entire name, click the link button in the tool tray (it looks like a small chain), and paste your link into the box.
Keywords: Posting keywords or phrases below each of your blogs will help others to find your particular blog in a search. I typically type the entire name of the organization I am mentioning in one box, and then follow it up with keywords that pertain to the organization. A good way to get these keywords if you do not know what to use is to look at the website itself. If you type your organization into a google search you will get keywords that post to the google search list of links.
Add Friends: One way to get your profile looked at is to add friends. The more exposure your page has to others the more likely your need will be seen.
